Still Finding Their Feet Away

Bolton 2 - Manchester United 2

Scorers

Bolton: Knight (6), Petrov (67)

Manchester: Nani (23), Owen (74)

Team: Van der Sar, Vidic, Evans, O'Shea, Evra, Scholes, Fletcher (Owen 71), Giggs (Park 53), Nani, Rooney (Macheda 61), Berbatov

Nail biting stuff. I'm just glad we didn't lose. Given that Chelsea, Arsenal, Spurs all lost and Liverpool couldn't find their feet at Anfield, it's almost scripted for us to falter. We NEVER take advantage of such opportunities. I'm just glad we took something from the game. A point gained is better than one lost.

Under Owen Coyle, this Bolton team is actually watchable compared to the rubbish that was dished out week in week out under Fat Sam. For once Kevin Davis is not that physical forward you'd hate to play against. He hasn't lost that physical aspect of his game, but there is at least a decent level of finesse to his play now. Same goes for the entire Bolton team. Truly quite entertaining to watch.

It all started badly for us. As mentioned, Bolton are a decent outfit nowadays, and they got into an early lead when Zed Knight scored from a corner. The Reebok used to be a pleasant hunting ground for us in past seasons where we'd hammer them, but without Ronaldo and without Fat Sam, it's turning out to be a different prospect, as we found out today.

It took sometime for us to find our rhythm and when we did, it came thru Nani. He took the ball off Rooney from the centre of the pitch and weaved his way past 5 defenders before taking a low pinpoint shot into the bottom left-hand corner of the net. It was a scintillating run that was rewarded with a wonderful individual goal, one that even the greasy haired one who left for Spain would have been proud of. Sensational goal by the young Portuguese who is finally having a great season (not going to last for long since I've just jinxed him, like I jinxed the Bulgarian).

We pressed hard for the lead, while having to endure Bolton's quick and inventive counter attacks. Elmander's also having a great season, and should have punished us on a number of occasions.

They eventually did punish us with Petrov's shot deflecting off a hapless Fletcher beyond the flapping Van der Sar. It was a little bitter-sweet for me. While I really enjoyed the way Bolton played the game, I just wished it wasn't against us.

Owen was thrown on and it was he who rescued us when he rose amongst the trees and deftly flicked his header into the net. For the remaining time, we pushed forward for the winner, while putting our backline under pressure from Kevin Davies and company on their counters.

The game ended as a draw and it was probably the best result for 2 teams who went out not only to entertain the crowd, but in a genuine attempt to collect all 3 points. As a United fan, I'm slightly disappointed, yet having to heave a sigh of relief that we only have to visit the Reebok once.

Perhaps a little more disconcerting is that for the 3rd away fixture on the trot, we've conceded at least 2 goals. The rot simply has to stop somewhere. I don't believe I'm going to type this, but I can't wait for Rio to replace Evans. Evans hasn't been performing well under pressure. The experience will do him wonders further down the road, but right now he's just not doing justice to the manager's selection. In short, he's rubbish right now. If Rio's not available, maybe it's time to partner O'Shea with Vidic. Something's gotta change before we continue letting in more goals this season. Already we're way way behind Chelsea and Arsenal in goal difference, and in a tight season like this, it maybe the difference between winning and not winning.