Le future of Le Sulk?
Chris Ray delves into the mysterious world of Bolton striker Nicolas Anelka as speculation grows over his future at the Reebok Stadium.
Two glaring misses in the space of a week; where they lapses in concentration or is Anelka's head already somewhere else as the January transfer window draws inexorably closer?
A man infamously dubbed 'Le Sulk', he has never been backward in coming forward whilst expressing his various problems and issues to those in the media, which has alienated numerous managers and colleagues along the way.
The glorious missed chance at Anfield a fortnight ago, when it looked easier to score after a mix up between Pepe Reina and Jamie Carragher, was the first signal that all may not be well, but a penalty goal-esque effort that Johnny Wilkinson could have been proud of against Wigan was always sure to set tongues wagging over the controversial striker's future.
The relief on Anelka's face when scoring Bolton's fourth goal in the same match against the Latics was clear to see, but what remains unclear, is if the relief was for the good of his club, or for his own agenda.
He signed a deal extending his stay with the Wanderers until 2011 in the summer, despite being linked with a possible move to the Manchester clubs and Portsmouth.
On penning the new contract, the 28-year-old said: "I would not have remained at Bolton if I'd thought we could not win trophies.
"If I have to leave, it'll be because of bad results, I want to be in a team that rivals big clubs not one playing to finish 10th or 15th. I want to rediscover a big club."
Of course, Bolton's faltering start to the season has only added fuel to the fire that the Frenchman could be heading for the exit door and greener pastures in the new year.
Notwithstanding the club's mini-revival under Gary Megson, Anelka could be tempted to jump ship, especially since some big clubs will be in the market for a new marksman when the transfer window opens.
With so much of Chelsea's season depending in Didier Drogba's increasingly likely appearance at the African Cup of Nations next month, many have tipped Anelka for a move to Stamford Bridge, which would fit in ideally with his search for a 'big club'.
Anelka burst onto the English scene with Arsenal and won the PFA Young Player of the Year in 1999, but his undoubted talent has constantly been shrouded by his supposed attitude problem ever since.
Indeed, Anelka hit out against Gerard Houllier, who declined the chance to sign him following a six-month loan spell at Liverpool in 2002, saying: "I think there were a lot of people who wanted me to stay, but Gerard Houllier wasn't among them.
"I didn't like the way he messed me about, but it was rubbish to suggest I fell out with him, or had words with him.
"The simple fact is he told me he was going to sign me and then changed his mind; don't ask me why because I don't know. You would have to ask him."
The tempestuous forward left English football under a cloud in 2005. At the age of only 25, Anelka had already fetched a near £60m in transfer fees alone, following his move from Manchester City to Turkish giants Fenerbahce.
Not content with making waves on the club scene, Anelka also went on to make foe from friend in the shape of former France coach Jacques Santini, after refusing an international call-up for a friendly against Yugoslavia in 2002.
Anelka never played under Santini again, but was recalled by Raymond Domenech three years later.
He was not included for the 2006 World Cup, despite Djibril Cisse's leg break, leading him to say: "My absence is a real shame, I was completely available and ready to play in this World Cup, I think I could have helped France."
Even as recently as November, regarding the possibility of a move to one of the Premier League's 'big four', Anelka was quoted in The Sun as saying: "I am very flattered but I will keep my feet on the ground, as there was in the summer, there has been a lot of speculation.
"I have yet to receive an offer. As soon as one is made, I will talk about it publicly but there has been nothing so far.
"I am happy at Bolton but, as I have already said, I would like to be part of a big club which plays in the Champions League.
"But if nothing happens, then I would be happy to stay."
As they say, watch this space.
Chris Ray