Following the closure of the transfer window, Rob Edwards opted for an experimental lineup to take on Chelsea at home – and it’s safe to say that the result was calamitous. The score genuinely flatters Wolves, as the back line gave the Chelsea forwards so many chances to add to their goals.
Relegation is imminent, but Wolves must do all they can to beat Derby’s points record before the season is over – but can they? Certainly not if they defend like this for the rest of the season. Follow along as we look at the highs and lows of the game.
Good – The New Boys
Adam Armstrong and Angel Gomes were both selected to start today – which is surprising. Usually, a Wolves player needs to make several substitute appearances before a start, but Rob Edwards showed confidence in them. Whilst not in the game as much as he’d want, Armstrong looked comfortable on the ball and showed quickness in his ability to turn – and despite his stature, picked up a headed assist for his merit. Gomes (the fourth one) also looked tidy and made some lovely forward passes. He also defended well at times and looks like an astute pick up. These aren’t star-player level signings, but neither did anything badly wrong and looked the part in a the side.
Bad – Where is the Defending?
Wolves were so poor defensively today. Of course, it can be attributed to the fact that Rob Edwards switched it to a back four, but in reality, two penalties were the difference between a point and 0 – and the way in which they were conceded were atrocious. Both Doherty and Mosquera may moan about the softness of them, but why give the referee a decision to make? The fact that Chelsea’s advantage comes from two penalties, doesn’t mean that Wolves shut-up shop effectively. There was a moment in the second half where every defender gifted Pedro Neto a chance at scoring within about two minutes.
They must improve. Not so Wolves have a fighting chance of staying up – but more so that the fans have a reason to buy a ticket. Chelsea took their foot off the gas in the second half and only fostered chances that Wolves game them – it felt like a game where if Wolves had scored 4, Chelsea would have scored 10. A team is only as good as their defence, and the defence let them down massively today.
Good – Him Again
Whilst not among the goals and assists, Mané again showed why he’s starting week in, week out at just 18 years old. He was given the ball on the edge of the box, didn’t even lean back, and got a lovely shot off that beat Robert Sanchez, but unluckily hit the post. The young man has been a vibrant spark in a desolate Wolverhampton Wanderers season and fans will be desperate to keep hold of him for the inevitable Championship campaign.
He was quieter in the half that featured Doherty, but once the ever-enthusiastic Rodrigo Gomes came on, they both did very well operating down the right hand side and caused the Chelsea defence problems. It is fascinating to not only see how excellent on the ball he is and his eye for goal, but his football IQ too. He is so far beyond his years that it’s frightening and it’s clear he can play basically anywhere between the centre of the pitch and the front three – which will make him that much harder to keep hold of. But fear not Wolves fans, as the window is shut and he’s here for at least another five months.
Bad – It Always Breaks Down
Wolves didn’t miss any of their big chances today – but that’s because they had one. A brilliant flick on by Armstrong at the near post straight to Tolu’s feet, and it’d be harder to miss. But that particular stat is harrowing. How are Wolves supposed to compensate for a bad day at the office for the defence, if chances just aren’t being created? Aside from Manè’s usual effectiveness, Wolves rarely troubled Sanchez and when you watch them, it’s hard to understand why. A big man up top, some quality passers in the side and some creatively-tuned players should result in more than ONE big chance – even against Chelsea.
Since promotion, the one position that Wolves have had relatively locked in is the midfield. Between Joao Gomes and Andrè, and Joao Moutinho and Ruben Neves, fans have been spoilt for quality in recent years. But in today’s game, getting the ball into the midfielders almost felt impossible. Chelsea pressed brilliantly, put everyone under pressure and Wolves gave away so many chances trying to break the ball from the back. And when it finally broke for them, and Wolves might be in a position to hook a cross in or have a run at someone – it’s either a poor ball (barring the very occasional good one), or it’s passed back to a defender; putting more pressure on them. This is especially frustrating when they’re losing, as is so often recently, as the match-clock ticks on, a player choosing a safer option rather than one that might result in a chance says a lot about the mindset of those on the pitch.
Final Word
All in all, Rob Edwards has yet another task on his hands as he needs to jeer the players up to face Nottingham Forest away from home. If I were a betting man, I would expect to see a five-manned backline for Wolves with a massive emphasis on preventing individual mistakes in the 4-day build up to the game. The defence has to improve, the attack has to improve, but the ball must move smarter and faster before Wolves can hope to get over the Derby-record hurdle.
