There are certain games that as a fan you want to just win even when the odds are against you and its probably not going to happen. I find myself writing about a game that we were out played and outclassed again, that’s two on the trot. The Liverpool game was a bit hard to swallow because of the performance, the Manchester united game was embarrassing a 5-0 battering by the champions and derby rivals. I sat in my seat in disbelief at the first three goals all came from the same side and it was all so easy for them to score there is no doubt they saw weakness in Petrov’s lack of cover for the very vulnerable Robinson. I feel there will be a changed line up against Norwich City in which Coyle needs a response from his players that can be the “new” start to out season if we perform and get some much needed confidence into the team and try not to concede any goals.
Back to the game on Saturday though and its hard to see what positives can be taken from it we had a couple of half chances and played some neat and tidy football but at this point we were already 5-0 down better late then never eh?
A small look at the duels and stats during the game and who came out on top
| Stat | Bolton | Man Utd |
| Shots on target | 6 | 8 |
| Shots off target | 10 | 3 |
| Shots blocked | 6 | 3 |
| Goals scored | 0 | 5 |
| Possession duels won | 29 | 49 |
| Possession duels lost | 49 | 29 |
| Aerial duels won | 6 | 10 |
| Aerial duels lost | 10 | 6 |
| Tackles won | 11 | 14 |
| Possession | 42.40% | 57.60% |
| Pass completion | 79% | 85% |
| Successful dribbles | 6 | 9 |
| Final third passes | 131 | 136 |
| Defensive passes | 123 | 294 |
| Attacking half passes | 289 | 270 |
| Passes on the wing | 117 | 119 |
| loss if possession due to player error | 12 | 11 |
We did create chances although there were not clear cut as Manchester United’s chances we hit the bar and had a couple of the line but simple fact of the matter is we were not as clinical as them. Been seeing a lot of negativity about Kevin Davies and his tackle on Tom Cleverley and yes it wasn’t the best tackle you will see but it is not the worst and some fans should think back to last year at Old Trafford and a tackle that put one of our players out for a long time before casting judgement.
AÂ disappointing game from a Bolton Wanderers point of view lets just hope we can come back and set things right after the last time we got beat 5-0 with a impressive performance and a win. COYWM!
Thanks for reading
Tom Hewart
