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Wanderers’ fortunes in front of goal will change – and Phil Parkinson says he has got the numbers to prove it.
Two goals in 10 games is a worrying statistic, and one which shows why Bolton have slid down the Championship table so alarmingly since the start of September.
But Parkinson claims that during the run of fixtures between the two previous international breaks his players have been doing exactly what was asked of them in front of goal.
Over the course of 17 games, only Ipswich Town have had fewer shots on target per 90 minutes than Bolton – but recent stats show their attacking return has improved.
Wanderers head to Millwall tomorrow, and have scored in each of their last seven trips to the New Den.
Parkinson is confident that run can continue if his players keep their composure.
“It’s an area we have to improve, that is stating the obvious – but we’ve got players who are due a goal,” the manager said. “That’s not me just hoping against hope, it’s looking at the stats. In terms of shots we’ve had and the ones that hit the target, one in five should result in a goal.
“We have players who have consistently hit those ratios. That means if they continue to attack the right areas of the box, it will come.
“We have to be calm about that. The bigger thing you make of it, sometimes, the harder it is to achieve.”
Wanderers have struggled badly this season, taking just two points from games in which they have conceded the first goal.
Asked if he could find a solution to the problem by changing formation, Parkinson added: “We have changed the system quite a bit, in all honesty.
“We have been searching for a formula but maybe it is just a goal we’re missing.
“We are creating a lot of opportunities. In the run of games between the international breaks we had 52 shots at goal in total, not all on target. And that is quite a lot not to have a goal return.”
Wanderers have had a decent record at The Den in the last few years, avoiding defeat in their last four visits. Parkinson is confident he knows how his opponents will set-up and knows his team will have to match them for physicality on the day.
“I have been there many times as a player and as a manager and you know what to expect," he said. "There won’t be any surprises.
“They will get the ball forward, get the ball forward early, be physical on set plays and long throws and that type of thing. We have to be equipped to deal with it.
“Since Neil Harris went there he went back to playing the old fashioned up-and-at-them style Millwall have played down the years.
“To get anything from the game you have to make sure you are up for the game, physically."
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Two goals in 10 games is a worrying statistic, and one which shows why Bolton have slid down the Championship table so alarmingly since the start of September.
But Parkinson claims that during the run of fixtures between the two previous international breaks his players have been doing exactly what was asked of them in front of goal.
Over the course of 17 games, only Ipswich Town have had fewer shots on target per 90 minutes than Bolton – but recent stats show their attacking return has improved.
Wanderers head to Millwall tomorrow, and have scored in each of their last seven trips to the New Den.
Parkinson is confident that run can continue if his players keep their composure.
“It’s an area we have to improve, that is stating the obvious – but we’ve got players who are due a goal,” the manager said. “That’s not me just hoping against hope, it’s looking at the stats. In terms of shots we’ve had and the ones that hit the target, one in five should result in a goal.
“We have players who have consistently hit those ratios. That means if they continue to attack the right areas of the box, it will come.
“We have to be calm about that. The bigger thing you make of it, sometimes, the harder it is to achieve.”
Wanderers have struggled badly this season, taking just two points from games in which they have conceded the first goal.
Asked if he could find a solution to the problem by changing formation, Parkinson added: “We have changed the system quite a bit, in all honesty.
“We have been searching for a formula but maybe it is just a goal we’re missing.
“We are creating a lot of opportunities. In the run of games between the international breaks we had 52 shots at goal in total, not all on target. And that is quite a lot not to have a goal return.”
Wanderers have had a decent record at The Den in the last few years, avoiding defeat in their last four visits. Parkinson is confident he knows how his opponents will set-up and knows his team will have to match them for physicality on the day.
“I have been there many times as a player and as a manager and you know what to expect," he said. "There won’t be any surprises.
“They will get the ball forward, get the ball forward early, be physical on set plays and long throws and that type of thing. We have to be equipped to deal with it.
“Since Neil Harris went there he went back to playing the old fashioned up-and-at-them style Millwall have played down the years.
“To get anything from the game you have to make sure you are up for the game, physically."
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