But defeat at the Reebok had him on the back foot yesterday.
Manchester United are next up at St James' Park on Wednesday, followed shortly afterwards by Chelsea and Arsenal, both also at home.
Clueless Hughton Changes His Tune!
Hughton: "If you asked me if I would rather not play them, that goes without saying. But this is what we are faced with.
"On the other hand, these are the type of games as a player you must surely look forward to.
"It was a bitter blow to lose to Bolton, but all we can do is pick ourselves up and focus on Manchester United.
"We know there are a lot of teams in a similar situation to us - but all we can do is concentrate on our own game."