Wenger: beating Bolton is most important goal

ARSENE WENGER declared today’s Premiership showdown with Bolton as “much more important” than the Champions League clash with Real Madrid, as the Arsenal boss faced a defensive crisis following an injury set-back for Sol Campbell.

There is growing belief in the Gunners’ camp they can claw back the deficit on both Liverpool and Tottenham to force their way into the top four, and with it secure qualification for next season’s elite club competition.

But Wenger’s men head into a run of matches which could shape the outcome of their season without three key defenders in Campbell, Ashley Cole and Lauren, who will miss the rest of the campaign after knee surgery.