Man of the Match v. Cardiff City: Chris Eagles

Imagine what could have been if Chris Eagles was playing like he is now for the whole of the Dougie Freedman era. After an incredible start to the season and a lengthy cold spell, Chris Eagles is back on form and majorly influencing games for Bolton Wanderers. Eagles has scored three times in his last six match appearances, including the winner against Huddersfield town and the opener against Middlesbrough.

The story was much the same against Cardiff City as it was Chris Eagles that spearheaded Bolton's attack. The winger took just one shot over the course of the match and what a vital shot it was. As Sam Ricketts broke into the box from the right wing, he squared the ball to Chris Eagles. Running in at some pace, Eagles lined up the effort and took the shot first time, hitting the bottom left-hand corner of the net with some style.

Apart from the goal, Chris Eagles put in a sterling effort against the Red Dragons. His crosses into the box created a number of chances that Bolton failed to finish. The most notable of those was perhaps the excellent ball that put Darren Pratley in an acre of space inside Cardiff City's box. Unfortunately for Eagles, Pratley, and Bolton, a good save from David Marshall stopped the men in white from going 2-0 up.

Of course, Chris Eagles was not alone as a contender for our award. Medo Kamara was his superb self once again. His tenacity and ball-winning ability caused problems for Cardiff City throughout the match. Medo's presence in midfield broke up a number of Cardiff's attacks and stopped them from creating much in the center of the park.

Young Josh Vela didn't see too much of the ball against Cardiff City but that didn't stop him from helping Medo in the middle. Vela was tireless and helped keep Cardiff's central midfielders quiet. Adam Bogdan was unlucky to concede Cardiff's equalizer but he made a series of phenomenal stops to keep Bolton Wanderers in the match. His save on Jordon Mutch's opening effort and Tommy Smith's wide-open attempt were nothing short of exceptional.

Still, it was the influential Chris Eagles with his 11th goal of the season that won our man of the match award. This is more important than the PFA's list anyway.

Do you agree?