For so long the Trotters were ahead of the Gunners in the Premiership, but a string of poor results late in the season cost the club a place in Europe's top competition. However, Allardyce still believes he performed a miracle at Bolton.
Sam Almost Turned Down Toon (Again)
For so long the Trotters were ahead of the Gunners in the Premiership, but a string of poor results late in the season cost the club a place in Europe's top competition. However, Allardyce still believes he performed a miracle at Bolton.
Allardyce: "I think I would have stayed at Bolton if we had got into the Champions League.
"To come that close with a club like Bolton was a miraculous achievement - but it was a bridge too far.
"We have to have the mentality to beat those teams that aren't as good as us.
"Then when the big boys come round, we've already got the points in the bag to challenge them and try to leave them with a bit of egg on their face."