Allardyce lauds goalscoring Anelka
Saturday, 30 Dec 2006 12:29
Anelka has been in fine form recently
Bolton boss Sam Allardyce has praised Nicolas Anelka's match winning goals that the French striker has been getting of late.
The Trotters take on Portsmouth in the Premiership today and Allardyce is looking for another big performance from his front man.
He said: "The important thing was the form was growing all the time, but there wasn't the goals to go with it.
"Now the goals have come in abundance and I think that it's no coincidence we bought him to score goals and when he started doing it he's won us the Arsenal game, he's won us the Manchester City game and he's won us the Newcastle game."
Allardyce said that the Portsmouth game is important because they are so close together in the league and says it is a great coincidence that they are both towards the top of the table.
Pompey manager Harry Redknapp is grateful to be where the side is now compared to when he took charge last season.
Redknapp said: "It has been a crazy year really to walk back 12 months ago where we were, and now to be sitting on 35 points it is amazing. It is nice to be where we are."
The Portsmouth boss said that he was expecting a tough game as his side travel to the Reebok Stadium today.
Portsmouth have got over their striker shortage and will rest Kanu and bring in Benjani Mwaruwari to replace him.
Bolton will have Ivan Campo available as the midfielder has a seven day period in which he can serve his ban.