Bolton Wanderers won a thrilling match at Norwich City to secure their first back-to-back Championship victories since 2018. The 4-3 result at Carrow Road lifts the Trotters to 15th in the table with 10 points from eight games.
Norwich took the lead twice in a chaotic first half. Mohamed Toure scored after five minutes, but Thierry Gale equalised for Bolton three minutes later. Ruairi McConville restored the home side's advantage in the 19th minute before Gaizka Larrazabal levelled again just before the break.
Sam Dalby put Bolton ahead for the first time just 90 seconds into the second half. Norwich drew level once more through Jack Stacey's 61st-minute strike, assisted by Paris Maghoma. The decisive goal came from Atsuki Ito in the 72nd minute, securing a vital three points for Steven Schumacher's side.
Schumacher's reaction
Manager Steven Schumacher praised his team's character after the high-scoring contest. "We got in front again and then had the energy and resilience," he said. Schumacher also noted the challenge ahead, stating, "Every game is going to be difficult." Nearly 1,000 travelling Bolton fans witnessed the victory.
The win, following a 1-0 victory over Cardiff, marks a significant upturn in form after a run of three straight defeats. Bolton will look to extend their winning run when they host seventh-placed Stoke City on 10 October.
The original report is at bbc.com
The EFL confirmed Atsuki Ito's decisive goal against Norwich was his first in English football. The Japanese midfielder, who joined from Gent last month, scored with his first touch after a long goal-kick from Gavin Bazunu. The win, Bolton's second in a row, lifts them to 15th place with 10 points from eight games. Their next match is at home to seventh-placed Stoke City on 10 October.
Bolton fans acknowledged their side's defensive frailties despite the 4-3 win at Norwich. Simon said the "lack of positional performance in defence needs fixing - quickly." Graham noted the team is "very vulnerable at set pieces," with the club's verified data showing they have conceded five goals from such situations this season. The victory, which followed a 1-0 win over Cardiff, means Bolton have now scored 11 goals but conceded 15 in their eight Championship games.
Manager Steven Schumacher expressed his delight at the victory, telling reporters, "It was a brilliant game of football." The 4-3 win at Norwich, secured by Atsuki Ito's 72nd-minute strike, marks Bolton's first consecutive league victories since 2018. The club's verified data shows Bolton have now scored 11 goals but conceded 15 in their opening eight Championship matches.
