Steve Bull Stand

Wolves 0-1 Arsenal Match Report

by with No Comment Match ReviewsNews

A frustrating evening ended as Wolves fell 0-1 to Arsenal in an important fixture under the lights at Molineux. The Arsenal defence faced an onslaught in the final period following a red card, but Wolves were unable to capitalise on the opportunity. With both sides on the hunt to consolidate their ambition for European football, it was the visitors who left with all three points – much to the disappointment of Wolves. 

A minor calf issue for Joao Moutinho saw Dendoncker line up with Neves in a midfield two, with a re-introduction for Romain Saiss, after his great showing at AFCON. Raul Jimenez started up top with Trincao and an in-form Daniel Podence. In a similar vein to his current form, Podence was the bright spark for Wolves during the first half, drawing many a foul with his trickery and intelligent movement. Trincao and Jimenez on the other hand, struggled to stamp their authority on the fixture once again – marshalled out of the game by White and Gabriel, in a very confident showing from the Arsenal pair. It was particularly frustrating that Wolves failed to target booked players, with both Xhaka and Thomas Partey cautioned within the game, I was surprised to see the lack of action through the centre of the field.

Possession seemed a key factor for Wolves, as the home side held much of it, but having very little in terms of chances on goal to show for it. Arsenal seemed relatively comfortable with allowing Wolves time on the ball, as the home side were causing little panic for their defensive unit. Even after a red card for Martinelli’s petulant fouls in the same passage of play, Wolves severely lacked any creativity to unlock the Arsenal defence. The contest was even overall, with neither side having too many chances to write home about, but it was the red card that allowed the visitors to sit back soak up the remainder of what Wolves had to give. 

Arguably Wolves’ biggest game of the season so far, and it feels like a huge opportunity missed. The away side went down to ten for the final twenty minutes, and all Wolves could conjure up was a barrage of crosses, defended simply by the visitors in what looked like a training drill. A chance missed to close the gap on those ahead, and a chance missed to cement our bid for European football next season.

 

Key Moments 

Wolves had built a good reputation for not conceding set pieces this season, but four set-piece goals have been conceded from the last four fixtures. This time, succeeding a scramble in the goal mouth, Gabriel poked home for the Gunners in the 26th minute. A disappointing manner for Lage’s men to concede after some decent spells of possession during the first period. Clear cut chances for either side were few and far between, with both goalkeepers having an easy day at the office. Gabriel Martinelli managed to change the complexion of the game within fifteen seconds, with a childish display of fouls resulting in Arsenal’s 101st dismissal of the Premier League era. Unfortunately, Wolves’ feeble attempts to equalise left much to be desired, as Arsenal comfortably sailed towards an important away victory. 

 

Man of the match  – Daniel Podence

There was precious little to choose from for standout performances, the attacking movement was lacking, midfield was conservative, and the defensive unit failed to keep out the Gunners’ only decent opportunity. Daniel Podence was a livewire during the first half, giving Cedric Soares nightmares, with the Arsenal defender somehow escaping a booking. Podence looked like the only one attempting to fashion a different opening than an aimless cross that as simply headed away. In a game where we didn’t cause trouble for Arsenal, one man did. Another deserved mention for the little man, in a hugely uninspiring front line. 

 

Improvements 

You could be blind and still see Wolves are in dire need of creativity. Whether this be from a new, dynamic midfielder that can unlock defences, or a change in attacking patterns, an alternative is needed. We’ve become too predictable again, sideways passing towards the wingbacks, before a cross is fired in that doesn’t clear the first man. When it does? No-one is there to attack it. The push for European football is still possible, but points are needed desperately from the February fixtures.

 

Sam Beeken is part of the Talking Wolves editorial team – you can follow him here

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Wolves 0-1 Liverpool Match Report

by with No Comment Match ReviewsNews

With Jota back at Molineux on his birthday, Wolves fans feared the worst. But those in attendance were pleasantly surprised with the fight on display as they fell late on to title-hunting Liverpool. Origi added to his ever-growing portfolio of clutch moments for the reds, inflicting damage in the dying moments, following a titanic defensive performance against one of the best teams on the planet. More importantly, the West Midlands teams put rivalry aside, as we remembered Arthur Labinjo-Hughes in a matchday tribute during the 6th minute.

 

After spending three days quietly concerned for how many Liverpool would put past us, the team was released, and confidence came from nowhere. Following his suspension, Neves returned for Moutinho, whilst Adama kept his place in the starting eleven. Much to the relief of Wolves fans, Liverpool were hugely off their game offensively, conceding possession too easily and not creating enough in terms of goal-scoring opportunities. Wolves held the ball well in spells whilst nullifying the likes of Salah, Mane, and the returning Diogo Jota for the first 20 minutes or so. Klopp’s men demonstrated their class soon afterwards, with arguably the best midfield in the world currently, Thiago and Henderson had the pack chasing side to side. 

 

Unfortunately, despite the spells of possession in the first half, Wolves were unable to fashion any openings to test Alisson properly. There was a clear tactic was to utilise Adama as the out-ball, once enough Liverpool pressure had been soaked and possession was regained, a long ball was fired up to Traore, to engage in a tussle with either of the reds centre halves. Thanks to his freakish physical attributes, this worked a few times as a worried Van Dijk resorted to putting the ball into touch. 

 

Again though, similarly to the Burnley match, Wolves’ positives remained in the defensive areas, with this art of defending episode provided by yours truly: Conor Coady. Saiss and Kilman were exceptional once again, with Saiss preventing an almost certain tap in from the form-man right now, Mohamed Salah. But our captain will receive the majority of my praise with one of the greatest goal line clearances anyone will see. Jota capitalised on a moment of miscommunication from Saiss and Sa, finding himself running in on an open goal with only a helpless Kilman and Coady to beat. What came next epitomised the word sacrifice, with Conor Coady leaving everything on the goal line.

Key moments

 

Aside from Jota’s back post header, and the square ball with Saiss doing enough to prevent Salah, the back five were immense in keeping Liverpool’s world class talent quiet for 45 minutes. The second half became a game of maintaining a compact defensive unit and using Adama’s pace and physicality to generate counter opportunities. Managing to weather the storm for 94 minutes, Van Dijk reached Salah with a long-range pass, and the Egyptian’s touch took it way away from Hoever, who then found Origi, smartly finishing on the turn to send the Steve Bull lower into pandemonium. 

 

Man of the match – Rayan Ait Nouri

You could choose any of the back five as the MOTM and there wouldn’t be many qualms. However, many hail Mo Salah as the best player in the world right now, many said how Rayan Ait-Nouri would be his next victim. Salah was lucky that our Algerian star boy got injured because I highly doubt Liverpool would have won if it would not have been for the 20-year old’s substitution. Rayan shushed the Premier League legend for 93 minutes, tackles and interceptions galore. Boss. 

 

Improvements 

 

Defending brilliantly is wonderful, and the greatest teams often leave you with little choice in the matter. However, our attacking display was abysmal today, we were extremely one dimensional and Alisson had nothing to do all game. Wolves wasted possession cheaply, the front men lacked cohesion and the ball would not stick. Manchester City will dominate possession, replicating the defensive performance of today will help, but being more efficient in the final third must improve. Five shots on target in three games is embarrassing. Additionally, the concept of a substitution is to give an advantage to your team in the latter stages, ours seem to be aiding the opposition recently and this is no fault of Bruno, our squad depth is nothing short of comical. A message to FOSUN – January investment has to happen.

Sam Beeken is part of the Talking Wolves editorial team – you can follow him here

Steve Bull Stand

Wolves 0-0 Burnley Match Report

by with No Comment Match ReviewsNews

Cold, Wednesday night football against notoriously ‘anti-footballing’ sides have become somewhat of a hallmark within Premier League culture. Wolves discovered this as they played out a 0-0 draw against a struggling Burnley side, following a disappointing display against Norwich over the weekend. A game that provided an opportunity for Wolves to gather points with a difficult Christmas period looming; resulted in another disappointing result for the home side, failing to capitalise upon their chances. 

Burnley, as well as Wolves, were missing key players such as Tarkowski and Westwood as suspensions were carried from their postponement vs Tottenham. COVID isolation for Podence and a poor performance from Trincao created space in the starting eleven for Adama Traore. An addition that was welcomed by many after a game against Norwich lacking offensive creativity.

An attritional first period saw Wolves have a couple of half chances, but nothing that tested Pope of note. Until the ball broke for Traore and Jimenez, a two-on-one situation with only Charlie Taylor to beat. The Spaniard managed to generate an angle and blast his shot onto the underside of the crossbar – rippling the net, but not in the way the deceived South Bank had thought. In hindsight, Raul was in acres of space, and was one square ball from sending us in front, but a Traore determined to prove his worth was understandably hungry for a solo attempt. Chris Wood succeeded in finding himself between Wolves’ centre-halves, sending the Molineux faithful into a claret-coloured nightmare after his last display in Wolverhampton, but nothing came to fruition.

The second half story followed from the first, Wolves holding lots of the possession and working it well into key areas, whilst Burnley sat back and waited for a mistake. The narrative of the game was centred around the defences, as any of Burnley’s threats were cut off at source. Unfortunately, Dyche’s men stood firm too, with many of our attacking moves lacking final product, or blocked come the final ball. Personally, Ait Nouri and Semedo looked fatigued, every time an opportunity to take Taylor or (previously carded) Lowton on, the safer option was favoured, returning responsibility to the midfield duo.

 

Key moments

Bar Adama’s crossbar rocket and two lame attempts on goal from Dendoncker and Hwang, Pope had an easy day at the office, occasionally warming himself up by catching a lazy cross. Since Burnley had two defenders on yellow cards before the break, I was surprised not to see more pressure put on them, either to force a mistake or another foul. Not exactly one for the neutral on Amazon Prime, it was a game lacking key moments, instead, the stadium happened to be praying for one from Traore.

 

Man of the match  – Adama Traore

Considering the contract speculation that Adama has been subject to recently, it would be easy for him to become a passenger in this game and almost force Lage’s hand into a January exit for the winger. Additionally, many fans have their questions for Adama, and they have the right to question background affairs such as wage demands and contract negotiations, but his dedication on the pitch cannot be questioned. We were never going to score today, but he gives the team opportunities, and he gets you off your seat – every single game. He missed our only decent chance, but with every attacking move having him involved, only Podence can keep him out of the starting eleven right now.

 

Improvements 

Onto the nightmare before Christmas. Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea all before the 25th. Liverpool’s press will be relentless on Saturday, which is why having Neves back will be crucial. Wolves kept the ball well against Burnley, but this is no challenge against a side employing time-wasting tactics from the 55th minute. The same must be done against Liverpool, by developing any possession we have into chances on goal, as two shots on target out of 16 isn’t good enough. Our toughest challenge so far, but knowing Wolves like I know I do; we’ll turn them over easily.

 

Sam Beeken is part of the Talking Wolves editorial team – you can follow him here

 

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Wolves 1-2 Man Utd Match Report

by with No Comment Match ReviewsNews

Wolves were overcome by a youthful Manchester United side as they bid farewell to their departing manager Nuno Espirito Santo. 

Antony Elanga gave the visitors the lead with a bullet header from 12 yards, but the lead was cancelled out by Nelson Semedo who poked home from Fabio Silva’s pass. 

United retook the lead on the brink of half-time as Juan Mata converted a controversial penalty, and it proved to be the decisive goal. 

 

Match Report

This match was always going to be the backdrop to what was an emotional farewell to a coach who has transformed the club over his four year tenure. Nuno was greeted by hundreds of fans as he said goodbye to the city that has welcomed him with open arms, and it proved to be as emotional as we thought it would be. 

However, there was a game to be played, and Nuno went with his tried and trusted five at the back with a midfield trio and two up top. Underperforming players Joao Moutinho and Leander Dendoncker started with Ruben Neves, whilst the usual back three of Conor Coady, Romain Saiss and Willy Boly kept their places. Rayan Ait-Nouri played what could be his last game for Wolves should they decide not to take up their permanent option to buy. 

Fabio Silva and Adama Traore were tasked with providing the creative output, and the latter did what he needed. Traore opened up the game only four minutes in when he burst past several United defenders before putting his shot wide of the post. Young Brandon Williams, who has previously performed well against the Spaniard, couldn’t get close to him and this allowed Wolves to create space in behind and look dangerous. 

The danger wasn’t able yield results however, as Wolves fell behind early on yet again this season on 13 minutes. A cross from the right-hand side beat the back three, and 19-year-old Elanga peeled off Ait-Nouri to power home a header for his first ever Premier League goal. The goal was indicative of the issues Wolves have had aerially this season and it was again frustrating to see a lack of learning from their mistakes as the centre-backs were sluggish to close out any chance of an effort on goal. 

Soon after going behind, things went from bad to worse as Traore had to be taken off with what looked like a hamstring issue – not the first injury woe Wolves have had this season. Willian Jose came on to replace him and it looked drab for a team that has struggled in front of goal this season. 

Fortunately for the side, there was still some good football left in the tank as they were able to combine the midfield and forward lines effectively to draw level. Dendoncker made rare use of his physical stature to burst through midfield after a lovely Moutinho flick, he then played the ball on for Fabio Silva who placed an excellent ball across the box and Nelson Semedo was there to side foot home his first of the season 39 minutes in.

The game ended up being an even contest after the equaliser, but Rui Patricio still had to stay alive as he made a sharp save at his near post to deny United a second. The goal wasn’t to be denied though as Mike Dean controversially awarded a penalty to the away side in added time of the first half after Saiss was adjudged to have tripped Donny Van De Beek. Juan Mata confidently dispatched the spot kick and it was back to the drawing board for Wolves at the break. 

The second half proved to be a real stalemate yet again as Wolves found it difficult to break down United’s defence, either through the wide/inside channels and centrally. Willian Jose was proving to be as ineffective as ever and Silva couldn’t find much service to play off. The Red Devils could and should have added a third when Dan James was sent clean through on goal, but his poor attempt at a chipped finish bounced well wide of the net. 

United’s young side were able to hold on to all three points despite some late pressure from Wolves which saw the midfield push up and Morgan Gibbs-White added centrally to add some creative flair. 

It wasn’t the way Nuno would have wanted to bow out, but it’s a result which summarises the season and shows why Fosun have been looking for a new direction heading into next season. 

The scenes at full-time were incredible, as Nuno was given a true lap of honour with fans belting out the famous ‘Nuno had a dream’ and lauding him with the loudest cheers and applause heard at Molineux in over a year. It showed how he is a manager that has connected an entire city and has been a stellar person and gentleman throughout his whole tenure. The eloquence of his quotes, the memories of Europe and off the field connections were all symbolised in what was a magical moment for him and his coaching staff. 

He was given a guard of honour by his players and looked on with teary eyes as he left the pitch for the final time. A fitting farewell for the best Wolves manager of a generation. 

The club now look on to an enormous summer which will show what Fosun have outlined for next season. The next managerial appointment is expected to be swift, but no matter who they are, they will be backed by a full house at Molineux next season, with fans ready to see a rejuvenated squad that can push up the league and build on from the foundations built by Nuno. 

Tom Parker is part of the Talking Wolves editorial team – you can follow him on Twitter here.

Billy Wright Stand Molineux

Wolves 1-0 Sheff Utd Match Report

by with No Comment Match ReviewsNews

Wolves made it back-to-back wins in the Premier League for the first time since February thanks to a first goal in old gold for Willian Jose. It was a dull encounter which ultimately confirmed Sheffield United’s relegation to the SkyBet Championship. The Blades were spirited and more than a match for Wolves, but the away side failed to find the net meaning Nuno’s men cement themselves in 12th place on 41 points.

Wolves (3-4-3): Patricio, Boly, Coady, Saiss, Semedo, Dendoncker, Moutinho, Ait-Nouri, Podence, Jose, Traore (Subs Used: Vitinha, Silva)

Sheff Utd (3-5-2): Ramsdale, Baldock, Ampadu, Egan, Bryan, Stevens, Osborn, Norwood, Fleck, Brewster, McGoldrick. (Subs Used: Mousset, Burke, Bogle)

Just as Nuno seemed to have set out his stall for a four at the back formation for the remainder of the season, he changed it once again and opted for the more familiar back three. It was surprising to see after a relatively comfortable defensive display against Fulham last weekend, and the return of Wolves’ strongest defender Willy Boly. The absence of Pedro Neto may have forced his hand, but the likes of Fabio Silva, Vitinha and Morgan Gibbs-White have all earned more playing time than they have received in recent months. Daniel Podence adopted a more central position, playing in the ‘Number 10’ role behind Willian Jose and Adama Traore, the latter of which embraced his role in a front two. Sheffield United interim manager Paul Heckingbottom has continued to with the 3-5-2 formation which was prominent throughout Chris Wilder’s time in charge, meaning the sides were relatively similar in terms of shape. 

And it was not just in shape where Wolves and Sheffield United were indifferent, as a cagey first half ended goalless. Willy Boly came closest to opening the scoring after an unorthodox back heel was cleared onto the bar before falling into the arms of Ramsdale. United had little in the way of opportunities but controlled possession well, with Wolves happy for the away side to keep the ball in their own half. Wolves improved in the second half, with the game panning out almost exactly as many will have predicted. Willian Jose’s goal owed a lot to Nelson Semedo who blocked Edna Stevens effort just seconds before at the other end, before Traore’s great work to set up the Brazilian. Sheffield United then opened up and forced a fingertip save from Rui Patricio as Edna Stevens turned away from Leander Dendoncker on the edge of the area. However, Wolves saw the game through without any major scares, and perhaps should have doubled their head as Romain Saiss missed from close range after controlling a Joao Moutinho free kick in a good position.   

 

Key Moments 

Jose Goal  – A deadly Wolves counterattack ended in a very welcome goal for Willian Jose. It could have been so different had Nelson Semedo not blocked Enda Stevens goal bound strike at the other end, before picking out Daniel Podence on the right. He found Dendoncker who was closed down by Bryan, leaving space for Adama Traore to run at John Egan. He passed the Ireland international with ease and found the unmarked Willian Jose who fired home beyond Ramsdale from six yards.

 

Man of the Match – Adama Traore

It was a game that needed Adama Traore, without whom Wolves would probably not have left with all three points. While he did at times appear wasteful in the final third, he was keen to get on the ball and direct in attack. He embraced the more central role and looked to support Willian Jose higher up the pitch, something that led to an improved performance from the Brazilian striker too. After coming under criticism this season, one goal and two assists in his last three games have shown that Adama is still one of Wolves’ most valuable players.

 

Final Thoughts 

Wolves must keep hold of Traore 

If there was even the slightest bit of doubt in any Wolves fans mind that Adama Traore wasn’t a key player in the side, they have surely been eradicated in these past few weeks. He is very much back to his best, having a big influence on games and finally getting his first Premier League goal of the season, as well as two assists. But these stats have not done Traore justice this season, with his stunning goal in the FA Cup win over Crystal Palace, his wonder strike which cannoned off the crossbar onto the goalkeeper and into the net against Leeds and the penalty he won which Neves converted against Brighton all seemingly forgotten about by the stat enthusiasts. He poses a threat at any given time and can produce a spontaneous moment of brilliance to win a football match when others would not, as shown with his goal in stoppage time against Fulham last weekend. 

 

The ever-improving Semedo 

Club record signing Nelson Semedo came in for a lot of criticism early in the season, much of which was vindicated after a number of lacklustre performances which included mistakes directly leading to goals. Since the turn of the year the Portuguese international has improved tenfold and is beginning to show why Wolves paid such a high fee for him. He is comfortable in possession and has adapted his game having realised Premier League players will not give you the time on the ball he may have had in LaLiga. He looks to get forward at every opportunity and began to work up a promising partnership with Pedro Neto prior to his injury. And perhaps most important of all Semedo has cut out the mistakes and become a reliable and solid defender as both a wing back and a full back. He handled Fulham’s Antonee Robinson extremely well at Craven Cottage, and also produced a vital block in Saturdays win which ultimately led to the winning goal. He could well be a crucial part of the side next season as Wolves look to get back to into the European hunt. 

 

This just isn’t entertainment 

Successive wins mean Wolves are all but safe and could even push for a top half finish if they finish the season strongly. However, almost every game is met with numerous complaints about just how boring Wolves have been for large parts of this season, and this is hard to argue against. There are a number of factors that explain Wolves’ demise into the bottom half of the table, and many fans accept that. But it is hard to accept the drab football that has been on offer, especially when playing three at the back. The narrow win against a stranded Sheffield United side brought back fairly recent memories of the 2015/16 season, when Wolves went 4 successive home games drawing 0-0 and averaged just one shot on target per game. Then Head Coach Kenny Jackett came under intense pressure with such poor football on offer and was relieved of his duties by new owners Fosun at the end of the season. Now Wolves are nowhere near that stage, but the entertainment value must improve. Wolves have very little to play for with just six games remaining, so some form of experimentation with some more attacking football on offer would improve the mood among the fanbase who are still watching on from home. 

Ciaran Barker is part of the Talking Wolves editorial team – you can follow him on Twitter here.