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Ian Evatt hopes Wanderers can continue to start strongly ahead of Saturday’s clash with Sheffield Wednesday at the UniBol.
The Whites have only conceded first in one game so far this season – the 5-1 win against Salford City in the Carabao Cup – and Evatt says it was an area they needed to improve from last season.
“On the de-brief and the off-season, we highlighted that we didn’t score first often enough,” said the Bolton chief.
“Obviously, it is a pretty simple statement to say that every team wants to score first, but it really does have a huge impact on the game and definitely a huge impact on what the game looks like for us.
“The more other teams score first, the harder it will be for us because it gives them something to hang onto and they can go into kind of a mid-to-low block, and we have to break it down.
“That is going to be challenging, so the more we can get the first goal and then teams have to come out against us and throw the game open, it will suit us a lot more. Fingers crossed, that can continue.”
Dion Charles is available for Saturday’s clash with the Owls after missing several games due to a thigh strain.
Evatt is pleased the goals have come from all over the pitch in the early stages of the season but hopes one of his forwards can step up and manage a big total over the coming season.
He added: “We haven’t had a striker score in the league yet so hopefully that will change pretty quickly. Having said that, we have got goals all across the team which is obviously a huge benefit.
“But every team in the country wants a 20-goal-a-season striker. Man City, the best team in England at the moment, signed [Erling] Haaland for that reason.
“Everyone wants one of those and hopefully we can have of our five step up and get to that mark this season.”
Liverpool loanee Conor Bradley has received plenty of praise after making a strong start to his Bolton career.
While Evatt is delighted to have a player of Bradley’s ability in the squad, he has been equally impressed with the Northern Ireland international’s attitude.
“He is a very good player, a very good young man. He is a very talented footballer but his biggest and best attribute is his attitude,” the manager explained.
“His attitude is first-class and his work ethic is top-drawer. He wants to improve and wants to be better every single day.
“He is a great kid to work with and we think a lot of him, as do Liverpool. So let’s enjoy him while he is here!”
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