Bolton 2, West Brom 0: Chris Lepkowski's big match verdict
Dec 27 2010 by Chris Lepkowski, Birmingham Mail
IT WAS all a little bit eerie at the Reebok as ghosts from the past returned to haunt Albion.
The last time Roberto Di Matteo’s men took to the field they were to dominate a first-half against Villa and lose. The same happened at Bolton yesterday – only for the duration of the game.
And this Albion display bore the hallmarks of Premier League campaigns past. Lots of chances but no-one to convert them.
Albion were full of energy, creativity, possession and happy to keep the ball. Yet where it mattered they lacked quality.
Chris Brunt was to go closest for Albion when he hit the post but the finger of waste could also be pointed at James Morrison, Somen Tchoyi and Peter Odemwingie, all of whom had chances to not only level the game but to run riot against a weary Bolton side.
Yet it was the hosts who were to continue their impressive campaign, thanks to Matt Taylor’s first-half goal, which came from a combination of poor Albion defending and slick craft.
The second goal was poor play again. Johan Elmander picked up possession, nipped past Marek Cech with ease and slotted in a shot at the second time of asking after the initial one was blocked.
Odemwingie, whose recent Albion career seems to be one game on, more games off, caused an anxious moment when he hobbled off the pitch for treatment to his right foot. The drama didn’t last for long, with the Nigerian returning after a minute or so.
It wasn’t looking good for Odemwingie, who was clearly struggling with a foot problem – twice more he retreated to the sidelines for discussions with Albion’s medical staff.
Bolton, meanwhile, were being stretched in an increasingly open game. Graham Dorrans teased Jussi Jaaskelainen with a strong shot. The Bolton keeper’s throw only fell as far as Youssouf Mulumbu, who was unable to conjure up an opening.
The open nature of the game was suiting Albion, if not pleasing the managers perhaps. At the other end Elmander peeled away from Gabriel Tamas and had only Scott Carson to beat. His angled shot flew over.
If that was poor then it had little on Odemwingie’s effort moments later.
An intricate move led to Morrison releasing Odemwingie. The striker did well to time his run but won’t wish to be reminded of his finish. With Bolton defenders waiting for a flag, the Albion man had time to drag the ball onto his foot but his shot lacked accuracy and power. It went wide.
Whether the injury was affecting it, wasn’t clear but he wasn’t running freely.
One man who was playing with freedom was Tchoyi. The powerful Cameroonian, in for the ill Jerome Thomas, could be a worthy competitor for that left-wing slot.
