Megson backs Elmander as Swede breaks drought
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Bolton manager Gary Megson hopes the club's record signing Johan Elmander can build on his first goal for nine months to prove his critics wrong. The Sweden international scored the third in Wanderers' 3-1 extra time win over West Ham at the Reebok Stadium on Tuesday night.
Herita Ilunga's first goal for West Ham on the hour put the visitors ahead but Kevin Davies' header equalised five minutes from the end of normal time and after Gary Cahill's superb 25-yard strike early in the additional period Elmander slid in with the third late on. That was his first club goal in any competition since December 13 – a run of 22 matches.
"Johan was so desperate to score he was snatching at it," said Megson. "If he takes his time, with the quality he has, I'm sure he will finish more but that [goal] will do him the world of good. Everyone is concerned about his lack of goals, none more so than Johan. He wants to do well and if his personality was different and he thought 'Stuff it, I can't be bothered', he probably would have scored before now.
"But because he is so determined to score he is not relaxed. I really do hope that goal relaxes him a bit because the arrival of Ivan Klasnic [on loan from Nantes] will put both him and Kevin Davies under pressure. But I'm not ready to give up on Johan Elmander and no-one at the club is either."
Missing chances is something which is concerning West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola. His side created plenty against Bolton but even the introduction of England striker Carlton Cole did not help. "With the way things were going on the pitch I was not expecting that. I was waiting for the second goal to come at any moment – it was very disappointing," he said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments