Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas took the plaudits after a superb performance in the Gunners' 2-0 victory over Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium.

Fabregas opened the scoring after 28 minutes against the Trotters and then played a part in the clinching second goal from Fran Merida 12 minutes from time, having been sidelined in recent weeks by a hamstring problem.

Manager Arsene Wenger said after a hard-fought victory:"If you watched the game it is difficult to say how much we have missed him, but you don't need to explain to anyone that it is important.

"I do not see all the games, but what is very interesting for us is Cesc gets stronger and stronger and has more personality on the pitch, like the whole team.

"He grows. He will be 23 this year - he is just starting."

Of Bolton's tactics in trying to stunt the influence of Fabregas, Wenger added:"Sometimes it looked, from the outside, that he got harshly treated. That is linked with gifted players.

"It is difficult to take the ball off them, but he is the guy who touches the ball more than anyone else, so it is not illogical the opposition should try to stop him playing.

"We expected a fully-committed Bolton team and we were not disappointed."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email