Bolton Wanderers return to League One action after the international break, aiming to address their concerning vulnerability to set-pieces.
Only Bristol Rovers have conceded more set-piece goals this season, leaving manager Ian Evatt determined to sharpen his squad’s focus and resolve. In their last match against Shrewsbury Town, Bolton were twice punished from set plays, frustrating Evatt as his side had anticipated this threat.
“The players have to take ownership because set plays are about the details and individual battles,” Evatt told Evatt told The Bolton News. “We need to be stronger, more diligent, more focussed.”
Bolton’s previous strong form in defending set-pieces has been notably absent in recent months. Last season, they conceded just 12 goals from set-pieces, placing them among the top five in the league. However, this season, the team’s defensive frailty in this area has been a major setback, as teams have exploited it to steal goals against the run of play. Evatt is keen to stop this trend before it does further damage.
Set-Piece Focus Critical for Bolton’s Progress
As Bolton prepare to host Burton Albion at the Toughsheet Community Stadium, Evatt has stressed the importance of minimising set-piece goals, especially for teams that set up defensively. “We can’t afford to keep conceding sloppy goals,” Evatt added, acknowledging that while Bolton’s open play defence has been solid, set-pieces have become a glaring weakness.
Opposing teams have increasingly targeted Bolton’s set-up during corners and free-kicks. According to Evatt, the system Bolton use leaves gaps at the edge of the box, which opponents have been quick to exploit. “With every set-up in set plays, there’s a deficiency,” he explained. “That’s why teams invest in set-piece coaches – to spot and fix these weaknesses.”
Evatt’s frustration after the Shrewsbury game was palpable, especially as Bolton had prepared extensively for Shrewsbury’s tactics. “It was a carbon copy of a goal from last season,” he lamented. Despite showing his players how to counter these set-piece threats, the team still failed to respond effectively. “We were blocked far too easily, and we didn’t react quickly enough to close down the space.”
Bolton’s Plan for Burton Albion: Tighten Set-Piece Defence
Heading into the Burton Albion match, Bolton are determined to rectify their set-piece issues. The team has reviewed their defensive structure and worked on adjustments to avoid further costly lapses. Evatt knows that reducing these defensive errors is key to ensuring success, especially against teams that look to frustrate and capitalise on set-piece opportunities.
Evatt remains confident in his squad’s overall ability, praising their resilience in open play. Still, he acknowledges that improvement in defending set-pieces is necessary for Bolton to remain competitive. “We have to drill down on the details,” he said. With Burton Albion up next, this renewed focus could prove decisive.
In summary, Bolton Wanderers are eager to solve their set-piece woes as they face Burton Albion. By strengthening their defence in this area, they hope to return to their best form and challenge for success in League One.
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