If this performance can be interpreted as a glimpse into the future, then should we have a laugh or cry?!
In a game of two halves, we were so inferior to Leeds United in the first 45 minutes that we looked like an under 12s side against a group of u14s – with a two man disadvantage for the most part.
Then the teams changed ends and the men clad in Portugal colours looked more like the national side we’re so closely aligned with. Quite what to make of it all is still open to interpretation.
Maybe we put the first half down to a bad 45 minutes at the office and an inevitable improvement after the break. It couldn’t have got much worse? Or maybe it’s still a team trying to figure out a new set of demands – and a team gradually getting to grips with them.
We went from meek to magnificent on occasions and were worthy of the deflected goal from Jimenez, which owed much to a slice of good fortune to offset the bad luck we lamented when VAR chalked off a stunning Saiss shot by millimetres.
One constant in either half was the performance of Max Kilman who was a clear man-of-the-match, impressing with ice-cool veins around his frantic teammates.
Whatever way you look at it, it’s a mightily impressive three points against the media darlings who barely acknowledged we were making the journey up the M1 to play before kick-off. It means we have won three of our first five games for the first time in 41 years – having not won any of our first six last term. Twelve clean sheets in 19 matches is nothing to be sniffed at either, nor a sixth place in the league, which is four above Bielsa’s boys, who have been fawned over more times in a month than most teams get credit for in a year.
You could see why though, in fairness. They won most first and second balls before we got close to the third. They were waspish in the tackle; bright eyed in attack.
Yet they rarely tested Patricio when so utterly in command, so maybe Nuno’s rope-a-dope was all part of the plan. As stated, it’s all open to interpretation.
It will be interesting to get the nationals’ take on it all? Probably that we’re just a second half team with a handful of stats to prove it. No matter how you choose to slice it, nine points from five games from a misfiring team of varying proportions is a haul to take immense satisfaction from.
In the absence of a definitive interpretation of this game of fine margins, it’s probably best to leave it to Nuno. He always does know best.
“It is very hard to play against Leeds the way they defend and the way they go man-to-man. It is difficult to release and find the spaces and the boys started doing some of the things that can unbalance their situations; driving with the ball (which) didn’t then allow them the second line of possession.
“The hard work of the boys. Especially in terms of fitness of the team…the answer was better. We grow as the game goes by, so that’s a fantastic answer.
“This is the bounceback that we desire. It was a very difficult game for us. Leeds started very well, causing us enormous problems. In the second half we play good. We were organised, didn’t allow space in the back and started anticipating in our defending with our actions, which allowed us to counter attack, and we should improve on this aspect of the game.
“The answer in terms of fitness was better, but we always search for the goal first. But if you ask me, I would rather score in the first minute.”
So would we Nuno, but it would be churlish to argue!
I’ve never punched the settee more times than I did in that first half. Terrible.
And yet, like so many infuriating spells under Nuno, I look back and think ‘How many saves did Rui actually make?’.
None in either half tonight. I think there was one shot after the ball dropped out from a corner, but other than that Wolves defended their box well. Kilman was outstanding.
Leeds were all over us territorially and as you say mate, looked like they were playing with 15 for most of the first half. Costa looked unplayable.
Their dominance of the ball was predictable, but our inability to maintain possession andslow their momentum was not. We’ve got to do better, even if the game plan is to sit in and wait for the counters.
Over the whole 90 though we were good value for the win on chances created. Podence missed the clearest one and stung the keepers fingers in the second half too. Then after Saiss’ thunderbolt was ruled out for basically nothing, you can’t begrudge us the bit of fortune with Raul’s effort. Neves should have done better at the end as well to kill the game.
The major positive for me is that this showed we still possess that defensive resilience to hang in and the potency in those spells to do the damage. It’s not so much celebrating the new era, but being content we can still get it done the old way.
we’re still making do without a pre season and no time to integrate new players into what is a more rigid formation than many other teams.
we shouldn’t overlook our “shaky” start is still the best one we’ve had in decades.
kilman was excellent and when he’s been assimilated into the team so will be Semedo.
the future’s bright. The future’s black and gold!
Kilman was excellent. I am constantly impressed by him and last season I can’t remember him having a bad game either. You are right that semedo needs to be given time before a full judgement is made but I saw absolutely nothing in him last night that warranted his price tag. He was caught out of position a number of times, got caught under the ball twice and took a throw in that a six year old would have been derided for. As he integrates I’d expect the odd misplaced pass and mistimed runs. For 36m I do not expect very basic errors such as he made last night. I hope I’m completely wrong as we have not seem much from him in an attacking sense due to the pressure wolves were under last night. I fear that in a Barcelona shirt he won’t have had to do any defending under sustained pressure or without the ball and for me that showed. If he can demonstrate that I’m less worried about his ability to attack.
Totally agree with you. Kilman is a treasure. Poised, very good in the air
and great balance and close control. He can pick out a pass too, as he did for the goal. What an astute signing. Well done that scout.
As for Semeda he has not yet made the grade as Marca did, but time will tell. No doubt we will see the outcome of the coaching he receives to help him fit in to our evolving system.
I must confess that I think the contract Traore is reputed to be offered, which is understood to be £100,000 a week is an eye watering amount.
I assume it is in anticipation of improved performances in the future
but like many fans, my heart is in my mouth when he receives the ball in his own half. Is he a footballer who runs , or a runner who plays football?
I am much happier with him playing wide in advanced positions .
However, there is so much to rejoice about with this squad and coaching
team. For someone who watched Wolves in Division 4 , I am a very happy old boy!
Or maroon!
Whilst the first half was frustrating we shouldn’t forget we played far more games than Leeds last season, had virtually no pre season, three quarters of our first team squad are called up for internationals and we are integrating 6 new players into the squad. The likes of Leeds, Villa, Leicester and Everton have had a big advantage in preparation time pre season. Whilst the first half was annoying we taught Leeds a football lesson in the second at times. If we can keep picking up 9 points every 5 games we will be on 54 with 8 games to go! Let’s hope Nuno and the coaches can get the mix right and get us firing on all cylinders regularly for 90 minutes as the season progresses. Agree Kilman looked really good tonight – Saiss isn’t a wing back despite his disallowed strike. COYW
I think you summed it up best with: “No matter how you choose to slice it, nine points from five games from a misfiring team of varying proportions is a haul to take immense satisfaction from.”
The performances aren’t quite there yet but the points are an indicator of promise and also buy time for the performances to come. Huge fan of Podence by the way, his acquisition seems to have really gone under the mainstream media radar!
latest… everything we do seems to go under the mainstream media unless we start winning everything then they start ramming our connections with mendes down our throats.
Yes, Podence is brilliant….a star in the making for us.
I thought Leeds went at us 100 MPH for 10 minutes then ran out of everything, ideas, steam, patience, the new Leeds ethos faded very quickly. We are as Ben states, ” very rope a dope” in the opening half hour of any game, but I thought we dropped into whatever style it is that Nuno wants, pretty damn quick.
I thought the boys looked cool calm and Coady esk.
Var stopped me getting my prediction points, but for once it was a clear boot offside, so a wicked deflection from the Media’s blue eyed boy was welcome.
Oh hoe the Leeds fans quickly turned on him post match, FFS, they’re even more fickle than Wolves fans.
Kilman was terrific tonight and well deserving of his MOTH on Sky and up to now on the Wolves website. Well done young man.
Semedo had a lot more to do on the right side and lacked the cover from Donk and other players unlike Kilman who was adequately supported by the guys.
On to the next one Nuno, fuddle with Stevie Bruce’s head and we could be sitting very Peachy by next Sunday night.
Wolves best start for 41 years they say, hmmmm, reading this blog last week you would have argued that one.
Onwards and Upwards
Surprised to find myself with an early go. Thank you Ben for your charactisctally excellentl summing up of the game.
I would differ from you on your reading of the first half. For all Leeds possession they never looked likely to score.
In the second half Wolves always looked the likeliest to go ahead – and so it proved. And having gone in front it would have been surprising if they had conceded.
MOTM Coady.
Hope this makes sense as as I’ve enjoyed the odd glass whilst enjoying the game.
Coady should get MOTM for his post match interview alone ?
Yes Prawny. He is an interviewer’s delight.
He is also a delightful man. He raises a smile as soon as he speaks.
What a credit to Wolves, England and football in general.
That interview will be shown again and again.
Fast forward 10 years and Conor will still be on the screen in some form.
What a treasure!
Having watched the game up the pub, and bearing in mind the recent advice not to post apres drinking, I shall reserve in depth judgement until later. ie tomoz.
However, suffice to say, GET IN ME BABBIES!!!!!
I absolutely dont agree with you. I thought it was a classic away performance. We soaked it up and delivered the blow. Brilliant stuff by Wolves.
Max Kilman
For ever and a day many of us, including me, had been crying out for Nuno to sign a quality center back, an area in which we appeared to be weak. Throughout the summer, we were subject to endless rumors as to whom we were about to sign, with huge potential transfer fees being banded about.
And we were angry and disappointed when nothing materialized.
But now we know why. Our man was already here within the pack. Kilman had been allowed time to develop and mature, to understand the nuances of Nuno`s defensive philosophies and systems. He had not been subjected to much pressure too quickly. But, I suspect, that during the summer Nuno had come to realize that he was ready, — and here he is.
Tonight, he was again superb. Cool and calm, and rock solid. A huge , commanding presence.
This guy has the ability to go a very long way.
Spot on Mike.
Agree with everything that’s been posted so far, just wanted to give Moutinho a mention. I thought he was much improved on recent performances. Always looked to move the ball forward rather than just the easy sideways pass and he really put himself about, terrier like in trying to win the ball.
Delighted Kilman got MOTM, thoroughly deserved after an excellent performance.
Great result but we are playing so disjointed ..how Nuno can cock up the magnificent traore’s input compared to last year..
He used to tear arsoles all the way … cross for Jimenez and give him 3 chances a game ..what’s happened..?
Neto our junior left footed uncoordinated winger gets lots of the ball only delivers 1 out of 4 times ..we are a shadow of a team compared to last year..
Neves on the bench (!) …we have fluked a win tonight ..
We are not playing together and our new players do not gel. Kilman looks good ..but boy do we miss Dougherty…
Conclusion ..this team rebuild is retrograde and our league position is false.?
Early days. And to get the best out of Traore he needs a solid wing back behind him. That’ll happen in time. if this is a shaky start then shaky starts are ok.
You mean like that player at Spurms?
Hey Stevie lad. Don’t be trying to get maximum dislikes. I did that months ago lol.
Ooh- you have hit some sore spots Steve. Deep down we know there is an element of truth in all you say. Devils Advocate? However, us half full boys prefer to see green shots of Nunos strategy etc. Onward and upward my friend.
We all f…….. hate Leeds??
Sod that, I love ’em!
Three consecutive wins at their mud heap, and we’ve won the last four times we’ve played ’em.
Negatives about the game.
1. Martin Tyler, who was commentating at Wembley for our win over Forest back in 1980, is 75, and an obvious dyed in the wool Leeds fan.
Should be put out to grass with Motson, so pro Leeds it was funny.
2. Was it me, or did the tight fisted Yorkshire staff have only half the lights on, the far side was pretty damn dark. ( oops, I sweared )
3. Those stupid buns on half the Leeds players.
4. There are bound to be multiple excuses by the biased media as to why we were very lucky to win, despite our keeper only having to put his tea down and get up out of his deck chair once, and that was a shot right at him.
For all their huffin’ and puffin’, the little lilywhites couldn’t muster a single shot of substance.
I was immensely impressed with our performance, and despite the first half of overwhelming Leeds possession, they could do sod all with it. ( oops, sweared again )
Their keeper made at least two outstanding saves, or it could have been a Clive, without them scoring!
Very happy with three points, and three more are guaranteed on Sunday, as it’s Clivemas.
And spare a thought for sandwell town.
On second thoughts, screw ’em!!
Oh, and Tim, screw you too with your nonsense about Nuno.
FOwb
We spoke about the lights last night. They were dirty.
Leeds.
Dirty.
Leeds
Dirty
Leeds
Aside from Kilman’s performance and the outcome, I was thrilled to see that youngster on the bench with the long name beginning with “O”
What glimpses I have seen of him on the Under 23 feeds have been very encouraging.
I promise to learn how to spell his name before I post again.
Yeah, Otasowie. American, I think he is. Really promising youngster, but I can’t see him featuring too much in the first eleven just yet. I was pleased to see him given a spot on the bench though.
Click on this, this iswhat Prawneywas on about.
Coady, he’s just like Jimmy Tarbuck, Funny fella, but true passion and as Gold & Black as I am.
Jamie Carragher sets him up a treat. Funny interview.
https://www.skysports.com/transfer-centre
Jimmy Tarbuck on acid.
Great interview. I love watching Coady, always smiling and so enthusiastic.
Edge of the sofa and punching the sofa type of game, but wins and another clean sheet after the Hammers drubbing is good enough for me.
Kilman was superb, I mentioned him in the Fulham blog, sometimes you definitely need a youngster to come through and make good. You can’t subsist on the ready made star player acquisition all of the time. I dearly hope his imperious form continues.
Coady is the darling of the media now, his interview after the game was great. He’s so good at being the normal, unaffected just doing my job and loving it guy, and on the pitch, the opposite, intense psyched up leader.
I’ve always been anti VAR, but I’ve become more attuned and accepting of it. Yes Saiss’s wonder goal was called well and correctly. You just have to punch the couch, and wait for Raul to score!
Or for his shot to glide in off a top knot. Samedo looked as if he’s still in Catalan, relying on not having to defend too seriously as Messi’s got the ball. He needs to seriously work on his positional play, several times he lost his man and crosses came in. Boly did great covering and blocking for him, it’s early days, and a shaky start of sorts but lack of pre-season, international break all factors.
Coady said we never have targets, just prepare for the next game. That’s the Nuno doctrine, and I have no doubt it’s the right way, especially in these difficult times, waiting for Covid test results and not having as much time to prepare at the training ground.
Here’s to overtaking the Villa!
Conor Coady for England Manager, Prime Minister, Pope, Comedian of the century, Strictly Come Dancing Winner, Great British Bake off presenter, King, Chat show host, Oscar Winner… and Wolves (CERTAINLY NOT LIVERPOOL’S) Captain.
Watching his post match interview on Sky, I was almost in tears.
We are SO lucky to have that man. He will go down in the history of the Club, long after I, and most of you lot, are dead and gone, as one of THE Greats.
But yesterday was all about the coming of age of Max Kilman.
He has always looked good to me but he was absolutely immense last night.
He’s got everything. Pace, skill, confidence to bring the ball out of defence, spacial awareness, he can tackle, he can head the ball – and I bet he’s good to his mum too.
Unlike Nelson. Who played like his namesake might have done just after having been shot on the deck of The Victory.
Is he worth two and a half Dohertys?
I suppose only time will tell, but he’s got to improve one hell of a lot. And he had already committed two foul throws before the ref picked him up on that last, weak effort.
I thought Leeds looked World beaters in the first half as they cut through our wing backs, but, as has been said already, never really troubled Rui.
I have no problem with the offside goal, it looked a decent decision on replay.
And I certainly have no problem with our winner – it’s about time we had a slice of good fortune.
In the end, we deserved to come away with the points against the Fancy Dans of Leeds.
Brought back a few good memories of the old days.
40+ thousand fans packing Molineux under the lights.
I slept well last night.
Max Kilman – future England international and it may not be too long coming.
“Conor Coady for England Manager, Prime Minister, Pope, Comedian of the century, Strictly Come Dancing Winner, Great British Bake off presenter, King, Chat show host, Oscar Winner… and Wolves (CERTAINLY NOT LIVERPOOL’S) Captain.”
Just to add to this, He is the ambassador of the charity in our Local (In Liverpool) and his family drink in said pub. He is genuinely a proper candidate for all the above recommendations!
I am not worry about any performance currently. With new contracts on the way and the fact that we have coady to pull it together throughout the season.
We are already in a much better position then this many games in last season – with a-lot more potential this year. When this team clicks its going to be special!
The ‘Leeds way’ is full on, 100mph chasing, harrying, pressing and is very difficult to combat. But it relies on extreme levels of fitness in the players and you have to commend their team for keeping up the pressure so well for so long.
But like all storms, it blows itself out eventually and when the legs will no longer quite match what the brain is asking for, the plan starts to fall over. Gradually, our team found themselves with those split seconds longer to pick the pass and we began to impose our game on them. Once we’d weathered the storm, the game was ours to win, and win it we did.
Rui hardly dirtied his gloves all evening, whereas the Leeds keeper made two or three excellent stops. Leeds huffed and puffed but the Wolves house was made of sterner stuff and their storm turned out to be something of a damp squib.
Neto was superb and never stopped annoying the Leeds defence with his scampering runs. Coady does what Coady does and is there anyone better in the land. Romain scored with a wonderful strike and how cruel to see it chalked off by a marginal offside.
As for Max Kilman, a player of huge potential who has hardly put a foot wrong in his previous first team cameos, but last night exceeded all that went before with a performance of poise and composure when all around was chaos and confusion. He’d look fine next to Coads with the three lions on their shirt.
That’s it. I’m off for an aspirin and a cuppa. My heads hurting.
In a post match interview Leander Dendoncker said he was chatting with Kevin De Bruyne during the Belguim international matches.
Kevin said Leeds play at 100mph and man to man mark but this only lasts for 30 minutes and then gaps start to appear.
I wonder if Nuno was aware of this?
Of course he was. It’s Nuno innit.
Maximilian Kilman sounds like he could be in the next bond movie.
With his background, he may have been sent from Russia with love to provide doctor ( nu) no the odd thunder ball or two .
He certainly had his golden eye in with that pass to jimmy .
A great 3 points to the tally and it was nice seeing the ‘ sky fall’ in on Bielsa.
Come on you wolves
Still waiting for him to send my photo’s back. Or was that Max Spielmann?
Well, I forecast a gritty win and I got it. We took a first half battering with Leeds being unbelievably aggressive. They certainly have a scorched earth approach. But, they lack proven PL goalscorers, as last Patricio had an easy night in spite of overwhelming Leeds possession. Leeds are probably a couple of seasons away from being solid top 6 challengers if they can recruit well without breaching FFP. They are back where they belong. I well remember us getting relegated with them and Leicester. We all experienced the joys of League One on our way back to the PL.
My MOTM was of course Coady, but I’m thrilled for young Kilman. Quite honestly if we’d just bought him for £20m we’d be patting ourselves on the back! Instead we paid peanuts to Maidenhead United where he was a part-timer. You just have to give credit to Nuno and the scouting team for unearthing such a gem. Incredible.
I was worried by our change of approach this transfer window with all the new signings and the departures. I had expected steady tinkering and a few additions, but we got something even more ambitions and risky… It will take Nuno a while to sort out his core first team but the omens are very bright indeed. We are gelling.
Just watching g the game again so as I can actually see who does what without all the tension .. as much as I can’t stand Jamie #%%#ing carrigher… I had to chuckle at half time when he accidentally referenced our back line as the portuguese defence . Great innit !
I see from my paper that NUFC fans have raised £20000 for a Newcastle food bank. They have done so by contributing the fee demanded by Pay Per View for their game to the charity. Does anyone agree with me that this is an excellent idea well worth adopting if/when Wolves fans are faced with a similar situation. If only because if TV companies get a good response PPV will become the norm. And of course it’s a very good cause and I will be sending my 15 quid to a food bank.
Like I said earlier if you want to know what you will be thinking in a little while, just read what I am saying now.
About a month ago, I put forth the proposition that Wolves seemingly poor first half displays were actually intentional and not just a poor performance. I said it was happening too frequently for it to not be intentional.
Now it seems as though the commentators are realizing just that, at least the ones commenting on the game stream that I was watching. And I think Tim Spiers is also cluing into that (although I didn’t actually listen to the podcast so he might have been referring to something else).
Take the first half to watch the other teams’ player positioning as they pass the ball around and look for attacking points. Then, as the game progresses, you can try to intercept the ball at a time when their defense might be in a favourable position to counterattack against. Much of this can be learned from watching previous games but each team plays differently against other teams depending on their perceived strengths and weaknesses.
Just some thoughts from this side of that big water thingy.
We will have to start calling you ‘Nostratimus’.
Can you tell me the winning Lottery Numbers for this Friday please?
And where I left my car keys.
I think Toilet Tim is a much better new name, coz he really is full shit, and his own self importance.
Just a sensible thought from the Texas side of the pond.
Nostratimus? Is that another word for “Pillock”.
Pillock maybe but it’s also an anagram for Status Minor.
Actually… Coady said it was till they got tired … it’s not rocket science
Tim I think your assertion that it is a conscious tactic is correct. I think many on here realise that too. I think the real debate is why it is adopted when also we frequently found ourselves trailing last season and then fighting really hard to get back into games. As, I think it was Brian Clough once said, “ get your equaliser in first and then play the game from there, young man….” or words to that effect ?
Perhaps this tactic will also evolve as Nuno continues the transition away from counter attack to possession based football.
If last night was part of a transition to possession based football, then we took 5 steps backwards. The truth is, of course, that with just the two in central midfield we are not aiming to be possession based especially when one of the two is Dendoncker. If Nuno sacrifices one of the front three for an extra midfielder, I might accept that we are aiming to have more possession. Fact is it’s what you do with it that counts not how much you have it. Just ask Leeds!
Very pleased with the grit and determination shown last night. Right now I think our defence is on a level with Citeh and Villa as the best in the division.
But we are starting from scratch and our journey towards last season’s fluidity has got to be built on an unbeaten run.
Personally I can live with supporting a team built on defensive quality. It’s all part of football and the possession guff is an irrelevance.
How can they be the best in the division if they are level with two other teams?
Asking for a friend.
Nice because the others are worse apparently.
And a big Texas sized Happy 70th to my best mate, Big Mark G. Davies!!
Have a great day, really old friend!!
So far Citeh, wham and Leeds have all given us the run around and its not fun to watch.
Thankfully Leeds couldn’t shoot straight else we ‘ d have a different mood here on the Blog.
I get that its a work in progress but we don’t need a season treading water as far as league position goes. Before the Sheffield game I pitched us for 12 points from first 6 matches. After Wham I’d have taken 8 and now, with who’s coming on Sunday, we have a gilt edged chance to get the 12.
I’m for US giving teams the run around and who better than the next lot? If we don’t then I’ll be starting to believe that the midfield and forwards have lost half a yard.
You don’t need 45 minutes to plot a winning formula every time.
Bossing the game is a lot less tiring than chasing the ball. Lets use Traore at the start and see him torture defenders.
Just saying….
UTW
Meantime
‘Bossing the game is a lot less tiring than chasing the ball. ‘
Indeed, that is an old truism. But stats last year showed that we covered less kilometres (thats ‘miles’ to any of you Brexiteers out there) than any other team. So merely by sitting deep and keeping our defensive shape, we conserve energy. Seems to be working ok so far.
Whats that is chains, rods and furlongs or at least roman numerals?
I just KNEW someone would bite….
Thats more bite than the French fishermen will get.
A worry of mine is there are only 3 teams who’ve scored less than us and they are the bottom 3, Even Albion have scored as many as we have. We need to start scoring more goals if we want to challenge near the top end. The performance itself was typical wolves, great second half poor first but 3 points is excellent.
How come I get bitched at for mild swear words, yet you write the worst of them all, and not a peep from the language nazis?
AND he used a capital letter!
How appropriate toGold Wold Sven’s post.
Not sure what to say today except that we are nowhere near any sort of finished article whatever that article is supposed to be .
Perhaps the next easy game ( ha! )will give us that extra bit of time we quite obviously need.
Yes holding the crazy clockwork Rottweiler that is leeds to no goals at half time was commendable but absolutely no good whatsoever for the blood pressure.
I guess we all new that keeping that first half clean sheet was the catalyst for a better second period and so it proved to be.
I did forecast rope a dope and thats exactly what we got but against a side with a top finisher it would have been us who were the dopes.
Defence is getting it together slowly. kilman must stay, boly must start passing out of defence instead of hoofing it and semedo must remember he is actually a full back not a full on winger but they kept the leeds rotty at bay so what can you really moan about .
All in all we were either really lucky or it was a master plan that worked im going with the master plan as they only really had one shot on goal and that was straight at rui.
So despite all the manic possession and challenges from filthy leeds they are just a storm in teacup and if you keep it tight they soon cool down just as mr de bruyne says.
Looking forward to the geordies and a few goals to up the stats .
I am going to go against the grain and predict that Leeds will actually struggle this season. I know all the media have been fawning over them because they play so fearlessly and attack 100mph. Well, guess what, sooner or later they’re gonna run out of gas and then they’ll get found out. In fact I think Wolves just found them out. I think Wolves just showed the rest of the EPL the blue print for beating Leeds. Don’t play a wide open, dumb-ass, all-out attacking game against them, but put a few brick walls in their way and watch them crash into them at a 100mph and see how they cope with that. Football isn’t about huff and puff (or we would have won first prize with Andy Keogh!), it’s about putting the ball in the net, and fact of the matter is that despite all their possession, Leeds barely troubled our goalkeeper. We won that game on their turf with a team still coming together. Say what you want, but I see that as a very good sign of what’s to come.
And I’ll make another bold prediction (hope it won’t haunt me ;-)). I think Wolves will have their best season yet this year and if the team does come together like I believe Nuno is trying to make it, anything is possible. I think this year the league is going to be much more open and competitive than it was last year. You only have to see results so far. I think anyone can win the league this year, and the team with the best focus, hunger and determination will.
I look at our squad and can’t help but feel Wolves are under achieving, and if they could get their new system clicking …
* In goal we have Patricio … can anyone say they wish for a better keeper? How awesome he plays for Wolves!
* In central defense I thought Max Kilmann was John-Terry-esque against Leeds. His composure! With Coady going from strength to strength, and with Boly solid as ever, I really feel we finally have a central defense that can stand up to anyone on a good day.
* Wing-backs are work in progress right now. I think Marcal and Samedo need a little time to gel but the signs are good. And with Jonny on the mend and the Hoover dude in tow, I think this area too will come good, but it’s tricky just for now.
* Midfield is solid … Donker, Moutinho and Neves not too shabby for choices. If only Neves could rediscover his shooting boots! I want to see Neves terrorize from set pieces!
* And finally in attack we have Jimenez the magnificent, alongside some of the fastest forwards in Neto, Traore and Podence. If Nuno figures out how to fully unleash Traore … kaboom! Right now it feels like we’re driving a Ferrari in the driveway. We need to let him loose. (Sometimes I wonder why Nuno doesn’t opt for 4-4-2, with Neto and Traore on the wings, and Jimenz and Podence in the middle, but I know that’s probably not going to happen … would be fun to see though :-)).
* And our bench looks so strong now.
I’m viewing the first 6 games as our pre-season basically. We had a couple of misfires while the new look team is gelling with a new system, but overall, if we come out of these first games with a decent points haul … anything’s possible.
Don’t know why, but after that Leeds game, I’m actually feeling *very* optimistic about the season. And I haven’t been hitting the bottles of nepenthe, well stocked for coping with the pandemic, promise 😉
Come on Wanderers! Let’s make this our season!
I agree with everything you said.
Except the midfield.
Man, the amount of times we launched the ball forward for no one other then Donk to be able to challenge, is a real weakness. If we cannot win first or second balls we will be defending for 80minutes every game. Podence, and moutiniho/neves cannot win that midfield challenge, YOu really see this come to light when nuno starts moutiniho and neves together.
Donk is so important at the moment, and you can see alot of the frustration in Raul when he makes a run and no one can win the battle, its chasing shadows.
Yeah, I know what you mean about the midfield. I just think the potential is there for Neves/Donker. If Neves unlocks his potential not just on scoring set pieces but also on those visionary passes of his, and Dendonker becomes more Alex Rae like in his attacking fight, we would do well.
Some sensible points Go Wolves apart from your assertion that anyone can win the league. When I last looked, Sandwell were still in our division.
I also think that our central midfield could do with a more mobile goal scoring alternative. We rely too much on our forwards and set pieces.
Ha ha, too true, when I said anyone, I didn’t mean “anyone” anyone 🙂
I know what you mean about the midfield. I’d love to see Alex Rae in this midfield. We need a fighter who could attack and score. Donker is the closest we have to that. Remember both Donks and Ruben are still quite young. I think Moutinho is the teacher atm and over the season I would like to see Donks and Rueben cement that partnership better and get stronger.
It’s going to be much tighter this time in the league this time and most predictions suggest that 65pts will get a Top 4 finish.
Last season we finished on 59 and we already have 6 more points than we had after 5 games.
Given we haven’t performed as well as we can since the first half against Sheffield United, I’m optimistic.
Lobos, não somos?
Miguel
Leeds came out playing their fast energy sapping game as was predictable. We could have tried to do the same but that would have been what they would wish for as their whole game is based upon an incredible amount of impressive fitness and strength. We looked poor and if Leeds could have profited from their start, we may have had real problems in my view. However, we defended well, letting them blow themselves out. Sendeco’s positional play was an Achilles’ heel at times and Sais took some time to adjust to his role but, as Nuno gets some time with the lad, this will be put right in my opinion.
I’ve always been a Kilman fan and can only remember one nervous start to mar our view last season. It’s early days yet regarding his consistency, but a telling comment from someone, it may have been Coady, was that in training he is the one player who enjoys pitting himself against Traore; in fact, relishes it. I hope he can maintain and build on an impressive start; what a bonus if he can.
I don’t think our ‘poor’ starts are generally on a purpose generally although it is often wise to ascertain the relative strengths of the opposition from a strong defensive base; to begin with. With teams we are familiar with playing against this is not necessary unless they have undergone much change in staff imo. As some have said we have had no preseason and time to integrate the changing personnel. To my mind Nuno is also trying to rest some key players in midfield after the incredible slog from last season and lack of a proper break and time to work with the squad together. We now have some of that catch up time before we are off to international breaks yet again. Other teams are showing some effects of this slight burnout as some rather strange results have confirmed with the inconsistency shown by other clubs.
My point is that we need to chillax and appreciate that we may take some time yet to get back to normal or the ‘new normal’. To be in sixth place with the circumstances we have been experiencing is remarkable and a large credit to the staff and players.
This was a tremendous result over a team which will, in my view, over run other teams with their tactics. I think we must have learnt something from the West Ham game after all…
We let them knacker themselves! Straight from the horse’s mouth how it was done:
Dendoncker added: “They (Manchester City) played them before the international break and Kevin De Bruyne told me that it will be very hard because they go man to man but he also said that after 30 minutes they leave spaces.
“I think that’s what you could see. I know the first half wasn’t really good from our side because we were looking how to find the spaces, how to deal with them.
“In the second half we managed it way better. To get three points here is really difficult and I don’t think a lot of teams will do it.”
Pillock maybe but it’s also an anagram for Status Minor.
Ronaldo shaved his head. I predict 2 or 3 Wolves players will do the same.
Not those under 30 Tim, not cool.
One of the best bits of business we’ve done recently.
Max Kilman has signed a new 5 year contract.
I’m a bit worried that Tim didn’t predict it.
Perhaps he’s losing his touch.
Saiss nearly scored. Just saying.
What a wonderful dilemma has been handed to Nuno. Saiss or Kilman at LCB ? Marcal or Jonny (when he comes back) at LWB.? And then an abundance of talent up front. He can put together a great team, playing any formation he likes. All bodes well for the future.
Maybe an attacking midfielder that can shoot from distance (as Neves used to) is all I wish for. Hopefully that would be a wonderful Christmas present to us all.
How many midfielders do we need? Moutinho, Neves, Dendonker, Vithna, and Shabani. And the two guys they sent out on loan – Gibbs-White and Jordao.
Aren’t half of them attacking mid-fielders?
You’ll have your desired attacking mid-fielder – in 2 or 3 years.
Note: These are just my personal views and in no way represent what Nuno is thinking because I have signed an NDA.
Obviously NDA stands for Nuno Does Agree in your c ase Tim.
…and not one of them seems keen on shooting from a distance ! That’s all I asked for Christmas. The sad part is that we DO have players capable of hitting the ball well from a distance. It’s just not happening. Why ? Is it tactics that dictate we must get into the penalty area to shoot? Other teams do it – and it’s nice to see spectacular goals from time to time.
If Nuno would instruct Adama to dribble his way into the box, where he would be tackled fairly or unfairly, or be able to get off a shot, we would get more goals or more penalties.
Simples.
Others do it all the time, Manure, and the law of averages sez it will pay off eventually.
We always wanted to join the big boys table, and we have.
Lets play by the same rules, unfair though they seem sometimes, as they do.
I completely agree Clive. It always baffles me why he rarely runs at defenders in the box. Often picking the ball up within 5 -10 yards of the box, he invariably goes on the outside to the byline and crosses. I’m sure that if he occasionally went inside or continued into the box from the byline he would get penalties. You can only stop him by fouling him. As much as I’m not a fan of sterling, he gets penalties from time to time and some of them are even legitimate .
‘Marcal or Jonny (when he comes back) at LWB.? ‘
This Ait-Nouri kid is supposed to be useful…
Just have to accept that the Academy is working on a different business model now,
Looking to generate revenue/profit from sales to EFL clubs and accept that discovering lads who will go on to a Prem career with us is a very rare occurrence.
So we have to keep buying in the lads who are much further along the development path. Even then many will be cast aside or cashed-in in order to progress.
Major issue is, does the overall model work? If not you could completely screw-up like some big club near Salford. Then you end up on your knees begging other teams like a couple in London who screwed-up with big new empty stadiums, to join you in a new set-up guaranteeing European football every season.
Joke is, if these clowns doubled their revenue they will still screw-upand be back in debt in a couple of years. It’s called greed!
“Some big club near Salford”?
Old Trafford is in Salford, not near!
There’s only one Premier/EFL club in Manchester.
Think it’s actually in Stretford.