Ratings: Bolton Wanderers 3-1 Birmingham City

Bolton Wanderers 3-1 Birmingham City: Player Ratings

“Changing me isn’t going to change things with those players in there”.

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As much as the history books will, most likely, look favourably upon Ian Evatt’s tenure at Bolton Wanderers, I have a feeling the above statement will prove to be a rather foolish one.

Since his exit, things have improved greatly for the club in terms of atmosphere and results, there is no question about that. However, we have seen two performances in our new era that would never have been possible under his management. From the dogged determination of the 1-0 win at Huddersfield to the all-round excellence of this victory against champions-elect Birmingham City, Bolton fans have been treated to exactly the kind of football they expect from their club.

We don’t necessarily expect to “play football in the right way” but we want effort, desire and pride in the badge. Evatt seemed to have lost the ability to get those qualities from his players, early signs show that Steven Schumacher is on his way to making them a mainstay of his team.

Long-winded intro aside, let’s get into lavishing some well-deserved praise on our players:

Luke Southwood 7

Whether you are in the Baxter or Southwood camp to be our number one, you can’t deny that Southwood deserves his spot. He isn’t flash, he hasn’t (to my memory) made any outstanding saves, but he is calm with the ball at his feet and a calming influence for his defence. Yes, had Hansson been more alert at an early free-kick to take advantage of our GK going walkabout he would have been made to look rather foolish, but his catching and saves helped see us over the line without hassle.

Eoin Toal 8

We are a much better team with him in it, especially in his preferred position. Has the pace to get out of trouble, the height to dominate in the air and the composure on the ball to play out of trouble. One of the best bits of business of the Markham era, maybe even the best. Was Alfie May even on the pitch?

Chris Forino 8

He had one shaky moment straight after we scored that he apologised for profusely upon us clearing the ball. That was the only blot on the copybook. For a man to effectively come in from the cold and perform like that is exceptional. Great in the air and strong in the tackle, hopefully we get to see more of him even if he was deputising for the previously excellent Will Forrester.

George Johnston 8.5

Best of the defensive bunch, for me. Not only was he solid at the back but drove things forward by linking up well with Osei-Tutu. Looking back to his best after a shaky first half of the season.

Josh Dacres-Cogley 8

Where on earth was this Cogley under previous management? He looks a man transformed. He loses a mark for leaving Hansson alone for Blues’ goal, but other than that he was dynamite. Great pass for McAtee, full of running as ever and won a fair few headers. Very impressive recently and long may it continue.

Aaron Morley 8

Excellent again, as he has been since returning. One of his cross-field passes was Modric-esque and he drove us forward with incisive runs and passing. It’s great having a midfielder that wants to be on the ball, plus he’s added some bite to his game. Set-pieces a bit hit and miss, but I’m nitpicking.

George Thomason 8

Admittedly, I wasn’t overly pleased to see him on the team sheet. As it turned out, it was a very smart move. His energy can often get the best of him but he was smart this evening. He won a fair few cheeky fouls under pressure and never gave the likes of Paik or Iwata a moment’s peace. We know, because we saw it last season, that he can be very effective. Hopefully he has turned a corner after a difficult season.

Jordi Osei-Tutu 9

What more can you say about this man that hasn’t already been said? He’s far far too good for League 1 and whether we are in this league next year or not, he certainly won’t be. Jordi got zero protection from the shambolic referee and is lucky to still be walking such was the nasty treatment he got from Gardner-Hickman et al. He’s our biggest outlet, scares the life out of the opposition and it’s crucial we keep him fit and firing. Love the bloke.

Carlos Mendes Gomes 8.5

Another, like Forino, who has come in from the cold and really impressed. He was playing against two of the best team in the division on his big comeback and properly frightened them. He’s a proper differential for us being athletic, quick and skillful on the ball. I really think, assuming he stays fit, he can be a big player for us going forward.

John McAtee 9 (MOM)

Well, for weeks we said that we desperately wanted it to work for McAtee at Bolton because of the effort and keenness he had showed. It looks like it is finally working. Deserved his goal with the sheer effort he put in to chase shadows, harass defenders and tackle like a demon up front. Bolton looked like they had a functioning press due to his running. Superb.

Aaron Collins 7

Took his goal very well and think it was important for him to get on the scoresheet after a few quiet weeks (the Orient second half aside). Not a vintage performance but when you take your one big chance you’ll get few complaints. Actually thought he worked very hard by his standards as well!

Substitutes:

Joel Randall 7

Much much better. Excellent run and pass for the Collins goal and worked hard to keep up the press. We want him to do well, playing like this and rolling up his sleeves will keep fans onside.

Klaidi Lolos 7

Held the ball up well when needed and showed good touches. He’s one of the players whom I am desperate to be a success.

Josh Sheehan and Jay Matete N/A

Manager:

Steven Schumacher 9.5

I think I might love him. How amazing is it to see us compete and get results in big games. 4 points from Wrexham away and Blues at home would have been the stuff of dreams under Ian Evatt. He does need to stop this habit of us needing to be behind to start scoring goals, but who cares if we keep winning? Steven Schumacher’s Super White Army