TROTTERS COULD BE IN FOR LONG YEAR

WAS this really Bolton? Or a pub team who’d nicked their kit? The men in white shirts genuinely were that bad.

Yes, Boro were blistering. From the off, Karanka’s men looked determined to show that the shot-shy side of last year was banished to the past, swarming forward, creating chances and shooting on sight. Though outrageously profligate, this was a performance with promotion written all over it.

But make no mistake – Bolton were shocking. Lennon’s system didn’t suit, but good players adapt to adversity. The Trotters didn’t, making the same mistakes over and over again. No system in the world makes you pass to the opposition.

When the bookies tipped Bolton to struggle, it seemed harsh. After this performance, who’d bet against it?

One bad day at the office won’t bring a business to its knees. But with a reduced budget, a 38-year-old up front and a porous defence, it could be long season.