With the next game against Bristol Rovers approaching, the Bolton manager has promised to delve deeply into the specifics of the disappointment at Fratton Park, stating that a subpar performance on the South Coast did not deserve to “pass without comment.”
Wanderers have back-to-back home games before Christmas to get themselves back on track. They are currently six points behind Pompey in second place.
But Evatt was extremely disappointed that plans to take advantage of their hosts’ vulnerabilities on Monday night were so easily abandoned on the field.
“It’s not something I can handle,” he declared. That was mediocre at best for us, and it eats me alive. The players have raised the bar; they are the ones who set it. I have to be the first to criticize them when they deserve it, just as I have to be the first to give them praise and to speak up when they don’t receive it.
“That performance deserved to be criticized. It was lacking in vigor. We were dominated in the middle of the park; we had a few moments, but not enough. Once more, we attempted to introduce new players to the midfield, but it was unsuccessful.We caused them problems when we switched the play, knowing that it hurts them. We got beat up, and everything we had worked on over the previous three days was thrown out the window.
As the game progressed at Pompey, Wanderers’ possession rate declined. During the first 45 minutes of play, 43.2 percent of their touches were made in the Pompey half; by the second half, that number had dropped to just 29.5 percent.
“We didn’t react appropriately to their opportunities, which came more from being physical and aggressive, winning second balls, playing to the third line, being direct, and roughing up Rico (Ricardo Santos).” Evatt grumbled, “We definitely didn’t demonstrate what we were capable of doing in possession.
“We were content to let the game drift, and they were content when we played sideways and backwards, which occurred far too frequently. We need to address the fact that none of us—individually or collectively—took on enough responsibility.
“We still haven’t figured it out,” I’ve said previously. This is a strong team with the potential to do some really amazing things and put on some great performances.
He remarked, “I honestly thought we had moved past that type of performance, so the game taught me something.” It’s odd how quickly the confidence that we had shown in the last few weeks, and even in the first half when we created the opportunity, vanished.
“We must take a look at that and make a statement; however, I will say this about my players: every time they have been challenged or asked a question, they have always been able to answer appropriately. I anticipate that happening once more on Saturday.
