Arsenal resume their Premiership title campaign this afternoon with what should be a usual match with Bolton Wonderers.

But A fixture that once pitted purists against pugilists is now a meeting of two sides with an ethos to entertain.

The fluid style for which Arsenal are renowned is also serving Bolton well this season as they evolve under manager Owen Coyle. Both clubs have made unbeaten starts, putting them on a far more even footing than when they last met.

Bolton were second bottom when they lost twice in three days against Arsenal in January. Those were Coyle’s first matches in charge, with Bolton 2-0 up in a rearranged league game at the Emirates before succumbing 4-2.

That victory put Arsenal top of the table but the game was overshadowed by controversy after a reckless challenge by William Gallas on Mark Davies went unpunished; referee Alan Wiley allowed play to continue and Arsenal equalised. Coyle described the tackle as “akin to assault”, and his Arsenal counterpart Arsene Wenger was moved to apologise.

This afternoon we shall see if Bolton has learn any new tricks to get results from Arsenal.