Thank goodness the game of football is played over 90 minutes and not 45.
At half-time I think most fans in the away end were thankful it was only 2-0. Wolves had been battered all over the pitch by a Stoke side that looked sharper, more organised and hungrier for the fight. And had it not been for some assured handling and one particularly fine save by our impressive keeper, the game would have been completely out of sight.
View from the away end (click to expand)
The swift counter-attack that gave the home side the lead was impressive, but easily preventable from a Wolves perspective. Edwards was caught out (as he far too often is) after marauding forward and Zubar was too easily blown away by the pacy Etherington. George tracked his man well, but the less said about his attempted clearance the better I think.
Their second goal was a fine strike, but again, preventable. Berra’s clearance under pressure wasn’t bad, but somebody left Etherington to his own devices on the edge of the area. He can’t be given the time to chest the ball and get a strike away. Bad defending and game over it seemed.
And as bad as it was defensively, it was worse going forward. I can see why McCarthy picked Iwelumo and he offered good nuisance value throughout, but nobody else really seemed to show any kind of spark or creativity. As a result, we created absolutely nothing in the first 45, so how we were going to claw our way back from two down was anyone’s guess.
All eyes were firmly fixated on the bench at half-time. Somebody was coming on and I would have put my house on it being Jarvis or SEB. So when Milijas emerged stripped off, I don’t think I was the only one a little surprised. In a physical game, where none of our players were getting time on the ball, it seemed strange to introduce the Serbian.
But of course I was forgetting one important thing; quality players make time for themselves. And there’s no doubting that this lad is quality.
When we give him the ball and a chance to operate, he opens doors like nobody else in our side can. And from dead-ball situations, his delivery is better than anything I’ve ever seen from a Wolves player. The fizzing balls he sent in for both of Craddock’s goals were sublime and everytime we got a corner or a free-kick, you could see that Stoke were uneasy. He completely changed the game, so Mick must take a large chunk of credit for such a shrewd decision, when it would have been far easier to send on a forward.
What a day it was for Jody as well. He stood up big and strong in defence and to twice get on the end of something to drag us back into the match was just incredible. That second header was magic and timed to utter perfection. He was the hero of the day for me and the fact that he barely even stayed on the pitch at the final whistle to soak up the acclaim, shows what a professional he is.
It was another impressive performance from Henry as well. Even in the difficult first half scrap, he looked a cut above anything they had in the middle of the park and after the break, he really came into his own. Castillo also did well in the first 45 but his place must surely be under threat now from the resurgent Milijas. That’s an interesting one for next week.
Others weren’t so good. Elokobi had another torrid time and I’m afraid to say, does look a real weak link at the moment. Perhaps it could be time to introduce Mancienne or even Stearman at left-back. Yesterday was definitely one to forget for the beefy defender.
Final Whistle (click to expand)
Michael Kightly was also poor. There was certainly no lack of effort on the wide man’s part but when he got into good positions in the final third, his final ball was consistently poor. I think we can still put it down to a lack of matches, but he needs to step up his game. He’s got all the tools to do very well, but he’s not firing at the moment.
So all over, a mixed bag for Wolves. That second half gives me a great deal of hope and demonstrated that we won’t go down without a fight against anyone. But if we keep giving teams a head start, then it will certainly be a long, unforgiving season.
I said before this match, that I thought we needed a win to stay out of the bottom three in November and I stick by that. Arsenal next week is going to present our biggest challenge yet, but out of the two games (the other being Chelsea away), I think we’ve got more chance of getting something against the Gunners. It’s about time Molineux saw a win against one of the big boys.
The final mention must go to the fans yesterday. They were absolutely incredible, particularly in the second half.
Say what you like about the atmosphere at the Britannia (overrated), but there was only one section belting out a racket and that was the one decked out in gold and black.
Thomas, very accurate post fella! It was pleasing that we finally got some luck yesterday with Craddocks offside goal, and it was that goal that gave us the belief to get something from the game. Wovles were dominant second half and I have to say we were much better when Big George went off. His passing yesterday was atrocious and he is clearly out of his depth and should be rested. His own goal was very poor – yes he was under pressure, but there is no reason why he had to put through his own net.
So onto Arsenal and if we get anything from this game, although highly unlikely, it will be a bonus. Arsenal are clearly the best footballing team in the league and should easily win against us, however they are also capable of having a shocker, so lets keep our fingers crossed!
Thomas – agree with your report apart from the substitution. Everyone around me was saying that Millijas should be on at half time, our final ball was shocking and only one player could have changed it and boy did he! MM was right IMO to go with Big Chris, that wasnt SE
Hope everyone doesnt get on EWOK’s back – lets remember that 5 years ago he was playing parks football and never really had a spell in the Championship. The guy is on a massive learning curve, his attitude is spot on. That said I believe a rest would be good for him whilst he works on his game away from the spotlight. Macienne in at left back for me.
Jed – bit harsh on him mate, the ball from Etherington across the box was top draw and virtually unplayable especially so when Beattie was all over him.
Great second half, still horse!
Matt – don’t get me wrong, I like big George but he is not playing well enough to keep others out of the side. Unless he’s passing to someone 5 feet away, he generally conceeds possession as he just lumps it up the pitch. The ball fron Etherington was quality, and George was under a lot of pressure, but if he should have hit the ball back from where it was coming from – he was caught out! It was not all his fault though, Zubar should have cut out the cross first and foremost. The own goal is not my main point here though, my main point (and sorry to keep going on & on) is that big George cannot pass the ball and struggles going forward at this level. Stearman looked far more comfortable and his distribution was so much better, and he ain’t a left back!!!
There’s only one Jody Craddock!
It’s about time Jody popped up with a goal. Good to see Milijas have a good game, i think he should start against Arsenal, perhaps in place of Edwards. We are going to need the beef of Henry and Castillo to get stuck into them if we’ve any hope. If we try to play nice football against them, we’ll get beat cuz they’re the masters. When they’re roughed up – ie Bolton, Stoke – they can sometimes struggle
Great comeback from the boys. Shame it took us to be 2-0 down to start playing though
Great result, great comeback, good job it wasn’t on TV here or I would have been in bed at HT ( me of little faith !!)… dare we believe against Arsenal? After seeing them totally outplay Spurs, I fear this could be double figures!! and not to us befores soem smart arse says it !!
Great stuff Thomas. I was listening intently on Radio WM all first half, usual rituals of drinking my cup of tea left handed, doodling, etc, and it sounded like we were getting pummelled. So I opted to change rituals and cut the grass. Heard Craddock’s first just before the mower started, and caught his second when I was emptying the cuttings. Think the neighbours will think I’m strange when they see me cutting the grass on wet, winter afternoons?
So the big question is what to do on Saturday v Arsenal. Sounds like Castillo was pretty poor, while Milijas excellent. So who plays in midfield?
And Mancienne in at left back?
UTW
Jed – agree BGE needs a rest. Will be interesting to se who MM puts in on Saturday at left back.
It’ll be Stearman who plays left back against Arsenal.
In fact, I’m confident of this lineup:
Hennessy
Zubar
Craddock
Berra
Stearman
Kightly
Henry
Edwards
Milijas
Ebanks-Blake
Doyle
That’s based purely on the second half performance against Stoke and the fact that SEB was only dropped because we wanted the beef of Iwelumo up top.
depends if SEB isn’t struggling with his injury again. also edwards for castillo? i know he didnt play great on saturday but at his best he looks better than edwards no!?
Edwards has been too good to lose his shirt IMO, so very tough one to call. Nice position to be in. I think from past experience, Henry works better with Castillo than he does with Edwards. So those two in the middle, then Edwards to fight it out with Milijas?
@Sam & Ben – That is just what I think the team WILL be, not necessarily what I WANT it to be.
I didn’t think Castillo was too bad in the first half on Saturday, so he’ll be a tad unlucky if he’s dropped.
Edwards tries and tries, but there’s definite lack of quality. Also, when he makes those driving runs forward, he gets caught out of position far too much. The first goal on Saturday was a prime example. Saying that, in the second half, the high-tempo game we were playing suited him far better and he looked ten times the player.
Against Arsenal though, I’d go for the steel and solidity of Henry and Castillo in the middle and have Milijas tucking in from the left as he did on Sat.
You can’t pick a best Wolves XI this season because every game needs a different approach and so different players have to be considered.
yeah our best 11 seems to change from game to game making it very tricky for mick to pick a consistent team. often this means a poor first half and mick then changes it so it works the second half. just a bit more consistency and we’ll be ok!
Thomas – i can’t see Kightly been dropped nor Castillo. I think The midfield might go Milijas, Castillo, Henry, Kightly or maybe that’s just my preferred.
Knowing Mick though he may just stick and not start with Milijas at all
Can i just add; isn’t it strange a few weeks back when Milijas was been lamented as a poor signing, waste of money (by some). Well done to the lad
I was surprised when he brought Milijas on, but not when he set up two goals. He showed his passing and shooting abilities against West Ham but like most foreigners he needs time to adapt.
To be honest I think he will start with the same side barring Big George. He’s not premiership class yet, but he can be I reckon.
Hennessey
Zubar
Craddock
Berra
Stearman
Kightly
Henry
Castillo
Edwards
Ebanks-Blake
Doyle.
Wouldn’t be too surprised if Nenad or Big Chris started but can’t see it.
Come on me babbies!
Stearman or Mancienne would do a good job at left back, although for me I would prefer to see Mancienne start. He’s quick, skilful and composed on the ball. Stearman is an excellent player, but I think Mancienne just nicks it. Knowing MM though he will probably play Keogh at left back (just kidding!)
I would much rather have Mancienne as the left back but he brought on Stearman so that’s who will start. You never know about Keogh, I never thought Stephen Ward would play in the premierleague at left back.
Also, it ust occured to me. What about Matt Hill?
I was never a big fan of Matt Hill he always reminds me of a deer in the headlights! However anyone could do a better job than Big George at the moment so if for some reason Mancienne isn’t fit then let Stearman and Hill fight it out for a starting place.
Mick could throw out 15 players against Arsenal and they would still be favourites HA HA.
I would be surprised if Millias didn’t start, given his performance against such a physical team I can see no reason to not have his quality from the start. I would play him on the left at the Castillio and Edwards in the middle wiht Henry.
Left back…mmmm. I don’t think MM fancies Mancienne at all anymore (think I have been proved right on that argument) and so I will say he will stick with BGE.
Hennessy
Zubar
Craddock
Berra
Big George
Kightley
Henry
Edwards
Millijas
SEB
Doyle.
The left back spot is without a doubt our week spot, anyone got any Jan transfer targets in mind to fill this gap in quality???
****That sould say at the expense of Castillio****
Castillo and Henry need to be in the centre for me. Arsenal don’t like a physical challenge, it can frighten them – Stoke away last year, Bolton nearly every year under Allardyce. We need to abandon nice football and get in their faces and risk the wrath of Wenger. That usually means his team has lost
Pete, Mancienne’s been ill and he will stick to his idea of them earning to keep it, which they certainly have.
May as well throw Milijas at them in the first half and see what our team can do against a top flight team. No point playing defense at the expense of offense just to try to hold them for 30 minutes.
Let’s see what we have.
Louie. He missed one match because of illness, and because of how much better defensivley we look WITHOUT him, he has not featured for 1 minute since.
He is fit enough to play (he played agaist wexford this week) he id just not good enough.
Maybe but if it had been the other way round, say Berra got ill he would not be in the team now.
I hope Mick plays him against Arsenal (better option than George at Left Back?) as he is the sort of player to play against them. he is intelligent and can pass.
I think Mick lucked out when Mancienne felt ill, it saved him having to tell him he is dropped because of poor form.
And everyone now thinks he should play left back because he can pass a bit better the big george. Well why not Millijas there if you was a ball player at left back.
Why oh why is everyone on here so hell bent on Mancienne in a wolves team??? The guy is not good enough why can’t anyone see it???