Fan's View by David Pritchard: THERE is probably only one word that can be used to describe what happened to Wanderers at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
They were outclassed.
This would be very disappointing at any stage of any season, but considering Wanderers recent form that includes three wins and three clean sheets, and let none of us forget outplaying Manchester United as well, this result was especially hard to take.
I am well aware that Chelsea are a team that is pushing hard for a Champions League place and that their team includes a myriad of stars. The signature of this Bolton squad over the past two top flight seasons has been the lack of respect given to reputations and league positions. Bolton love going to the homes of the so-called "big boys" and taking points from right under their respective noses.
This is why I am, for the first time, upset with the way that Bolton set out their stall for this game.
To use yet another clich, confidence breeds confidence, and I believe that when Big Sam made it perfectly clear that we are playing for a draw, he took all that hard-won confidence away. It galls me to criticise the manager in this way as I never usually have reason to debate his decisions, but this is the role of the fan.
The Bolton team that took to the field on Saturday was not the same team that I have been watching take 14 points out of the last 21 available.
They were not the attacking force I was used to; surging forward, running at defenders, putting pressure on the opposition. Carlo Cudicini did not, in fact, have a save of note to make. We were solid, but nothing else.
We all know that a point would have been a great result on Saturday and, in private, Big Sam is welcome to think that.
Whether he should send the team out knowing that is a different matter entirely. On their day, this Bolton side is capable of beating anyone in the league.
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