Big Sam: We're playing better than last year

Bolton go into Monday night's match against Sunderland with only seven points on the board after nine games and Allardyce admits the players' confidence has been affected.

He said: "Apart from Middlesbrough and Fulham, the rest of the play has been really good and a lot better than last year at this time. But the crucial factor is to walk off the field with something for all that hard work and creativity.

"You don't get anything in this game for entertainment. You get a pat on the back for a while. Then all of a sudden it turns into criticism if results don't go your way.

"We have scored in every Premiership game bar one but we are leaking too many goals. That's what we have to stop.''

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