On-loan Julio Baptista fired the home side into an early lead, only for Simon Davies to level with 13 minutes left.

However, Emmanuel Adebayor and a late penalty from skipper Gilberto wrapped things up for the Gunners.

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Allardyce: Decision to leave Bolton 'hardest of my life' *

Sam Allardyce said today that his shock decision to quit Bolton was one of the hardest of his life.

He is standing down with immediate affect after nearly eight years of success at the Reebok Stadium.

With only three games to go, the timing of his departure from the manager's chair is extraordinary.

While Allardyce refused to go into detail about what prompted his decision to go now, he explained: "It was mutually agreed that I step down now rather than at the end of the season.

"That will give my successor the ideal opportunity to experience the preparation and build up of matchday in readiness of next season.

"The decision to leave the football club, which has been my spiritual home for over 18 years, as both player and manager, is one of the hardest I have had to make in my life.

"After careful consideration and dialogue with my close family and senior officials within the football club, I will be resigning as manager with immediate effect."

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Keane learns of promotion whilst walking dog *

Sunderland boss Roy Keane learned of his side's promotion to the Barclays Premiership while out walking his dog.

The 35-year-old insisted in the wake of Friday night's 3-2 victory over Burnley, which took the Black Cats to the brink of an immediate return to the top-flight, he would not watch Derby's trip to Crystal Palace this afternoon on television.

He was as good as his word and was told the news by text message while out with his dog Triggs.

"It's great news for the club," said Keane (pictured). " I am delighted for the players, who have done a fantastic job.

"I am also delighted for all the staff, who have played such a vital part, the fans, who have been tremendous in their support for the team and for Niall and the board, who have been a great support since I arrived at the club."