Nolan: We're no bullies,
Wenger
KEVIN NOLAN claims Bolton are fed up with their bully-boy
reputation. Nolan scored the opener against Arsenal in their FA Cup
fourth-round clash at the Emirates on Sunday before Arsene Wengers
team forced a replay.
The Gunners have won only once in their last eight encounters with
Bolton. Many put that down to Wanderers tough playing style but
skipper Nolan hates that tag. The midfielder, 24, said: Against
Arsenal, we always get the beauty and the beast thing mentioned.
But we play football and people dont give us the credit we
deserve.
The goal I scored, set up by Nicolas Anelka and Kevin Davies, was
one worthy of Arsenal but no one mentions that. Its not just
against Arsenal. We do it against a lot of teams not so long ago
we did it to Manchester United.
Take nothing away from Arsenal, they play absolutely amazing
football at times but I thought we were different class. They have
got Henry, Adebayor and Fabregas and they are coming at you wave
after wave but we dealt with it.
Gael Clichy insists Arsenals kids will never give up. The Gunners
have come from behind to get a result 12 times this season with
10 of those being at the Emirates. That record survived thanks to
Kolo Toures late equaliser against Bolton on Sunday. And left-back
Clichy, 21, said: Weve shown everyone that even if we are far
behind against Manchester United or Bolton who are not the best
team for us we can come back. It shows the spirit and the
character in the team.
Arsenal, who host Tottenham in the second leg of their Carling Cup
semi-final tomorrow, now face a fixture pile-up. Wengers men make
a Valentines Day trip to the Reebok for the replay with Bolton and
then return to Champions League action six days later against PSV
Eindhoven.
With injuries to the likes of William Gallas, Robin van Persie,
Freddie Ljungberg and Julio Baptista, Arsenals resources could be
pushed to the limit. But skipper Thierry Henry is not worried about
how the youngsters will cope with the pressure. He said: You have
to say these boys are really starting to do it and its exciting
for the club. You cant call them reserves any more, we just have
a bigger first-team squad to choose from now.
Arsenal have reached an agreement with French club Chateauroux to
buy 15-year-old wonderkid Gilles Sunu when the striker turns 16
this year. Chateauroux chairman Patrick Totingnon said: Weve
agreed everything and Gilles will sign for Arsenal in a few
months. The Gunners are also in for Strasbourg midfielder Morgan
Schneiderlin, 17, but face competition from Chelsea.