By Ollie Irish

We’ll call this The Cesc Fabregas Show. He’s played better games for Arsenal, scored better goals than the one he scored at the Reebok – although it was a gem – but there was something about his performance that seemed to signal a coming of age for the 22-year-old midfielder. He fills the captain’s armband now, and it was his sheer will which drove Arsenal to victory in what on paper seemed like a very difficult fixture – it’s never easy to face a team in their new manager’s first match in charge, especially not on their own turf.

The turning point seemed to be when Fabregas went down in the penalty box, was denied a penalty then had to put up with Matthew Taylor pinning him down with a knee, then kicking him in the head (not hard, mind), then messing his hair up. The swine! The bully! That moment seemed to galvanise Fabregas (a couple of seasons ago, he might have sulked), who is not to be bullied these days – thereafter, Cesc ran the show, while conversely, Taylor missed a hat-trick of excellent chances; the Englishman greeted each miss by messing his own hair up. Ironic.

It was an immense performance by Fabregas – had he not been on the pitch, Arsenal would have probably lost this match. Gooners, pray he stays fit; if so, you may just win the title.

The best pics from the Reebok:

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Bolton Wanderers' manager Owen Coyle (right) with assistant manager Sandy Stewart, on the touchline prior to kick-off

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