The Sports Psychology Blog
This Sports Psychology blog comes as Bolton Wanderers surrender a two goal lead against ten-man Arsenal.
Football: Bolton Wanderers - Belief!
It was almost too good to be true. At half-time, at the Reebok Stadium, Bolton Wanderers, were two goals to the good against Arsenal. The Gunners were down to ten men. And Bolton were showing all the desire. All the hunger. All the commitment. These trends continued early into the second half. It looked as if Bolton would score the next goal.
But then, Arsene Wenger made some astute substitutions, and the whole pattern of the game seemed to change. Bolton became trapped in their own half. It looked as if Arsenal had the extra man. And, more importantly, the belief started to go out of Bolton.
This is a team that has forgotten how to win games. Their last home win in the Premier League, was on the 2nd January. And that was against Derby County.
Suddenly, you are two goals to the good against ten-man Arsenal. And you are used to losing. As a team you have to mentally handle this apparent contradiction. How can a team that is used to losing, be beating Arsenal? It doesn't feel right!
The moment that 'weaker' individuals in the team start to doubt themselves, then the old mental patterns kick in. Somehow, you will then find a way to lose. Why? Because, that is what you are used to. And deep down, that is what you expect. There is not enough will in the team, to overcome this negative belief.
Will forged by individuals, leaders, who refuse to accept the inevitable. Individuals who can lift the rest. Individuals who inspire belief. That, yes, beating Arsenal is possible.
Change, disruption and defeats, have drained Bolton Wanderers of these qualities. And as a result, their hold on life in the Premier League is looking progressively weaker. It will take some very strong leadership from Gary Megson to turn this one around.
For yesterday's reverse to Arsenal was not just a defeat. It was a confirmation, that Bolton Wanderers lack the belief in themselves to win games. Games that they can win. But if you don't believe you can, then you won't.
