Bolton Match Zone

The Verdict: Parky Bang On; Clement Left Sour

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Bolton’s great start continued with a win at Reading, and a lot of it came down to Phil Parkinson’s decision-making.

With a good performance from a changed team in midweek, it gave the boss food for thought whether to include some of those who came in. In the end, the starting eleven was unchanged from that which lined up against Bristol City, the only changes coming amongst the substitutes.

It would be tempting, but it worked. Erhun Oztumer should have started according to some, and its understandable to think that at some point, he should come in. But this eleven has started the season well, and even though they weren’t great in the first half, they probably still edged Reading on the balance of things.

Nobody played badly, but the withdrawals of Will Buckley (who should have taken his chance) and Luke Murphy were the right ones. Yanic Wildschut, Buckley’s replacement, scored minutes after entering the fray. Again, some will want Wildschut to start. Once fully fit, I’d be inclined to agree. But he’s still getting up to speed (probably not the right phrase considering his pace) and Buckley’s defensive work shouldn’t be ignored.

Meanwhile, in the other dugout was Paul Clement. A man that in some interviews seemed to be in denial about his team’s shortcomings. At times in the second half, it was nervy, but no more so than any team with a 1-0 lead. They need to take a look at themselves.

Were you at the Madejski yesterday? Rate the players here.

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