United 0 Bolton 1 - report

After a dominant performance on Boxing Day; United came crashing back to earth as Bolton Wanderers won for the first time away from home in the Championship for 999 days. Former Owl Gary Madine got the only goal as Bolton surprised the home side with an attacking and confident performance for the first half hour. After a poor start and changes to personnel United improved and Leon Clarke missed a one on one. In the second half, United were the better side but only managed to create a couple of clear chances with George Baldock denied by Ben Alnwick and then somehow Clarke scooped over at the death. Bolton slowed the game down and did what they had to in a classic away performance. In truth, it was a sub standard performance by United against a poor side. Manager Chris Wilder on reflection was wrong to make changes to the side and paid the price as we were chasing the game.

Bolton began the game with a few meaty tackles and were in the ascendancy early with Madine winning two headers and Henry winning the loose ball to lead to a half chance for Le Fondre. United came out and had a half chance as Duffy took his time to jink past two men but his cross was half cleared and Fleck’s flicked volley looped high and wide. Still, the away side had began well and poor mistakes from O’Connell and then Lundstram gave the Wanderers possession. They won a series of free kicks and corners without seriously troubling United but had won the early skirmishes in midfield and Madine was proving a handful.

Indeed, the visitors took the lead after good initial build up down the left saw Robinson play a one two and without a challenge put over a delightful cross that cut out the whole United defence and with O’Connell stationery, MADINE met it and scored easily from close range. He celebrated predictably with glee in front of the Kop.

Robinson then nearly got in again before Le Fondre had an effort. Fleck was then booked for a late tackle before Wilder had seen enough and replaced Carter Vickers with Baldock; with Basham moving inside.

Baldock almost had an instant impact as he played in Clarke; got on the return but his shot lacked power and was palmed away in United’s first attempt at goal. Soon after they should have scored.

Duffy’s through ball was perfection and Clarke beat the offside trap but he maybe had too much time and his shot hit the legs of Alnwick and deflected behind for a corner. It was a great chance for United to level.

The second half began in stop start fashion with few real chances either way. United were having more of the ball but had created little. A Clarke looping header was the only real effort before Madine actually had the best chance of the half with a low shot that Moore saved after the defence had let him get in too easily. Fleck was becoming more influential and the wing backs overlapping well but Bolton kept a good shape and the home fans began to get frustrated.

O’Connell headed well wide when well placed from a corner and then Donaldson replaced the ineffective Sharp. United had a good chance when the impressive Baldock came inside and had his first shot blocked and then his second looked all the world a goal but Alnwick saved superbly down low to finger tip behind for a corner.

The final roll of the dice was Carruthers coming on for Stearman as United went to a flatter back 4 with Lundstram just in front and Fleck, Carruthers and Duffy supplanting the front two. Bolton also made a number of changes. Baldock fired wildly over before Donaldson had a good chance but skewed his effort badly wide.

The game continued to be stop start with the referee letting Alnwick take an age over goal kicks and wanting to speak to every player for no real reason after every foul!

There was 6 minutes of stoppage time to be played and United finally created some clear chances. A lovely ball from Basham played in Baldock whose centre looked perfect for Clarke to score but somehow, he scooped over on the stretch with the goal at his mercy. United kept coming and forced Bolton further back but a few shots were blocked and then Carruthers low shot went wide to signal a disappointing end to a superb 2017.


United – Felt we did not really deserve much from the game from the way he started it. Sure, Clarke misses two big chances and they did not create much other than the goal but for a home side against a bottom three side, we did not do enough to win. Maybe we deserved a point for overall possession and the chances we did miss (not many but big misses) but our performance individually and collectively was miles off what it needs to be. We faced a much more committed and skilled (in what they do) than Sunderland and tactically they got it spot on to begin.

We began sloppy, slow and too over confident. Bolton came out and were in our faces, were braver on the ball and took the match to us. They had a lot of set plays early and won numerous corners but did knock it about well. They scored a good goal and you felt it had been coming. After this we gradually grew into it and Clarke scores before the break and it is a different game. Second half Baldock helped change things and missed a chance but it got too 70 minutes so quickly with the stop start nature of the game, another weak ref and their tactics (to slow time and gradually stop everything they could). We sadly did not play at a high enough tempo; our final ball was poor and too many players made poor decisions in the key areas. We had way too many individuals off their game and cannot carry players (Carter Vickers, O’Connell/Lundstram – 1st half, Sharp) like we had to today; even against poorer teams.

Really disappointing the recent form and results but despite Wilder’s comments (normally always agree with him) I cannot agree that we dominated the game. I felt today was a major step back after such an excellent performance on Boxing Day. We simply did not do enough and credit to Bolton. It is going to be really tough for us to stay in the top 6 on current form and players that are becoming very inconsistent. We need key men to regain form and we need some added quality. There is a huge drop off when we rotate things and the lack of consistency from individuals recently has seen us fall away (that long with the Coutts injury of course).

The board have to give Wilder the funds to bring in 2 or 3 starting calibre players. Right down the spine for me; we need a centre back, central midfielder and centre forward. Pace and athleticism are key features but good players that improve us most important. We now face a run of really tough games and outside of the Wednesday Derby may not have a game at the Lane for quite some time (if either us or Villa progress in the FA Cup – Villa have a home tie v Peterborough) so important we strengthen. Derby away will be tough and they are absolutely flying. Anything we get there would be a bonus really; that is why the resting of two players who have done well recently was so odd when today was eminently more winnable I felt.

Bolton – Perfect away performance. They have been awful away with results and performances and so had to win ugly in a sense but it was not all like that and I will give them credit for a decent first half performance. They then defended well, made blocks, odd save and got a bit of luck with the sitter at the death. However, they were not outplayed at any point of the game and it was not really back to the walls stuff. They were in the game all afternoon and started much better than us.

The first 30 minutes they played some decent stuff, won all the battles and scored a good goal. They had a lot more of the ball and I felt did not just lump it. They won a fair few free kicks but that was from being quicker to the ball. Wilder did not give them much credit and came across a bit petty about their style. Why he felt need to bang on and one about their style was odd. So, what? You have to beat teams like that but we could not and are one of the few teams that have failed to break them down all season. That is on us. They gave themselves a base to then be a bit more cynical, slow things down and break things up. Yes, they did time waste but they were no worse than Norwich as an example. That is up to the referee to be a bit more with it and at times he let them do it but you can see why; they are at the bottom and desperate for points.

They are direct and are ugly to watch but today for the first part of the game they were not really like that. They played some decent stuff and scored a really good goal. They showed some quality build up, cross and finish. Three things we struggled with all game. It was not great defending but that was the only good cross all game from either side. They get it forward and feed off scraps but they did play some decent stuff and defended well.

I felt after they scored, they did become cynical and a little bit ugly but you could say we did the same for us at Bolton and we slowed the game down too. All away teams do it and they will say it was a perfect performance. We had chances but not loads. Wilder said they were really good chances but outside of the Clarke miss and the Baldock chance; not sure we had any golden chances really. They will be happy as an away team 2nd from bottom to limit our chances. We were not absolutely piling on the pressure and even late on they were defending fairly comfortably till that late flurry.

Opposition Man of the Match: The keeper played well with two good saves and is a major improvement on the hapless Howard who I note is not even on the bench (is he injured?) The two centre backs got their bodies in the way and the full backs stopped too many crosses coming in. Henry stopped Duffy being too influential and the lad Robinson was very good first half until Baldock got him going the other way. Morais put some decent balls in too. Overall, it was a workmanlike team performance and a surprisingly good one. United probably felt it was going to be a lot easier than it was and got a rude awakening first half. However, sadly the best player maybe on the pitch was the match winner. Maine was excellent for all his pantomime theatrics. He caused us all sorts of problems and bullied us. He gave a few fouls away and got booked but he ran his socks off, scored and won lots of the 50/50 balls often against two men. He gave the opposite performance of Sharp did for us.

Opposition Weak link: Not sure anyone was that bad really. Le Fondre did not really get in the game and the full back Robinson struggled with Baldock second half but nobody was really poor and their work rate was exceptional as they plugged gaps and restricted us to few chances.

Moore 7/10 – Had no chance on the goal. Other than this he punched one away and then parried a shot which he should have held. His kicking was a bit mixed. They tried to stop him bowling it out or going short and this made him go longer which played into their hands.

Basham 5.5/10 – Began the game poorly and let the young lad Robinson get past him a few times including for the goal where it was all too easily. When he went forward he made poor choices or his touch was off. Better when he went to centre back but his touch and passing all too often went awry. Once he just kicked a simple pass straight out second half. Did play a good ball into Baldock in the chance at the end but he had a poor game.

Stevens 6/10 – Better than he has been in recent weeks but still erratic with and without the ball. He started the game sloppy as did the whole team but did get forward more than he has done but his final ball was poor and he either hit first man or overplayed it over everyone. He gets into so many good positions but his end product is dire at the moment. Seems to never want to use his right foot. Him and O’Connell have to be able to trust their weaker foot. Once he actually put a better cross in with his right foot than many with his left!

Carter Vickers 5.5/10 – Started game off pace and Madine won lots of headers/loose balls. Slipped in build up to the first and then soon after let Madine bully him and he nearly got in and had an appeal for a penalty. He has been ok last 2 games but was poor today as was the rest of the team to start with. Was sacrificed but he was no worse than 3 or 4 others but was natural one to go. Not sure he has been consistent enough last few months and has a good game; then a poor one and makes too many mistakes. Would not be devastated if Spurs did recall him as may force Wilder to put Jake Wright back into the side or finish with the 3 that ended today.

O’Connell 6/10 – Thought he started the game appallingly and one of our worst players first half. He made numerous mistake on the ball and let Madine and Le Fondre get to the ball first so many times. He looked so far off the pace and wanted forever to do things. He was also partly at fault for the goal as he completely lost Madine in the middle. O’Connell gets a lot of deserved praise but loses men at key moments and this happened again today. He got better second half and started to impose himself more but still lose too many 50/50’s. Better attacking wise after the break and involved in some of our better moves.

Stearman 6.5/10 – Seems the one who gets lots of criticism but he has been fine since that Villa mistake and was good Boxing Day and decent today. He was the only one who actually went toe to toe with Madine and did not let him bully him. That said he was a little slow to start as they all were but felt he at least tried to get on the ball and go forward when he could. They did sit off him knowing he would not run with it like the other defenders can and this meant he had to try and carry it. Sometimes he did ok when he did whilst at others he made a poor decision. I thought he was one of our better players but sure many will ask for him to be left out for Jake Wright again.

Fleck 6.5/10 – Poor first half where he was not in the game at all and they imposed themselves completely on the game winning the midfield. The lad Henry won all the loose stuff and they played quite high up the field. We did not react to things not winning headers, tackles or loose stuff. He was sloppy when he did get on the ball. He improved a bit before the break and was much better second half starting to drive forward, showed better touch, passing and desire. Felt he got stronger as the game went on and was a key man as we took the game to them but his final pass or decision just did not quite come off.

Lundstram 5.5/10 – Did not affect the game much today. He has been very good in recent weeks but today I felt his (and Fleck’s) first 30 mins set the tone for the midfield as we lost the battle and Bolton had more of the ball. He gave it away 3 times in the first 15 minutes and lost runners quite a bit too. Just looked slow and lethargic. Like all the team he improved as the game went on and second half was fine in terms of passing and touch when he had it but did not influence game enough. Needs to get on the ball more and when he does make more positive passes. At times he slowed it right down with too many touches or passes backwards. He has been much improved but today was a step back against a poor midfield where in a home game he has to impose himself more on games.

Duffy 7/10 – Our best midfielder again but not sure he has his best game. He played the better balls and made some of our chances. The ball for Clarke first half was excellent and he played a few other cute balls but some did not come off. Always got on it first half and was one of our main threats. They got tight on him and restricted space and made him turn towards goal or onto his weaker foot. They realised how important he is for us. Second half he flitted in and out of the game and not sure he influenced things as much as he or Wilder would have wanted. He did not play any killer balls or make any clear chances and I felt looked tired by full time. He needs some better options for us in terms of runners as at times we were too stagnant. He has to play an almost perfect ball at times.

Sharp 4/10 – I love Billy for what he has achieved and how he represents the club but he has to up his game or he will be a bit part player moving forward. Today he was really poor again. Yes he did not get much service I suppose but neither did Clarke and he still got in areas to get chances (granted he missed them!). He just kept falling over or losing it with his back to goal, looking for non-existent fouls. Looks so far off the pace it is untrue. Given a chance against a team he has done well against before but today he was dominated by the two centre backs and was fortunate to last as long as he did. He has not played well for a long time now (Burton away is the last game I can remember him playing well) which is a couple of months ago now. Not sure he will start for a while and I feel Wilder will look to upgrade in this area. Not going to completely write him off but he may be only a squad player moving forward on current form which has been not good enough, Blade or no Blade. Even Wilder’s comments which were a bit of a defence of him full time carried an undertone of ‘he has had his chances and not taken them’ in terms of recent performances.


Clarke 7/10 – Our best player for me and he missed two sitters which may seem odd! He should have scored with a one on one and then scooped over with the goal at his mercy but his overall play bar being caught offside a few times; was really good. Held it up, ran the channels and linked with players when he could. His first touch and hold up was excellent all day and he showed good pace and strength when he could. The goals may have dried up but on another day, he scores two and he is still playing well and getting in good positions. Our main man at the moment but needs some help with some out and out pace and runners alongside him. Deserved his extended contract.

Subs:

Baldock 7/10 – Thought he was really good going forward with a few lung bursting runs, two shots saved (maybe took too long on the second one and then had to use left foot) but he was our main threat second half and made some terrific advances. His final ball was mixed but the one for Clarke should have been converted. He had one wild shot over when he made the wrong decision but overall, we looked a better team with him on giving us that natural width. Defensively he was mixed and got booked for a rash pull back and then got a bit petulant near the end with another daft foul. He did make a few other decent tackles. Felt he was one of few players who had real energy today which made it odd why he was rested or not risked due to his recent injuries (according to Wilder – if he was fit enough to be on the bench then he surely could start?)

Donaldson – Better than Sharp and gave us more movement and his link play was ok but sliced one shot badly wide and then had another half chance he took too long over. His play was a bit mixed but he gave us more of a nuisance than Sharp and at least held it up a few times. However, we did improve up that end when he came on and he looked lively. He was unfortunate not to keep his place.

Carruthers – Sure I will get accused of targeting him again but thought he was dire again when he came on. His first three contributions saw him give it away, kick it out and then overrun it to their man. He then played one neat pass and then neshed a tackle that saw them break and nearly get another. He had one ok shot near the end that went wide but overall his contribution was poor when he came on. People may say it is hard to impact games when he had to come on and get used to the pace but he has started game and been equally poor. One that could be moved on for me as I have alluded to before.

Manager: Wilder 5/10 – Got his selection horribly wrong. He changed it twice but by this point we were firmly chasing the game. Gave an impassionate interview about how much better we were than Bolton and how he would not want us to play like them and how they just lumped it but I think that was very unfair on them. We never got going and with the team selection and the team and individuals’ not being switched on we were chasing the game even before the goal. After the changes credit to him for recognising that he got it wrong; we did much better. He was very defensive in his interview about us having lots of width saying we are the widest team in the league in terms of how we play with the wing backs and overlapping centre backs. However, I do disagree with the pace argument. He says teams just would sit deep if we add pace but you can still turn teams with a through ball with more out and out running and pace. It feels at times if we have to score the perfect goal and it is too precise. Now and again the ball over the top or a ball to run onto can mix things up but we played too much back to goal stuff today and at times again overplayed. How many times did we get good balls into the box or try more crosses? When we did we nearly scored. I am not advocating high, pumped balls but the little triangles today were not working. We need to put the defence under pressure more and invite mistakes. For all the possession we had, I can only think of two good balls (both Clarke chances) all game. We wasted so much of the ball and all the possession counts for nothing if we take forever to shift it around or into the danger zone. Wilder knows we need additions and hopefully we can get some players that give us this greater threat in the last third as at the moment it is no good dominating possession and all the stats if we cannot make it count.

Officials – Thought he wanted to be the star of the show. Kept stopping the game and wanted to talk to players for no reason. The moment where he took the ball off Moore and then dropped it for him to reclaim was just bizarre. He also just took forever to book people or tell them off. Can we just get on with the game? Most of the bookings were fair enough but he failed (as many have at the Lane) to penalise the keeper soon enough for blatant timewasting. They kept going to ground and he fell for it hook, line and sinker. He did play 6 minutes at the end but it could have been more for me! Still for all the criticism of him he did not get any major decisions wrong. Felt there were appeals for a pen for them first half and us second half that were correctly waved away. We did not do enough and the timewasting and slow timing is not an issue if we score first or start the game properly.

Crowd – Really quiet. I felt it was flat again despite anther big crowd. The Bolton fans were vocal and celebrated a long overdue win. They sensed that their team were bang up for it and fed off the team’s high energy and committed start. United fans tried to rally a few times but like the team it was a bit half hearted. Odd that two almost sell out crowds and the Lane has been quieter for these games than others where there has been 4 or 5,000 less inside the ground. The next game down here of course will not lack atmosphere.

Agree with pretty much everything apart from centre back scores I'm with LST on that one all 3 were poor,and the goal,yes a good goal from their point of view as everything still needed to be executed but how much time did he have to put that excellent cross in,he should have been put under pressure but inexplicably bash decides to have a moment and watch him stroll past him,as did everyone in the middle leaving madine in acres of space in the middle,totally unacceptable from our perspective. Apart from those 2 things for me everything else spot on pal