The 2010-11 campaign delivered a season of soaring hope and late disappointment for Bolton Wanderers as The Trotters, in Owen Coyle's first full season, challenged for a European spot before ultimately finishing 14th in the Premier League. Leading the attack with 10 crucial league goals was the enigmatic Johan Elmander, whose strong performances underpinned a campaign that was primarily defined by a memorable run to the FA Cup semi-finals, a high point that was unfortunately followed by a season-ending slump after a heavy 5-0 defeat to Stoke City at Wembley. The crucial emergence of loan signing Daniel Sturridge, who netted 8 goals in just 12 appearances, and the continued excellence of a young Gary Cahill cemented this as a defining chapter of unfulfilled potential but successful top-flight consolidation.