The Trotters remain precariously placed in the Premiership's bottom three after being held to a goalless draw by Manchester City at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday.

Gretar Steinsson headed against a post early on and Kevin Davies had a late effort cleared off the line as Bolton produced an energetic and aggressive performance but City held firm.

They now have just seven matches - the next of those against title-chasing Arsenal - to rescue their season and Megson admits concern over the situation is affecting performances.

"We said at half-time we were working hard to get the ball into that last third but then we are not probing enough, not creative enough and because of that we are snatching at one or two shots," he said.

"We could maybe take our time a little bit but that is probably understandable with the tension this situation creates.

"I think it is quite obvious we are not scoring enough goals.

"It is obvious there is a bit of tension about the football club and therefore some frustration but it's the same for everyone else and I'm sure similar questions will be asked of other managers in the lower reaches of the Premier League."

Bolton's efforts were undoubtedly spirited, particularly from the likes of Davies and captain Kevin Nolan, but Megson did have to deal with one potentially morale-sapping act of player petulance.

Veteran Ivan Campo was far from happy at his 63rd-minute substitution and left the field slowly before trudging straight off down the tunnel, showing little acknowledgement of Megson's consoling pat on the shoulder.

Megson said he would not have expected any player to be pleased at being taken off but admitted he needs his squad to show togetherness.

The manager accepts things are not perfect but for now wants all energies focused on the battle for survival.

He said: "We are not in this position for no reason. It's been going on right the way through the season.

"Now is not the time to discuss the whys and wherefores, it is just the time to roll the sleeves up and make sure we get enough points so next year we're doing the sorting out as a Premier League football club."

City may have been shaded in the number of opportunities created but played their full part in a competitive derby fixture played in the face of swirling snow in the second half.