'Gone By Christmas' - These Bolton Wanderers Fans React To Wrexham Stalemate

Bolton Wanderers were the unlucky losers of last year’s play-off final after losing in the semi-final the season before.

Ian Evatt’s side are many pundit’s picks for the title this season, but they struggled to get their campaign up and running properly this afternoon with a dour 0-0 draw at home against promoted Wrexham.

The home side had eight shots on target and kept the ball well, taking 67.3% of possession. That didn’t result in goals or excitement, and fans left the ground a little despondent.

Former Arsenal stopper Arthur Okonkwo produced a great save in the first period, denying Aaron Collins. He was the hero in the second half as well, stopping Dion Charles’ deflected effort. Wrexham, who managed just two shots on target, saw a tame Stephen Fletcher effort held easily by Nathan Baxter.

Should Bolton have had a penalty in the closing stages of the match? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/dJ7VmOToI8

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) August 18, 2024

The draw leaves both sides on four points, a decent return for teams aspiring to be in the top six, but there are worrying signs for Bolton supporters. Their side held onto the ball well but created very little clearcut, and the post-match focus seems to have been on a disputed penalty.

Ian Evatt raged at full-time as he felt Ricardo Santos had been held late on, with Eoghan O’Connell clearly having a handful of his shirt. Referee Ben Speedie did not award a spot kick, and Bolton were forced to settle for a draw.

Many of their supporters were not impressed, with one or two even suggesting Evatt could be gone by Christmas. Here’s the best of their responses this evening.

Think I fell asleep in that

— Charlie Say (@CharlieSay_) August 18, 2024

Possession doesnt win game lads.

— C U R T (@CurttFPS_) August 18, 2024

2 poor sides. Doesn’t really look like Bolton have improved on last season, despite the signings. A long way off the likes of Pompey and derby from last season.

— The Great Philanthropist (@Xposethetruthp2) August 18, 2024

First half played em off the park…..but What an awful second half that was. Should be smashing these men. Nothings changed.
Wants to go down the wings and no urgency.
Evatt will be gone by Christmas.

Imagine moving this game to peak Sunday afternoon just for that.

— Alan Dodd (@alanslammer) August 18, 2024

If this team can’t deliver then for me it’s Evatt out sorry Mr Evatt it is, this current team should be smashing teams like Wrexham they came for a point they went home with a point. The second half was absolutely shocking and diabolical. It isn’t good enough!!! Simple as that.

— Dave Meadows (@DaveMeadows) August 18, 2024

Way off the mark… that Wrexham side will be lucky to even finish top half and that’s where we’re finishing if we carry on playing like that. Painful to watch…

Dempsey or MaTate need to start!

— AlfCliffe (@AlfieRatcliffe2) August 18, 2024