On October 31, 2017, Sunderland faced Bolton Wanderers in an EFL Championship match at the Stadium of Light. The match ended in a 3-3 draw, marked by a high level of excitement and a flurry of goals.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- Sunderland: 3 (Lewis Grabban 20′, 67′; Paddy McNair 49′)
- Bolton Wanderers: 3 (Sammy Ameobi 32′, Gary Madine 40′, Karl Henry 61′)
- Possession:
- Sunderland had 54% possession, while Bolton Wanderers had 46%. Sunderland’s control of the ball allowed them to create more opportunities, but Bolton capitalized on their chances efficiently.
- Shots:
- Sunderland registered 18 shots, with 9 on target, reflecting their proactive approach and attempts to break down Bolton’s defense. Bolton had 10 shots, with 5 on target, indicating their effective counter-attacking strategy.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Sunderland displayed a passing accuracy of 78%, completing 357 passes out of 459 attempts. Bolton had a lower passing accuracy at 71%, completing 277 passes out of 390 attempts. Sunderland’s slightly better ball retention contributed to their ability to control the game for periods.
- Defensive Statistics:
- Sunderland made 15 tackles compared to Bolton’s 22, highlighting Bolton’s defensive efforts to disrupt Sunderland’s play. Both teams committed 11 fouls, indicating a physical contest.
- Set Pieces:
- None of the goals came directly from set pieces. However, set-piece situations contributed to the overall pressure and goal-scoring opportunities for both teams.
- Individual Performances:
- Lewis Grabban was crucial for Sunderland, scoring two goals and consistently threatening Bolton’s defense. Paddy McNair also contributed with a goal. For Bolton, Sammy Ameobi and Gary Madine were key, each scoring a goal, with Karl Henry adding the third to ensure a share of the points.
- Tactical Overview:
- Sunderland employed a 4-4-2 formation, focusing on width and crossing into the box to utilize their attacking players. Bolton used a 4-2-3-1 formation, emphasizing solid defensive structure and quick transitions to counterattack effectively.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw four yellow cards, three for Sunderland (Didier Ndong 23′, Bryan Oviedo 78′, and Adam Matthews 83′) and one for Bolton (Antonee Robinson 52′). These fouls were tactical, aimed at breaking up play and preventing the opposition from gaining momentum.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Sunderland won 8 corners compared to Bolton’s 3, indicating their sustained attacking pressure. Sunderland were caught offside 3 times, while Bolton had 1 offside call, reflecting Sunderland’s aggressive forward play and Bolton’s disciplined defensive line.
Summary
The 3-3 draw between Sunderland and Bolton Wanderers was a thrilling encounter, characterized by an abundance of goals and competitive play. Lewis Grabban’s brace and Paddy McNair’s goal for Sunderland were matched by goals from Sammy Ameobi, Gary Madine, and Karl Henry for Bolton. Sunderland’s possession and shot count reflected their attacking intent, but Bolton’s efficient counter-attacking and defensive efforts ensured they left with a point. The result left both teams with mixed feelings, as Sunderland’s inability to hold onto their lead was balanced by Bolton’s resilience and ability to fight back.
