Bolton’s must-win challenge

Thursday, 09/02/2012

by Emma Norris, Shoot's Bolton blogger

Following our defeat to Norwich City last weekend, this Saturday’s clash with fellow relegation rivals Wigan Athletic is undoubtedly a must-win game.

With Wolves recording a shock win over QPR, the 2-0 reverse against Paul Lambert’s side means that the Whites have been dragged back into the bottom three after two weeks’ respite.

The result surprisingly left many supporters criticising the team – something that astounds me given our excellent form of late. The defeat at Carrow Road was just the second loss that the team have suffered in nine games in all competitions, a far cry from earlier on in the season.

Wanderers entered the game on the back of a victory over Liverpool and a hard earned draw with Arsenal, yet by the manager’s own admission they failed to recapture the form they have shown themselves to be capable of.

Naturally it was a disappointing result, but I find it completely unfeasible as to how people can suddenly think that relegation is imminent after one defeat.

We have proven in recent weeks that we have the talent and determination to get out of the current situation – it is merely a case of picking ourselves up, brushing ourselves down and looking to the next game.

When the fixtures were released, I doubt that many would have believed a local derby game in the middle of February would have so much riding on it. The Latics were denied victory by a late Victor Anichebe goal against Everton last weekend, but have lost five of their last six games in all competitions.

Given Wanderers’ recent revival, many will be expecting us to take maximum points this weekend. There is no doubt that we must be wary however – we know better than most than when the going gets tough, teams often produce performances that not many expect of them.

Victory over Roberto Martinez’s side could turn the situation on its head yet again, but there is no use in getting complacent – it is far too close down at the bottom right now to be making rash judgements or writing anybody off in the relegation dogfight.

With tough trips to Chelsea and Manchester City to come, three points is most definitely crucial in our bid to avoid the drop. All the Whites can do from now to the end of the season is perform like we know they can, and with any luck it will be enough to secure our Premier League status come May.

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