Van Persie denied as Bolton hold firm

BOLTON 0 ARSENAL 0: Robin van Persie was twice denied by the woodwork as Arsenal were held to a disappointing goalless draw by Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium.

The Netherlands international, who also had a header cleared off the line early on, hit both the post and the crossbar in the second half as the Gunners slipped up on their travels again.

Wanderers clung on determinedly after David Ngog had missed two chances in the first half to add another point in their bid to avoid relegation.

Wojciech Szczesny’s challenge on Mark Davies had the home crowd appealing for a penalty with a couple of minutes remaining but referee Chris Foy saw nothing wrong. Nevertheless it was the home side who left the pitch happiest with the point.