MOTM v. Blackburn: Jacob Butterfield

This was probably one of the most difficult man of the match choices I've had to make. Last night , the entire team put in a good performance (not just Chris Eagles), enacting Dougie Freedman's system effectively, and-dare I say it?- with some flair. The defense smothered Blackburn's attacks, with Zat Knight in particular being a standout. Adam Bodgan solidly saved the few shots Blackburn did get through. Keith Andrews and Jay Spearing provided a stable platform for the rest of the midfield to operate on, something we identified as one of Bolton's chronic problems that led to relegation. Kevin Davies put in yet another excellent performance as the lone striker, scoring inside 2 minutes.

But the brightest performers of the night were the midfield triangle of Chung-Yong Lee, Jacob Butterfield, and Chris Eagles. Chungy and Chreagles gave Blackburn lots of trouble up and down the pitch, and certainly deserve props for their respective performances, but Butterfield really stood out. Play flowed through him effectively, and he also had a dangerous shot, forcing Paul Robinson to make some excellent saves.

We would really like to give the MOTM to every player i a Bolton shirt last night, as with the possible exception of the final 15 minutes of the match, it was the best, most well-rounded performance of the season thus far. Butterfield just edged it for me, but I'm sure there will be lots of people who disagree, be sure to vote in the poll and leave you MOTM in the comments.