Questions Answered – Wigan 0 Wolves 1
Posted by Thomas on 18th August , 2009YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES!
…ahem….
What a night and what a result.
Via the wonders of illegal online video streaming, I was able to kick every ball with our heroes in gold and black, albeit with a few seconds delay. And what a performance it was that brought us those crucial first 3 points of the season and a first ever Premiership away win.
It seems to me that every time questions are asked of Mick and his team of young guns, they nearly always seem to deliver the answers.
Keogh - Continues to Prove Doubters Wrong
None more so than Andy Keogh, who rose perfectly to glance in a lovely header with just 5 minutes on the clock. And that after minutes earlier he’d curled over a beauty that came back off the angle and left Kirkland in no-mans land.
For me, that’s two Premiership performances where Keogh has looked the real-deal. How many more times does this guy have to come up with the goods when the pressure’s on, before some sections of the fans cut him some slack?
And while we’re answering questions, what happened to the defence that couldn’t deliver a clean sheet in a laundrette? I thought Craddock and Mancienne were both immense and supported bravely by Stearman and Ward. Of course, they had the luxury of a five-man midfield sitting in front of them, but that doesn’t take away from what was a stubborn rearguard against some tricky opponents.
Once again Milijas looked the business. Tidy on the ball and willing to put a foot in when called upon. He might not have had the same impact as he did against West Ham, but it was his quality delivery that found the head of Keogh for Wolves’ crucial opening goal. Two games in is slightly premature to be hailing a new player as your Messiah, but I really believe we’ve unearthed a gem in the skillful Serbian. Keeping him fit could prove crucial.
OK, we had our backs to the wall in the second-half but the way in which Wolves were able to slam the door shut so convincingly gives me a great amount of hope moving forward. Plus we were denied a stonewall penalty for Titus ‘How Did I Make it?’ Bramble’s cynical push on Keogh, for which the Irishman was unbelievably booked for diving.
What a difference a result makes though eh? From thinking ‘how are we going to get a team out capable of getting a result?’ you’re suddenly dreaming ‘how good could this team be when all of our young stars are fit?’.
It’s a question we’re all looking forward to finding out the answer to.
But for now, we’re all just happy to sit back and bask in the fact that Wolves have already delivered some telling answers of their own.
Player Ratings
Here’s a player-by-player rundown:
Wayne Hennessy
7/10 – Was given much better protection than Saturday and looked far more assured. Spilled a cross in the first-half, but other than that handled and kicked impeccably. Never really called into serious action despite second half pressure.
Richard Stearman
7/10 – Stood in for Kevin Foley and delivered a typically solid performance. He was beaten a couple of times by the trickery of Koumas, but other than that looked pretty comfortable. Was booked for diving in on N’Zogbia in the second-half.
Michael Mancienne
8/10 – Another performance which reminds us exactly why we all wanted to see this lad back at Molineux. Read the game beautifully, was comfortable in possession all night and had the pace to get back-in and cover on the few occasions Wolves were caught out at the back. Looks every bit an England defender in the making.
Jody Craddock
8/10 – Far better performance than Saturday. Headed and kicked away everything that came near him and used all his experience to marshal the defence. Will he continue to be a first-choice centre-half when Berra’s fit and Zubar gets up to speed? I wouldn’t put it passed him.
Stephen Ward
8/10 – Another performance that was full of promise from the left-back. Although he got forward to support Jarvis well on a few occasions, it was his defending that caught the eye. Stood up well to the challenge of N’Zogbia and got in some important blocks and clearances as Wolves shut-up shop. Like Keogh, his stock has undoubtedly risen in these first two matches.
Greg Halford
7/10 – Continues to impress with performances that are full of determination. He’s definitely Mick’s kind of player and brings many useful qualities to the table. He was guilty of smashing over a golden close-range chance to make it 2-0, but he more than made up for that with tremendous work-rate.
Karl Henry
8/10 – Full of industry as ever and enjoyed some company sitting in-front of the back four for a change. He was hard in the tackle all night and was prepared to get the ball down and look for a pass when it was on. Hard to fault him at all after these first couple of games.
Nenad Milijas
8/10 – In a match that was more about digging in than playing free-flowing football, Nenad had less opportunity to show what he’s all about. That being said, his quality still shone through with some nice touches and trademark passing. Sent over some brilliant dead-balls, the first of which found the head of Keogh for the goal. Withdrawn in the second half and given a deserved rest.
Dave Edwards
8/10 – This is exactly the kind of game where you’d expect him to shine. Given the job of using that engine to get up and support Keogh, he more than justified his position in the starting XI. In a three-man midfield, he has license to get around more and close people down, which he did all night.
Matt Jarvis
8/10 – That’s more like it Matty. After struggling against West Ham, our flying winger looked far more comfortable in his second Premiership outing. Worked his socks of all night and was often the outlet when we wanted someone to carry the ball up the field. Grew into the game and looked more of a threat as Wigan committed men forward.
Andy Keogh
9/10 – Man of the Match performance from a player that looks determined to make the most of his chance. Thrived in the lone striker role and gave Bramble and Scharner a tough time of it. Desperately unlucky to see his early shot come back off the woodwork, but found the net minutes later with a perfectly timed header.
Substitutes
Sam Vokes
7/10 – Came into the game late-on and tried his best to hold the ball up. Did a good job of helping to run the clock down but never really had the opportunity to show what he can do in and around the penalty area.
Andrew Surman
7/10 – Given his first chance to show what he can do late-on and looked good on the ball. It will be interesting to see what position Mick uses him in as the season progresses. Deployed out wide on this occasion.
David Jones
7/10 – Given the second half to show what he can do and could of got his name on the scoresheet with a volley from the edge of the area. Knowing how well he can strike a ball, I was disappointed he didn’t test Kirkland with that effort. Slotted in well for Milijas and should the Serb not be available, you’d imagine it would be Jones who might deputise.
AWESOME PERFORMANCE AND RESULT!!!
BLOODY LOVING IT!
GOT WORK TOMORROW BUT IM CELEBRATING THIS BRILLIANT RESULT TONIGHT!
The team gave 110%, especially Keogh, Henry, Edwards, Ward, Mancienne, and Craddock.
Bring on Man City!
WE ARE WOLVES!!
Just home from the game. Very, very proud. Simple as that.
Woke up for very good reason. WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Just watched the full game courtesy of Setanta Canada and what a game – I thought they may set the stall out to defend at all costs, but although they defended resolutely, they attacked and attacked and attacked – absolutely fantastic! Andy Keogh is proving to be a real handful in this league, maybe the extra time he has on the ball suits him better than the Coke league, but to all the boo boys out there who have given this guy a hard time, watch the last two games and try and boo him now! Andy Keogh, respect mate for a job well done! I for one hope you keep your place in the team!
I was at the game last night and can’t even begin to put into words just how well we played!! Every player to a man was outstanding. Henry and Edwards closed down every ball, killed every attack and protected the back four all game. Keogh covered every blade of grass, linked the play well and looked a threat going forward, Ward didn’t put a foot wrong all game and was quality (again), mancienne had his man in his pocket all game, won every header and was first to the ball every time, Jarvis not only protected his full back but also gave his man a torrid time when he got forward (something he was still doing in injury time!!)……..I could go.
Tom I’ve got your player ratings for you right here mate, 10/10 for every one of them. And i’d seriously like anyone to come on here and try to say we are being over generous this time!!!!!
I was listening to Radio WM, who praised the lot of them, particularly Edwards and Keogh. Where did they get the 4mins of injury time from? No nails left!!! I have already been told I am not a real fan for not rating Keogh, so looks like I need a stint on the bench myself. I love it!
Andy, I salute you. You’ve made me eat some humble pie today. I hope to stay bloated for months.
I was more impressed with his effort before the goal itself, daft as that sounds. It would have beaten Noble’s effort for quality IMO.
One thing about this team is no matter who is out there under McCarthy’s reign; Craddock, Ward, Potter, Breen, or even Craig Davies and Jemal Johnson…They always come off the pitch having given 110 per cent. Thank you Mick (and Tony Daley!)
Sorry Tom just seen that you’ve now added in your player ratings. Sorry mate didn’t mean to undermine you. I’m still sticking to my 10/10 ratings though!!
Except for maybe Keogh, Henry and Edwards who i’d like to change to 11/10!!
Quick word about Nenad – was great to see him putting in a shift while he was on, as I had heard his work rate wasn’t necessarily that great, but he seems super-commited to the cause.
Flipping heck, this is great!
And thank you to the powers of the internet for letting me watch.
Great game, great atmosphere, great performance and a truly great result. Oh and also, great bar in the ground before the game- did anyone else go into the randon marquee bar they had set up in the ground for away fans?!
Feeling very chuffed today! Well worth arriving home at 12.30am and being shattered for work this morning!
@kwolf- how on earth did you get back so early?!!
Went to the game and just wanted to reiterate what everyone has said about Mancienne. I’m amazed no other Premiership team has tried to get hold of him! They way he beat his man to every ball was incredible, and his little run at the end, where he took on half their team before losing the ball and leaving us horribly exposed at the back, shows that he really does play without fear and with tons of self-belief.
Also, impressed by Surman’s contribution. After coming on he put in two crosses, both of which were not far off resulting in goals.
Good to see we can play with just one man up front and still look dangerous on the attack, that will be very important in the coming 37 games!
Still in dreamland this morning, after not winning away all season last time we were in the premier league to win at the first time of asking feels incredible.
A point on saturday would give us the sort of start we were all hoping for and i’m glad ben has finally admitted he might have underestimated keoghs ability.
Great result, followed the game online and absolutely chuffed!
Seems Wolves have a lot for strength in depth than some (including myself) have given them credit for. Will resolve to have more faith in the future!
Also, does anybody know of a good link for highlights from the game?
Absolutely quality night last night, we out played them and out sang them. Keogh, Edwards and Mancienne were the stand out performances but every player pretty much played the best i’ve seen of them. Can’t believe i was doubting them before the game.
It started bizarely, having a few beers in a fake marquee, and ended even more bizarely with wolves winning away in the premiership.
Bit disappointed we’re only 11th though, we should be at least top 10 by now.
that should have read ‘more’ rather than ‘for’, apologies.
Highlights here: Virgin Media Match Highlights
Cheers Tom. How that wasn’t a penalty I’ll never know! Good job it didn’t matter in the end.
Oleg – With you on Mancienne. Looked every bit a class act. Hopefully Mick will ignore any calls he gets from Anchelotti asking about how he is getting on. In fact i’d just delete his number!!! Yeah and Surman did play well when he came on. Was also very impressed by Halford, the number of balls he won in the air for Keogh to feed off was unbelievable. Seriously don’t think he lost one all night. The boys who are out injured are going to have a battle on their hands to get back in this team if we keep this level of performance up.
Ezz, i live in Manchester so only 30-40 mins for me to get home. Some very convenient away games for me this year. I can get to Stoke,City,United,Wigan, Blackburn,Liverpool,Everton, Bolton and Burnley quicker than i can the Wolves!
Great performance last night, just have to carry that commitment to City on Saturday, and, who knows, we may just swing a surprise.
Kwolf- fair play. Nice short journey for you on Saturday then! And bragging rights at work for you Monday morning if we get a result!!!
Well what can I say possibly the best £20 I have ever spent. Before I talk about the game a big shout must go to Nico’s dad for paying the petrol down there!!
The overwhelming feeling today is pride, never in my years of supporting wolves have I seen such a battling and yet mightly impressive team performance. Every single one of them deserves enormous credit. I dont think there is a single blade of grass on the Wigan pitch that does Dave Edwards did not cover at least twice. Andy Keogh, who despite being subject to totally unjustified abuse from so called fans towards the end of last season, looks like he was born to play in the premier league. Michael Mancienne who is undergoing an operation this morning to have Rodallega removed from his back pocket. Stephen Ward who despite being a striker by pedigree has become a left back and looks like he has been playing there for years. Then there is our very own Karl Makalele Henry, I had my doubts about Henry before this season. I love it when I am proved wrong.
After an impressive if morale damaging performance on Saturdey I went last night hoping for the best but expecting the worst. Like most others If offered a point I would have snatched there hand off. Top goalscorer for 2 years injured, record signing injured, player of the season injured and against a Wigan team bouyed by there impressive victory at Villa Park the odds were against us.
The sea of Gold and black that decended on th DW stadium increased my already overly large chest. It was like being at a home game, not difficult with only 12000 Wigan fans deciding to make the long trip to there local stadium. How our boys responded to the support. Well done Mcarthy and all of the boys I am so proud of them. On to City on saturday and pre maddonnas dont like it up them so lets do this. Prediction for saturday 1-1.
Player ratings spot on for me. The game was won on belief and sheer hard work – good job the players weren’t reading the negativity on here yesterday I think! This season is all about belief and hard work – we will be outplayed and we will lose games but its the attitude of the players and fans that will keep us in this league or get us relegated. If we doubt our team then our team will doubt themselves – lets be positive from now on, bring on Man Shi**y and their team of prima – donnas – will they be ready for a bit of black country pride and passion?? 2-1 Wolves is my prediction!
Too right Jed, the great thing about this team is the hunger and no matter who’s on the field they will all play to the best of their ability. They are mostly young lads who’ve got something to prove and that showed last night. Even if the fans start to loose faith i don’t think they ever will. Nothing but P.M.A. from me from now on.
Prediction: Wolves win 5-0
@Fadsie – My Dad says he’ll pay for the petrol to every game if we keep coming back with 3 points.
How I love the ‘fickleness’ of Wolves fans (this is in no way aimed at this board where no-one picked us to lose against West Ham), but I enjoy how quickly we can jump back on the bandwagon. Highs and Lows, Swings and Roundabouts. Gee this EPL gig is fun.
Nicko – Hope your old man realises what he’s getting himself into there, especially when we finish in the top 6 (was going to say top 4 but didn’t want to get too carried away after one result!!! haha!!) You, me, Ezz and Fadsie all off on a European tour courtesy of Big Ive!!! Get in
After Jed’s post yesterday, I am in agreement with whatever he says!!! I’m off to the Oval to watch the Ashes this weekend, so I’m adopting this PMA attitude to Straussy and the boys too. I haven’t ever entertained the thought we could win the Ashes, such is my typical outlook on all things sport, but why not? I have to change my mental attitude.
The result was a complete and utter shock to me, and I’m still on cloud nine.
Nice one Ben! England to force the aussies to follow on, and then destroy them with a 10 wicket victory! How I miss English sport, wait a minute, how I miss sport – this American stuff is not sport – hockey, american football, basketball snore snore snore! Thank god for Setanta sports!
Jed, didn’t realise you were out there mate! My dad’s mate emmigrated to Houston, so I have to follow the Houston Rockets. And its New England Patriots in NFL. I’ll have to keep you posted on the Ashes, and will keep my fingers crossed for the Wolves!!
Big rumours over here that Rafa Benitez has quit Liverpool – anybody heard anything about this in the UK?? Better transfer Torres & Gerrard out of my fantasy team sharpish!
lots of great feedback, and, even if we lose on Saturday, we will still have 3 points from first 3 games, on par for survival.Weird how there have been no draws yet
How good would it be to have 4 pts from 3 games. Fantastic. Come on you Wolves. I want an original draw.