How are the nerves?
Wolves, as we so often do, did it the hard way.
Olympiakos’ stand-in keeper may have gifted us the opener, but this was anything but plain sailing.
I’m sure that most of you were thinking we’d stepped into the Twilight Zone when VAR intervened on our behalf and denied the visitor’s a deserved equaliser.
Though the incident did little to abate my frustration with the current incarnation of the system, it was pleasant to fleetingly experience the good fortune usually reserved for the Premier League’s beloved Big Six.
But after that, we were relying on our own defensive excellence to get us through the tie.
It wasn’t a particularly pleasant evening for Doherty or Vinagre, but their three counterparts in the heart of our defence did a wonderful job of keeping the Greeks at bay.
Not to mention Rui Patricio, who arguably turned in his best performance in old gold (or lime green to be precise).
The Portuguese stopper had to come to the rescue on more than one occasion, repelling a number of clear-cut chances with the sort of airborne agility usually reserved for Clark Kent’s alter ego.
And let’s not forget Raul Jimenez, who turned in yet another tireless performance up top.
Regardless of how the result was achieved, we’re in the last 8 of the Europa League.
Just let that sink in for a minute.
Four years ago, under the not-so-wily management of Walter Zenga, we were contesting a 2-2 draw with Rotherham.
And now, after three wonderful years of unforeseen progress, we’re two games from our first European final in 48 years.
Can we go all the way? It’s certainly a tough route to the final, starting on Tuesday against serial competition winners Sevilla.
But, as Nuno put it so beautifully, dreaming is for free.
Always loved VAR. On to Germany.
Last 16 ? Last 8 surely ?
Typo! My apologies ?
Funny how Euro VAR can give a massive verdict so contrary to what Stockley Park comes up with . I know some of you will just dismiss this as the way it is But I will argue until I am blue in the face that there is an agenda in the premier league. Totally refreshing tonight that we are out of that zone. And my blood pressure needs a measurement. The Euro Refs to me are a breath of fresh air. Happy to discuss.
Breath of fresh air? Podence gets a yellow card for not taking the shortest way off the field when substituted and so now misses what is potentially our most difficult game of the season. Give me Black Country smog any day!
By the way, don’t try and get the Seville-Roma game on catch up because it will give you kittens. There again, I was having kittens last night and we all know the result!
That’s the law I’m afraid Sea Pigeon.
It’s meant to stop time wasting, but I think in young Dan’s case it was just a bit of a brain fade.
Only himself to blame.
Well I said on the preview blog that Wolfgang von Wolf from Wolfsburg was on VAR. I knew we could rely on him.
Is this the real life, is this a fantasy?
No , it’s Wolves going on a bohemian rhapsody.
Last 8 of a European competition six years after leaving League One, 6-4 v Rotherham.
Not one of our best attacking performances but a clean sheet and proof that Rui is our best keeper since Bert the Cat.
We will have chances against Sevilla but we need to take them, they won’t miss theirs .
Great job Nuno, no pressure, one game at a time.
Amazing. Absolutely incredible. We’re into the quarters of a European competition.
I thought we were brilliant for half an hour, then after their ‘goal’ which should have stood, we were under the cosh. A top defensive display from our 3 centre halves and our goalkeeper was excellent. Wolves v Seville in the next round I can’t wait.
Wolves Seville in a European quarter final let that sink in for a min… incredible,
Last 8 mate
Who coaches Seville?
Patricio was magnificent well done boys .
Hans Knackersack
Hans Knackersyard?
Yes Tim, it’s the very same Lopetegui who was going to be our manager before he did a last minute u turn, became the Spain manager and we got the master tactician Zenga instead. The rest is history.
Hopefully, what goes around comes around.
Zenga is now coaching in the 1st division in Italy. Not sure how long that will last. I think they play a much different style there. Been watching some of Cutrone’s games and he just runs the line hoping for a pass. Much different from Wolves.
Just had his contract terminated Zenga had more clubs than Jack Nickalus
Julen Lopetegui. He decided not to come to us so it will be interesting to see his face if they lose Tim.
Anyway. How are you? Good to see you back with us. What did you think of the game, you haven’t said.
I thought we struggled a bit but worked hard so I am a happy clapper just now.
I think Rui saved the game for us.
I think Jota is not consistent enough to be our starting winger if we want to progress.
I think Traore needs to force his way to the centre of the pitch sometimes to offer something different to the opposition ‘s defense or he can be defended against easily.
I don’t think we played nearly as well as we are capable of and we better improve if we want to get past Seville.
Can someone explain what the point was of the rabona shot by Raul? Was he trying to catch the goalie off-guard or did he just prefer that to using his left foot?
In the case of Raul I believe he is the one to answer your question. I agree, we need to step up to progress . Do you think we will beat Sevilla?
Patricio was magnificent well done boys .
I cannot believe it, we held firm dug in which is an apt term to use seen as we are off to the Fatherland.
Great defensive performance by everyone. Are fans allowed in Riech Stad.
Seven clean sheets in the last eight at home .
Sevilla are big favourites so that suits us down to the ground.
Dendoncker back in and two up top to start next game , Jota needs a goal and he needs it against Sevilla as podence will be a big loss .
Traore to come on around the hour mark – we have got this .
Oh , tonight was good too, tough ( as expected) but good , what a shame the fans couldn’t go, the atmosphere would have been on another level.
Come on you wolves
Extremely pleased and still celebrating! One more win and we are in our second semi-final in two years. Tough game and the tension at the end was unbearably but we on to Germany. We can do this?
If that rabona shot from Jimenez had gone in I would have shit my pants
We won that one by sheer guts and determination. — and an absolutely world class goalkeeping performance from of Rui Patricio.
If I was an Olympiakos supporter I would be pig sick that my team could play so well yet lose.
But the result is all that counts at this stage. We are in the last eight. Amazing.
Do we need to strengthen if we are to progress next season to become a genuine top six candidate? Yes of course we do. Today`s game highlighted obvious areas in which we must improve. Quality reinforcements are surely essential. But all that`s for another day.
Now is the time to celebrate the magnitude of our achievement is just three short years under Nuno — and to continue to believe that we can actually go on to win this thing.
Have you changed your mind about the Europa league being a Mickey mouse competition yet, Mike?
Fair point. I deserved that !!
At the start of last season I always felt that this European venture for a ‘diddly squat “cup would be nothing more than a distraction. Far better thought I to concentrate on our progress in the Premiership. But what did I know !!
As time went on I got carried away with the magnitude of what we were achieving — and there was little adverse impact on our league performances.
So now in my mind, this Europa Cup has become far more prestigious than the Champions league trophy. !! We may as well just go ahead an win it. We`re good enough.
Great result but did anyone else note how ridiculously overwatered the pitch was? It made Adama play like Bambi on ice and was instrumental in causing Jonny’s slip which resulted in what appeared to be a serious knee injury. Fortunately, it also caused their forward to slip and miss cue when he had a gilt edged chance near the end.
Nuno needs to have a word with the groundsman.
Perhaps the great Stan Cullis had a hand in it Sea Pigeon my late father used to tell us as kids that he would often flood the pitch before kick off.
Great result so proud.
Olympiacos were very good when they got going, as befits the Greek champions. Our lads only needed a clean sheet to go through but were very positive from the start and dug in when they needed to. All heroes to me and Podence is a game changer. A pity we won’t be at full strength for Sevilla but Nuno never complains and will have his pack ‘ ready’. Gut wrenching not to have been there to be part of it- brilliant to watch Nuno bring everyone together. Covid tests everyone this morning?
That was like the Alamo. Pleased, chuffed and even mildly ecstatic we’ve made it to the last 8!
But boy did we look tired, phew! I thought we were right up for it in the first 20 minutes or so, they looked there for the taking and I was pretty confident about the game’s outcome when the penalty went in.
But boy did they give it to us. VAR, for maybe the first time, gave us a free pass, based on a new law about what part of the arm you can score with. I thought the goal was fine, but in the laws of the game…etc.
With my BT monthly Sports Pass I watched some of the Sevilla game. They look good. It’ll be great to see us compete with this very skilful side, if we can get past them, the dream is alive. But we will have to step up a few gears on last night’s performance.
Not flowing slick football but showed another dimension to this team and in its own way a thing of great beauty.
Nuno has developed this team in many ways, but last night his greatest achievement, the creation of a true ‘team’ was revealed. Every single player giving their all to achieve a win in the face of a fearsome battering. In one game the tiredness and the resolution showed the blessing and the curse of a small but tightly knit squad.
One little area of disappointment is that Jota has lost his way a little when presented with chances requiring a decision. He is overthinking – a clear indication of confidence and maybe the cost of not having a guaranteed starting place. One of just a couple of areas on the pitch we do rotate.
More work needed on the training pitch – but after this season finishes I think.
Well that was a close shave and I’m not just talking about the VAR.
There’s no way their guy should be given offside in the build-up to the disallowed goal. It’s farcical but no more farcical than Neto against Leicester or Jonny against Liverpool or any of the pseudoscience punishment we’ve had to endure this season.
We were stretched to the limit in the second half and perhaps they were unlucky not to score, but I don’t think we should overlook the fact this is a very strong Olympiakos side, probably the best one they’ve had for some time, and we beat them. It’s a considerable achievement.
Patricio made those two excellent saves, but I’d argue we created just as much ourselves on the counter. Podence and Jota both probably should have put the tie to bed. We needed to keep the ball better at times to slow their momentum and I think introducing the Donk helped in that respect. We were better in possession after he came on, albeit at the expense of attacking threat.
For all their domination, they largely relied on crosses into the box for their best moments, which is testament to the shape and organisation of the defence and midfield.
This was the worst performance from Traore I can remember for a long while but hopefully, he can come alive in Germany.
Sevilla are an intimidating outfit – pacey, technical and nasty. We will have to be at our stubborn best and take the chances that come our way to stand a chance, but I have confidence we’ll take them all the way.
Either way, hats off to the lads for what’s been a great season. I think it was important we didn’t splutter out completely after our domestic efforts went unrewarded and getting through this tie showed tremendous character.
Spot on Thomas, another good resume of an absorbing game. Hope Willy is fit for Tuesday, his mastery of the dark arts of defending saved us again. Brilliant.
It became patently obvious what an unsung hero Jonny is after his departure. It’s also a massive disappointment to lose Podence for Tuesday, especially in such a farcical manner.
We did however tough it out with more grit than perhaps we’ve seen in the latter stages of games recently but I’d say anything from here on in is a bonus. I don’t think we’re quite good enough yet or indeed have the squad to win this tournament but with just three matches to go, Dreaming is indeed For Free
Regardless of how the result was achieved, we’re in the last 8 of the Europa League.
Thanks Ben, that statement alone gives me goosebumps.
Hard work and a little luck (I still hate VAR) is what was asked for and what was given.
Bring on Sevilla
Only four and a half months late.
Well worth the wait.
Did you see us in The Steve Bull?
Yes, we did wave, did you see us in Athens?
How could we miss you?
Great result for Wolves and well worth waking up at 4.45am to make sure I get to see the game live here in OZ. Nothing but praise for the team …. however … why do we do silly , stupid mistakes that should NOT be done. I am referring to Podence’s yellow card for not exiting the ground at the proper place. The result being that he is now banned from the next game. (According to Flashscore Commentary he was subbed in the 71st minute and yellow carded in the 73rd.)We used to get the stripping of the top celebration which always earned a yellow. Now this. Please Nuno, teach them all these silly rules so that we don’t lose important players over such trivial matters.
Happy happy
Think I called it right in the preview.. well, no , I did say give me a ‘dubious ‘ penalty for 1-0
However
To win this thing we do need to recover our finer style and coordination as opposed to
Bloody minded defence plus a dose of long overdue VAR charity
But …hells teeth we are going to Germany as one of the favorites!!!
I checked again with my Gunners mate on the bet he placed for me last July
I Have 5 pounds each way at 25:1
COYW…. please
(and no Martin Chivers ahead of us)
Very interesting afternoon in the pub.
One bloke from Sedgley, one bloke from Penn, two blokes from Houston, one of whom used to be a Houston Dynamo reporter for the local rag, and one bloke from Argentina.
First thing I said to him was “ we are still at war with you”
He said he hadn’t even been born at the time of the Falklands war, and from then on, we had a great time.
Lots of beer, breakfast calzones and good natured banter.
Oh, and above the tv showing golf there was a match from The Mol.
The last time we were in a European quarter final, we played Juventus.
Thank dog we don’t have to play them this time.
Our shortcomings were there for all to see.
Vinagre is a powder puff defender.
Doherty lacks pace, and has too many distribution brain farts.
Jota’s confidence is in the toilet.
Traore is a one trick pony.
We rely far too much on Raul.
But.
We won.
Some Greek pratt on Facebook moaned that we were out played, out classed and very lucky.
I will take that all day long.
If we win our next three games 1-0 we are Europa Champions and in the Champions League next season.
It will mean Sleachy has to go and stock up on trousers, like a lot of us, I suspect.
Whether we go all the way or lose on Tuesday, this team have collectively shown to Fosun that
a) they are capable of reaching and winning everything.
b) they are not going to do it without serious investment in new players.
Happy that we are in a quarter final?
Yes.
Nervous and worried about getting spanked?
Most definitely!
But, underdogs can bite you in the balls, so beware Sevilla !
Fancy having villa in your name.
Bit like Brighton and Burton having shit in theirs!!
Well, my fingernails are bitten down to my elbows and I need to replenish the supply of Remy, but – WE ONLY WENT AND DID IT!
As I suspected, Olympiacos were a very good side and, with a bit of luck, would have beaten us.
But for once, the luck was with US.
The off side was apparently due to a new rule brought in about five minutes before the game started (but it still looked to me that the Doc was playing him on), our penalty might well have not been awarded against Man U or Citeh, they had a half decent shout for a penalty that certainly WOULD have been awarded FOR Man U or Citeh… and Rui Patricio performed some miracles between the sticks.
That, coupled with a brilliant performance by our back three and the usual cool finish by Raul, who still looks so tired, (baby still keeping him awake), ensured that our trip to Germany is going ahead.
And if anybody seriously thinks that Conor Coady is past his sell by date, they need their bumps felt.
He, along with Willy and Romain was magnificent.
I reckon that in years to come, after I’m dead and gone, he will be regarded with the same reverence as Frank Munro, Billy Wright, Bill Slater, Emlyn Hughes et al.
And I’ll be sitting up there, with them and all the other greats, sharing a beer and smiling benignly down as the new Wolves raise the Champions League Cup.
Don’t pinch me, I might wake up.
Not sure if I have any fingernails left… What a defensive performance, and MOTM deservedly to world class Patricio. Nobody else looked world class though, but honourable mention to Jimenez. Don’t forget, Olympiacos knocked Arsenal and Spurs out of European competitions, so we have to put last night into proper context. Olympiacos didn’t have an off night, and they were better than us, but we managed to contain them even though everyone but our keeper was below par. Traore had a shocker. I know we used to call Dominic Iorfa Bambi on ice, well Traore looked like the Incredible Hulk on ice. Is his head turned? Crying shame about Podence getting a nothing yellow, but that gives a chance for Neto.to start. Traore to be on bench next round, hopefully comes on with half an hour to go and has a cracker.
As Sea Pigeon stated above, it was the slippery surface that caused Adama’s issues, Dances. Beating the turf in frustration doesn’t smack of having his head turned to me.
No it doesn’t. Maybe he was warming up for a go at the groundsman later? Imagine if Sir Alex was our manager, the groundsman would have had the full hairdryer treatment.
If the surface was too slippery, multiple players would have gone down surely?
I now actually think Traore has problems with balance emanating from his rather remarkable physique. He’s very top-heavy in his upper torso, leading him to topple over quite easily, especially while running at speed. The only other player to go down so frequently is a diver by the name of Grealish! Traore doesn’t dive, he’s just unbalanced. Does that make sense?
I think it does make sense Dances but let’s not forget that Traore’s principal asset is his speed followed by his quick turns in a tight spot and both rely on a sure footing( that’s why full time runners wear spikes). Orhers were slipping around too, example Jonny in the lead up to his injury.
Most of it’s been said above, but I’ll add my twopennyworth.
Ecstatic with the result, of course, but also quite pleased with how it was achieved. This was a blood and guts, backs to the wall showing against a team who seemed to have the edge all over the pitch after we went ahead.
The penalty was indeed a penalty. The keeper claimed shoulder to shoulder but I can’t think of any keepers who could actually do shoulder to shoulder with Daniel unless they stood him on a box first. Podence’s acceleration to get ahead of Allain was superb.
From then on it was a bit like a siege, with us making occasional forays into enemy territory. We still had the clearest chances though and Diogo needs his legs slapped for missing his. Their attempts though, were met by a couple of terrific saves from Rui who proved once more why he is one of the best shotstoppers in the world.
Our defence in general coped pretty well with the expected onslaught though and I never really got too stressed out with proceedings, unlike those around me who gobbled up a months supply of blood pressure pills in the ninety minutes.
Final word on the VAR decision. Absolute garbage.
The top 6 are crapping themselves, this was penned by Jason Cundy a Chelsea fan and Talk Sport presenter .
I saw that earlier. Says it all doesn’t it about the closed shop at the top of the PL ?
By the same token top six clubs breathed a sigh of relief that the Newcastle takeover was withdrawn. Some said as much that they feared a threat from a newly-minted Newcastle! It showed their naked closed-shop intentions. As it happens, I’m glad it fell through as certain issues with the new owners were disturbing. But other and perhaps more suitable parties will try again, like the American under-bidder.
Years ago there was active debate about the Old Firm in Glasgow joining the PL. That was the last thing the PL closed-shop wanted! After a settling-in period of a couple of years Celtic and Rangers would be challenging the top six. Eventually I think the move was put on the back burner when the PL made it clear the Old Firm would have to start in the fourth tier.
Same old, same old. But there’s hope in democracy. The PL voted against the five substitutes rule continuing into next season, a move favoured by the usual suspects, the grand old top six. The grounds for the vote against was that the rule favoured the big clubs. Who’d have thought…
I saw that piece too. Appalling. I hope a journalist somewhere rips him apart . He clearly wasn’t aware that Arsenal and Chelsea were bang average until rich folk took them over.
I think that is a great point about over-watering the pitch. It was clearly slippery and responsible fot Johnny not keeping his feet and injuring himself and for Adama’s slides. I’ve noticed before the sprinklers at half-time. What is the point? Is it something to do with the new hybrid turf?
Yes, Stan used to water the pitch, but he didn’t do things by halves. What he wanted was a mud bath. Remember Honved and the ball holding up in the clag and pools of water.
Just one other point about Adama. I thought Doherty kept running into his space and not doing much with the ball. Time and again Traore then received the ball infield or with no space to run into. Something not working with this partnership.
Of course, I am allowing myself these gripes in the knowledge of a great, if lucky, victory. Onward to the Sevilla game!
I have to agree with the above poster who said Adama is a one-trick pony. He used to be a two-trick pony but it seems the opposition have found out that if they force him to the goal line for a cross, he is easier to defend against. Only one thing to worry about.
I think he has to force himself into the centre of the pitch half the time even if he loses the ball more often because it will give the opposition more to worry about.
He did that a game or two ago and it resulted in a very nice goal.
Sorry if it sounds like I’m trying to tell Nuno how to do his job. I wouldn’t want him trying to tell me how to develop web services.
Think we got to remember that Adama is constantly playing with that shoulder injury just hope the lad can get repaired before the start of the new prem campaign.
Hope you are keeping well Tim.
I seem to remember the one-trick pony comment being made about Ronaldo when he was at ManUtd (NOT that I am in anyway comparing Traore to Ronaldo). Just making the point that further improvement in the level and type of contribution he makes is not impossible, particularly with our coaching set-up.
It will be interesting to see what style of play Lopegueti has them playing because that might have been the style we would be playing if he had coached us. Of course, he didn’t select this squad from scratch but a general idea might be interesting.
A bit more on the story from Lowves.
Jason Cundy, you are the weakest link. Goodbye.
https://talksport.com/football/742933/wolves-chelsea-europa-league-jason-cundy/
That’s actually really complimentary in an inverted kinda way.
Yet another moronic tosspot who cannot accept that we ARE a top team, and Coady won’t take a step down, in fact it would be several steps, to join Arsenal, or any other team.
And he was a household name, wan’t he?
40 games in four years.
Must have been good.
I’d like to have given you two thumbs up Clive one for your comment and one for your pen name, made me laugh out loud!!
Might not have been me.
Anyway, a good friend would have shown the comment to his wife, and she could have liked it as well!
Wadya mean show it her…. that’s what she calls me!!
I was really disappointed with the Burnley, Arsenal and Sheff Utd games because we did not hold them off right till the bitter end and it cost us. I expressed my feelings because I have seen this team do far better and build a reputation of the team to grab games from the jaws of death deep into the second half of games.
Well last night I thought we played well, executed the game as Nuno likes them to do, strike on the offensive when teams are going forward, defend well at the back and finally got a bit of VAR luck. My first view of the offside had me calling offside all day long, if it were us, it’s definitely an offside. So scales being balanced.
My observations from the game.
Jota with the ball at his feet only the goalie to beat, good save to be fair. Jota receives ball from Dendonker flicking it over the defender to Doc, who passed It to Jota and runs on for the return, only for Jota to misplace the return. Ball breaks loose in an attack wonderful ball from Podence who picked out Neves for a Neves thunderbolt which was blocked by the massive defender really well. Wolves player receives ball offside fires in for a great stop and Jimmy puts the rebound in. So all in all not too much of “Wolves were under the cosh”
Watering the pitch….
Anyone else notice Podence pouring water on the floor of the tunnel and putting his studs in it. ? Players going down faster than Grealish, one Olympiacos player changing boots during the Otto injury.
A report in the papers this afternoon answers the Traore slipping over problem.
Before every game now, he has his arms smothered in baby oil to stop opposing cheats from pulling on his arms in an attempt to dislocate it and have him subbed. Perhaps it ran down and onto his studs.
Last 8 of a European competition, Fookin ell.
I was there for the last lot 50 years ago.
Happy days
Agree about the Jota chance Stu. Although he really should be scoring that, the keeper was very quickly out and it looked to me like Diogo tried to nutmeg him but it was smothered.
I guess they all look easy when yer sat in the pub.
Also agree the Jota chance was not easy. But Nuno’s reaction on the touchline and on YouTube later was pretty clear. He felt Jota should have scored.
Without giving Jason Cundy too much name time…. how easy for him to use his privileged media position to spout his crap about us and the threat we pose to his beloved Chelsea.
Well I’m now going to use my privileged position…‘ wolves blog’ ….. to say what a complete asshole you are .
Who are you to gob off about us…..
You couldn’t even keep Liz Cundy happy and did the dirty on her …. you’re just a complete wally to put it mildly.
You’re brainless, tactless and gutless….. I’m hoping you’re reading this ……
There … that’s what I think of you and your comments……
I quite liked what he said. He fears us. And I am happy that we are feared.
I totally understand what inferences he was making Steve… in that he was fearful of us…. but the words he used were disrespectful and damning that he wished failure on us…. those were his words.
I have no hang ups about Chelsea doing well or even their success in achieving a CL place but I’d never wish them failure… that would be of their own making .. as would success if it came along.
I disagree. I would love the top 6 to fail. That would mean us being 1st. Happy with that.
Don’t sugar gloss it Twixie tell him straight.
He certainly did.
What’s this about us breaching some UEFA financial rule………we haven’t earn enough or something or we have spent to much…….utter bollocks.
I knew it wouldn’t be to long until the authorities came knocking because of all the jealous arse holes top six included didn’t expect it to be UEFA though thought it more likely the Premier League.
Hope FOSUN have the balls to stand up to them…..!
Who is Jason Cundy? A second rate player in a second rate Chelsea team who up until 1993 were sure fire second rate. Back in the late 80’s managed 7000/ 8000 crowds at the bridge. Second rate Now do one.
Jason Cindy is the inherent representation of all the VAR officials! Protect the big six at all costs and shaft the likes of Wolves and Shieffeld!! He is a jackass but at least he is honest!
Why would any fan want new teams to challenge their team for Champions League positions?
Do we want to go into a season thinking we could end up 18th because every team is equally good or do we prefer to think we are going to be in and around the top third of the league?
I have mixed feelings about Sheffield United’s success and Leicester, too. I don’t want Everton to improve because it will make it harder for us to play in Europe again.
I don’t see what he said as being bad.
Tim.
Quite the reverse to be honest as many have pointed out in their reply.
It’s quite complimentary I think, he’s that concerned of a team that are in their 2nd season in the PL and beating Liverpools, Man Utd’s all the London Media Darlings.
It should only get better.
I think the problem is that he’s using what is supposed to be a national radio station to voice his opinions. In fact it’s south-east centric and that’s why I and many others from the West Midlands never listen to it.
Watched the Sevilla-Roma game later (recorded).Looked very impressive, particularly first-half, though Roma were slow out of the blocks.
Saw some similarities to our style of play. Strong defensively, very fast on the break, full-backs adopt very attacking positions (see first goal). Very fast wing play (probably better crosses than we usually offer).
Their goals against record is very good, would not want to be trying to break them down after conceding early. Looks to me like starting with a three in midfield.
Decision needed on Vinagre if Jonny still injured. I think Vinagre has to start, replacing him causes too much disruption and will hammer his confidence. But he will I am sure get extra coaching on restricting his movement forward. He will need support and he will be targeted.
Agree with pretty much everything you posted, but am thinking that maybe a better way to cover up Vinagre’s defensive deficiencies might be to get him on the front foot, forcing their wing-back and winger to take up deeper positions.
Refuse to get riled by Jason Cundy’s remarks. He has written a report to shock and provoke discussions- not particularly well written IMO and he could have chosen several other teams as his subject instead of Wolves. Just ignore this type of cheap, sensationalist journalism .
The Olympiacos ruled out effort looked a tad offside to me from the start. I wasn’t that worried by it but it could have gone the other way. One thing for sure, if it had been one of the top six playing us, it would have stood.
A lot of the stuff we have suffered from is also subconscious bias by officials. If a perceived ‘little team’ scores against a ‘big team’, it had better be 100% plus kosher or it will be ruled out. Of course, we know what happens the other way round. Goal!
I recall a judge in America striking Prince Andrew’s name from court proceedings by a Jeffrey Epstein victim. The judge called it ‘impertinent’ to name the prince! That was out and out fully 100% conscious bias. Impertinent? Why?
Finally a thought for the day to all those lovely ladies out there:
When you turn 100 you get a letter from the Queen.
When you turn 16 you get a text from Prince Andrew.
Maybe things are not so bad for Wolves after all with all this Europa shite.
VAR decisions going our way and now EUFA hitting us with FFP which in the grand scheme of things is almost a pat on the back.
They hit us with a €600,000 fine because we slipped behind £27,000,000 (€31.000.000) in our first year out of the Championship when we bought most of our guys.
Look at this though, we have to pay €180.000 straight away which they withhold from our EL payments.
Well to me, since we haven’t had it yet, it won’t be missed.
Then we have to pay the remainder by the 2021/22 season under the same method, no-brainer if we get into Europe next year or the season after.
Then in addition, we’ve also been slapped with a ruling that states, “we can only register 23 players instead of the regulation 25 players in our next 2 years European competitions (if we get there).
What a bonus for a club that has only utilised 21 players all season in all competitions, we can now name and use two more, (obviously we named 25 this EL campaign, but we certainly didn’t use them)
So it seems they are taking a very lenient approach and acknowledging our hard work and efforts whilst being seen to follow the letter of the law.
If we fight this case as Cithee did, it would cost more for Lawyers fee’s than we would save. I see this as a pat on the back for all the hard work Fosun have done whilst upholding the rules to shutting the Jason Cundy’s of the World and those A-hole Chairman from Veela and Leeds up.
Sell Rafa Mir, Leo Bonatini, Patrick Cutone who are all still on our books and we are right back in the black. If we don’t recoup €31M for those 3, Fosun are not any good as a company, (we all know that’s a crock of Shite statement).
The more I read the report, the more I like the judgement. Wolves were pretty quick to agree to it, they’ve also said in the E&S, “it does not affect transfer dealings going forward this season.
Ronaldo doesn’t want to come either, he’s decided to stay at Juventus even though they’ve gone out of the CL, as he’s guaranteed a start there But not at Wolves.
Finally, a lovely story from Italy,
After last nights game, that plastic fag end smoking Sarri bloke, who left Chelsea Last season was asked, “did he feared the sack because they got put out of the CL by Lyon”
He replied, ” they’re not Going to judge me on one game are they”
He’s just been sacked!
There is a Dog, he was the obnoxious shite that called Wolves, “negative and boring” Because we held them to a 1-1 draw at their place last year. Arrogant twat.
Sarri also said we weren’t organised just negative. On MotD Ian Wright corrected him and said, “actually Wolves are the most organised team in the division”.
I hope the excessive watering of the pitch the other night wasn’t the reason Johnny slipped cos it’s just done his acl
He now faces a lengthy layoff and will be very much missed against Sevilla
Stand up young Vinagre, you’re time to shine has come
Utw
A stiff Johnny is not what we need during a football match.
Hope he gets well quick after the operation.
It’s a massive blow losing Jonny. Can we get anyone in…….it’s very Q on the transfer front.
I know we are still in Europa but the windows open everyone else is buying is the fact Nuno’s contract isn’t sorted that why we are not being linked with anyone seriously cannot lag behind need to sort out who and where we need strengthening a striker and Jonnies replacement a must.
Over to you Jeff Fosun.
Never write this team off . Screwed over time and again yet still we come. Can see us beating Seville. It’s a one off instead of 2 legs so I reckon it’s a great chance. They always say in the FA Cup that you have only one chance as the underdog. This is our chance.
I’m not sure why we’d be visiting the Fiat dealership today when we will be welcomed into the Ferrari and Lamborghini showooms IF the next couple of weeks go as we all hope.
That was a reply to Paul by the way.
All the best Johnny that is devesting news he really is the main cog to our engine however in Nuno and the boys we trust.
Massive win for the England cricket team. Only once before have England chased down a similar total at Old,Trafford. Back in 1994 against New Zealand. 294 to win achieved. To achieve 277 to win today against a strong Pakistan bowling attack is a magnificent achievement. Albeit by Chris Wolkes Villa fan. ! But known well done.
Watched that Cheesy.
Great stuff but my ticker can’t stand many more cliff hangers.
Two in as many days is more than enough.
If we can beat the Oranges by a couple of goals at least next week I will feel much better.
Please arrange it Nuno.
My heart goes out to Jonny. Poor sod.
We all wish him a speedy recovery.
Well we scored one against Bayern reserves, innit, guv?
Gonna be awlrite next seesun, tho, coz weem a bettah team than this year.
What a total bunch of losers.
7-1
Even Cloive don’t prodict that stoopid a score.
I wouldn’t bet on it.
With Jonny probably out for a season big chance for Vinagre to stake a permanent claim on Tuesday, good luck to him.
We have been linked in the past with Aarons at Norwich, must be still a consideration. He can play left and right side.
Pity there is minimal off-season to take a longer look in friendlies at our cover options Sanderson Buur and Matheson.
Wing back is such an important position in the way we play.
Here’s a thought.
Just read an article about Jonny’s injury, with the seriousness of it why not revisit the Zivchenko Scenario. I think he’s pretty amazing and he plays our style 100%, the fact that he now can’t get in the side and has only played 25 games may make him a good acquisition.
He is behind In the pecking order even further Now, with the improving Cancelo he’s struggling for game time.
If we could get him he is solid and plays right up the field And has a wicked left boot on him, when Jonny is fit he can play right or left as we know and that would give us a great addition allowing us to rotate the left and right wing backs.
Imagine having , Jonny, Zinchencko and Doherty to call on in a game.
As much as I love Vinagre, left wing back leaves him wanting, he’s better pushing forwards higher up front.
Further thoughts. Arsenal have made Maitland Niles available for transfer and Spurs have lodged an interest.
Right sided but this boy is rapid. One of the very few that was almost able to cope with Adama.
Imagine him one side with Vinagre on the other. Bit tasty.