Perhaps the biggest positive is our fine defensive record at the Reebok. Three clean sheets out of three so far this season is a fine showing, and proves that Fortress Reebok is just that: an absolute fortress. Very few teams can penetrate it, and even fewer end up taking the points home with them.
But that is about as good as it gets these days. The attack has been virtually non-existent in the last two matches, not helped by a complete lack of supply from the midfield. Kevin Nolan in particular was shockingly poor on Saturday, and was deservedly dragged off in the second half.
One point I did like was seeing Nicolas Anelka's workrate. Naturally, he still looks a little short of full match fitness, but he's improving all the time. He showed more commitment than the rest of the team, fighting for every ball and challenging (and often winning) in the aerial battles. It was a credit to see that, early on when he burst through, he opted to stay on his feet when clipped by Mark Schwarzer, rather than go to ground for the likely penalty. Even though the chance was gone, it was a refreshing change in today's game, in which sportsmanship and professionalism often take a back seat to the "win at all costs" attitude.
I have to say that Jonathan Woodgate was the finest player on the pitch. The Middlesbrough defender dealt comfortably with everything thrown at him, and providing he stays fit, I see no reason why he won't force his way back into the England set-up. I know his career has been seriously hampered by mounting injuries, but Woodgate is one of the finest defenders in the country. If you cast your mind a few years back, to when Leeds United were one of the top contenders in the Premiership, it won't surprise you to find Woodgate at the heart of that defence. Newcastle have failed to find a suitable replacement since he left them for Madrid (Titus Bramble or Jean Alain Boumsong, anyone?), who will be closely monitering his progress at Boro.
Although I critisise Bolton for their poor performance on Saturday, I must admit that it takes two to tangle, so to speak. Middlesbrough were equally as poor as us, and up until about the final twenty minutes, seemed perfectly content to play for a draw. I'll be honest and admit I thought they were going to win it when they started to up the tempo a bit.
Jussi was in fine form on Saturday. I was impressed with his flying save from Yakubu in the second half, but his earlier save in the first, getting down low at his near post after a shot had taken a wicked deflection, that was superb.
All in all, the team did look a lot better at the weekend. If they continue to improve performances, they'll start picking up three points more easer. But they cannot afford to drop off again. Tonight it's a trip to Walsall, which should mean a chance for some of the younger lads to shine. Hopefully Sam will take the match seriously though, as a good cup run would be nice. We've reached the last eight at least in three of the last five seasons, and another run would be good to see. Then it's down to the south coast for a difficult match at Portsmouth. Difficult, but not impossible to pick up three points, as I honestly believe we're a better team than Pompey.
Come on Bolton!