First thing’s first, best wishes to Raul from all of us at Wolves Blog.
It feels wrong to be writing about a game of football when our number nine is still recuperating from that sickening clash with David Luiz.
The news this morning that he’s suffered a fractured skull is worrying, so our thoughts are with him. Hopefully won’t be too long before he is back at home with his family.
It was asking a lot of his teammates to play on after such an upsetting scene, let alone win the game.
So, I think we can all feel justifiably proud of the lads for heading back from the Emirates with three points.
I won’t pretend that I didn’t fear the worst when I heard the news that Nuno had decided to persist with four at the back.
As creative as we were against Southampton, we had looked far too ragged in defence for this (admittedly cautious) blogger’s liking.
Fast forward to now and I’m kicking myself for ever doubting our Special One.
This was arguably our most exciting performance of the season, with Arsenal’s defence unable to cope with a four-pronged forward line that was playing with the handbrakes firmly off.
Spare a thought for Hector Bellerin and Kieran Tierney, who were traumatised all night by Neto and Adama respectively.
Both of our buccaneering wingers were a good shout for MOTM, though the Spaniard is surely still smarting after Michael Oliver’s decision to book him for having the temerity to go down after being fouled in the box.
Unlike VAR, the fleet-footed and match-winning Podence did not go missing when called upon.
Credit to the diminutive Portuguese for a skilful winner – if he and Neto can do that more consistently, our re-jigged line-up will become even more of a thrill to watch.
Compatriots Moutinho and Silva are also deserving of a shout-out – the first for another lung-busting midfield display and the latter for a promising showing in trying circumstances.
Eyes will be on our record signing in the coming weeks, but I’m adamant we’ve a real player on our hands. All he needs is time and a little bit of patience.
For now, Wolves are sitting pretty in sixth after a mixed start.
And on tonight’s evidence, we’re going to need to rejig the lyrics to Nuno Had a Dream before long.
Four at the back and four in attack anyone?
I feel sick about Raul. You don’t want to see that happen to anyone of course but he’s always come across as a really nice bloke and represented our club impeccably. I echo Ben’s thoughts – football falls into the background and we just hope to see him back home with his family as soon as possible.
On the game itself, Nuno was rewarded for his boldest ever team selection. If he can combine what we saw in attack last night with our defensive resilience more often we’ll be some force. Podence, Neto and particularly Traore were the stars. I was screaming at the TV when Adama was booked for that dive. As obvious a penalty as you’ll ever witness, particularly with the benefit of a replay. No obvious mistake from the referee??!
Credit to Fabio for coming on and putting in what I thought was a mature performance. What must have he been thinking guarding that near post against Arsenal’s corners? In such difficult circumstances, I thought he went about his job superbly.
TBH I also though Traore had dived in real time, but surely that’s what VAR is for? Definite penalty and no yellow card of course. As far as I know there’s no VAR rule against making the referee look a pratt.
Raul more important than match. Just read he had surgery last night. Must be serious injury.
Wish him all the best for speedy recovery.
Firstly all the very best to Raul. It must have been quite upsetting too for Sky commentator Don Goodman who suffered a similar injury himself almost a quarter of a century ago.
We were a much better team going forward but less solid at the back although Moutinho negated a lot of their pressure.
Let’s not get carried away. Arsenal were not very good and I’d fear the worst if we were to play the same formation next week against Liverpool so I’d be tempted (reluctantly) to go back to our three at the back for that one.
Raul is going to be a big miss but some things are more important than football.
Thought our defensive set up was pretty good overall, and much strengthened by the addition of Marcal. No way should we go to a back 5 for the visit to Liverpool, let’s attack their dodgy defense. I would probably bring in Neves for a 3 man midfield at the expense of Fabio (who did great by the way).
I’m sure I speak for us all when I say I can only hope that Raul makes a full recovery from his terrible injury. Whether we see him again in the Old Gold he has graced since his arrival remains to be seen, but it’s much more important initially that he returns to his family fit and well. After that, que sera sera. Thoughts too are with his family and friends both here and back in Mexico.
Really sad news this morning that Raul has had an operation on his fractured skull
Really shows what injuries can occur playing the sport we love
Thought that Luiz was just being Luiz with that header although it did seem that contact was made with Raul after the ball was gone. But when you are running at such pace as Luiz was shows what can occur
All best wishes for Raul and his family – fingers crossed
I wish Raul all the best. It was sickening just to watch on the telly, I can only imagine how it must have been for the rest of the players. How they were able to play on, and with such flare and efficacy, I am not sure.
I wish Luiz well too. I’m not sure how he was allowed to continue. I don’t think he was as protected by his club as he should have been.
Raul will be a big miss for however long it is before he is able to play – not just for his goals but also for his presence on the pitch. It seems trivial to use the word ‘encouraging’ in circumstance such as this but in the cold, hard, results driven business that is football, it was encouraging to see Neto and Podence step up to the plate and deliver – perhaps driven by wanting to win for our number 9.
Next week will be a different test, but for now let’s take some solace in an otherwise excellent night’s work.
I am rather numb .I desperately hope for Raul that it does not end his career as it did for Ryan Mason in very similar circumstances who also suffered a fractured skull .Life changes in an instant .Football very much secondary .
Hoping for a swift recovery from Raul , that was some crunch. I am confident he is in safe hands.
Neto MOTM for me. Really enjoyed the overall performance . Still work to do but 17 points after 10 games is our best yet . Who is still worrying?
Gutted totally gutted.
I am probably the most un religious person you could ever meet but i have to say my thoughts all night have been concentrating on Rauls recovery and well being so if thats praying then so be it.
The sickening news this morning that he fractured his skull and had an operation probably means a very long if not permanent lay off .
We all care about our team and that was a great win which i am sure would have been met with a smile by our superstar striker .
So on we go without our talisman .. what will nuno do now ?
The young lad silva is not going to fill Rauls boots anytime soon so can traore step up and become a centre forward as a lot were calling for last season ?
Thats a maybe but he will have to up his work rate and stop switching off if he is going to be the answer.
Dog knows what nuno will do against liverpool and i really dont care at the moment .
If we lose we lose no great shakes .
Get healthy and safe Raul you mate are far more important than a game of football.
Still stunned by Raul’s injury. My thoughts are with him and his family.
After that, the match is incidental but I’m so proud of the way Wolves went about their business. A first win at Arsenal in 40 plus years is a fabulous achievement but celebrations are definitely muted.
First and most importantly it goes without saying that we are all thinking about Raul this morning. The news that he has a fractured skull is not great either. So here’s wishing you a full and speedy recovery.
On the football side I really enjoyed te match last night and not just because we won.
The quality of our football was excellent and in the circumstances showed professionalism in abundance,
Podence probably had his best match to date and Neto is consistently starting to look the real deal.
I thought that Semedo and Marcal looked comfortable in a back four which at last gives us a viable Plan B.
And the human metronome called Moutinho did it again. I feel guilty that I thought a few weeks ago that he was waning.
No one had a bad game.
It’s also good to realise how much depth we now have in defence with Saiss, Kilman, Hoever and Ait-Noor on the sidelines and Jonny to come back.
Unfortunately we can’t say the same in attack with at best a long term absence in store for Jiminez. Being positive it makes for a great opportunity for Silva and he looks to have potential but is a bit raw, Short term surely we have to buy or loan a CF in January. Also might it be a good idea to recall Campana / Ennis / Dashidov if possible – “the future” now looks like “the present” and it’s time to stand up and be counted. Sorry but the old cliche still applies – if they’re good enough they’re old enough.
Anyway a big well done to all and to Nuno for seeing the light.
And of course again very best to Raul
If you bloggers can indulge me I’m going to have a rant.
First of all I lay NO blame on David Luiz what so ever, this is football, he’s certainly a hard man who is prone to Saiss type challenges, but that’s their game and that’s how I played football myself, never injured in a long period of football until snapping my Cruciate ligament in what was football ending jump for the ball.
I spent my career in emergency medicine, my forte was teaching Emergency Trauma in this Country and around the World. When I saw Jimmy lying there last night I said to Jen de wolf, ” he could have a fractured skull”, his lack of movement and the bloody great mark on his forehead, the Wolves medical staff administering oxygen a dead giveaway, sadly proved true.
The brain is enclosed in a very tight space, protected by three layers of very fine membrane called the meninges which house and protect the blood vessels supplying the brain. So when we’re young fit and healthy the system does a good job of protecting the brain. In last nights injury, the front of the brain was struck by a great force from Luiz, the front of the brain hits the front of the skull causing damage, but, it then bounces back with the same force hitting the back of the skull in an action called “Contra Coup injury”
.
The force applied last night had obviously caused blood vessels to be torn off and rupture into the enclosed vault, this causes intra cranial pressure which can lead brain being compressed and if left untreated can cause in the extreme death.Hence the operation which was obviously to relieve the pressure on the brain and drain the blood, serious, yes very.
My Rant.
Why oh why, when Raul is on the deck, with an obviously serious injury, (players don’t stay down that long if they are playing for a foul or penalty) did the Arsenal medical staff leave Luiz on. Signs of a desperate manager, willing to risk one of his players for points springs to mind.
The same force that was applied to Raul’s head in the injury was applied to David Luiz as he collided with him. When he tried to get up, the medical staff forced him back down, in my book I read that as serious to him too. Playing with players livelihood and career, even their lives is a sad fact of this money grabbing football World we live in where points matter more than David Luiz.
As we get older our brain shrinks, there then becomes more opportunity to bleed in to the cranial vault without the obvious subtle signs of serious head injury appearing as quickly as in a young healthy person. (Unconsciousness, pupils dilated on one side, breathing irregularities). That is why, (take note older members of this blog), if we have a fall when we’re older, all head injuries get scanned as with Raul as a precaution. There are many instances in the past of elderly people who sustained a head injury and were sent home with no scan, led to them falling asleep and never waking up after haemorrhaging inside the cranial vault and dying. So bloggers, if you or one of your loved ones sustain a head trauma, make sure they go to hospital and receive a full head injury assessment.
So, now to Arsenal,
Bad bloody form I say. David Luiz went up for a ball almost immediately after the restart and he pulled out of the header with no one challenging him. Another glaring obvious sign to me that all was not right, look at the many pictures of him with his Martin Keown / Terry Butcher bloodied bandage and look at his eyes. He was not right, 100%, he was not right. I am livid, I am disgusted with Arsenal medical staff.
I pray for Raul, he would never pull out of a challenge and always gives his all, as with David, but also I am concerned that there may have been underlying problems with David, taking him off at halftime as an after thought is not acceptable. If I behave like that as a Paramedic, I would have been sacked, no if’s no buts.
Wise up football World, get your greedy act together, stop thinking the World revolves around football and points because it does not. Tim Sherwood and Alan Shearer are up in arms the last 24 hours, this is preventable.
Not so much of an Arsenal now.
Mr Angry from Wolverhampton.
Great insight Stu and I agree wholeheartedly mate. I couldn’t believe Luiz stayed on. Arsenal haven’t looked after him right all and I think Arteta needs to answer some serious questions. Post-match he said Luiz himself didn’t feel comfortable heading the ball and that’s why he went off – not because they were protecting him. Whether or not they followed protocols, he should not have been allowed to continue.
Stu
Being serious not sarcastic – thanks for the diagnostics it gives us all some more insight into the situation re Raul.
I would like to make one point –
I am not in any way blaming Luiz because I can’t. But neither can I exonerate him because I can”t. I watched the match and didn’t see the incident and for obvious and correct reasons it hasn’t been replayed. Not suggesting intent , but was it reckless (by either player)? Because in Rugby Union eg reckless is culpable. more so I think than in football (soccer).
And if so have VAR checked – I presume so . As far as I’m aware there seems to be a wall of silence.
You obviously have medical knowledge Stu, but there was a big difference between the Luiz and Raul injuries as exemplified by the manner they were caused. Raul was standing still and jumped vertically whereas Luiz ran at speed and took a running jump. To my eyes, Luiz’s blow was on the forehead, the hardest part of the head, which made extremely forceful contact with the side of Raul’s head which is much less well protected.
I disagree with your comments about Arteta. He was guided by the Arsenal medical staff. Luiz apparently passed the concussion protocols ( they had enough time to undertake them while Raul was being treated) and Arsenal have stated that it was the cut that was more of an issue at half time. Maybe though, temporary substitutes should be allowed while head injuries are fully assessed.
Hind sight, agreed mate.
That’s the beauty / hazards with Trauma, a collection of circumstances and incidents delivered in the blink of an eye which can result in little or no injury or death.
We rolled up to the most horrific damage to a car and find someone walking about who after treatment went home from hospital. On another occasion a gentle rear end shunt in the car that led to paralysis for life.
It’s a lottery, my thoughts on Arteta are formed from his post match interview regarding David Luiz.
Troy Deeney in his wisdom has waded in today with the comments, “players should be allowed to make decisions on their medical condition” clarifying all we thought of Deeney. “He’s a Moron”
Also, Iv’e worked with some amazing doctors pitch side at games, (includingWolves games) and at British Superbikes.
Iv’e also worked with a lot of really bad one’s, who turn up for the glory of the PL and Glamour of Superbikes.
But I take your comments on board as constructive. 🙂
Hind sight,
I can’t argue with anything there, such is the nature of Trauma, it’s unpredictable.
I did write you a comprehensive reply, but it’s disappeared faster than a Trump briefing on CNN.
Now it’s back.?
Without doubt one of the best posts I’ve read on this blog. Intelligent, insightful and informed.
Oh, and not a little bit pissed off!
Prawney,
Spending 33 years of my life doing a job I loved, wanted to do and apparently was good at, helped.
Brilliant piece Stu. Spot on.
Although there has been a lot of publicity around former players repeatedly heading heavy footballs, not enough has been said or done about head on head clashes which cause concussion. Until now hopefully. The treatment Raul received has been praised and hopefully will makes his recovery swifter, however there has been widespread condemnation of the decision to leave Luiz on the pitch. Last night’s match was national and global and will surely trigger changes in protocols.
What a great three points that was in the circumstances, well done . Top quality leadership by Coady and Moutinho plus serious stepping up to the plate by Neto and Podence. These standards need to be kept up now. To expect Silva to step into Raul’s shoes would be unfair and detrimental, I hope Jeff has paid the insurance premiums and can do a deal through Uncle Jorge, I hear Ronaldo might be available in January.
Silva did a good job, but he is a very different player type than Jimenez. We’ll miss Jimenez predatory instincts and clinical finishing in the box, especially when it comes to dealing with the crosses..
Thoughts are with Raul and his family and how lucky we are to have seen him strut his stuff in his absolute prime. Hope to see him walking his dogs again in the not too distant future but it must be unlikely that he’ll be donning the gold and black for a very considerable time, if ever.
The team were just that, a team and every man contributed his full. Shame on you Podence denyers, that coolly taken goal was pure brilliance. Neto, Moutinho, Cody and Traore all excellent too. Just how many effective tackles does Moutinho do?
Willy still needs to improve his distribution because we all know what will happen if he is forced into playing it long.
As for Silva, yes he tried hard and showed nice touches but he’s years away from the finished article and looked what he is at times, a boy against men. That’s not his fault so spending big in January on a true centre forward will almost certainly be a priority.
Wow that’s a heartfelt and detailed informative post. Thanks for that.
Sickening 10 minutes seeing Raul on the deck then stretchered off. Hope dearly it is not career threatening but more important he recovers fit and well for life than anything at this stage. Some of his performances at Molineux I’ve witnessed live left me breathless with admiration. His skill and commitment are just awesome.
Great performance from the team and a cracking 3 points. Neto, Adama, Podence were right on song. Silva looked ok when he came on but he needs time, looks like he’s going to get it in the next tranche of games at least.
Defence looked good in a 4 and to leash those 4 forwards at the same time is exciting to say the least.
The VAR complicity in agreeing with Michael Oliver’s decision to book Adama rather than give a penalty was spellbinding. Whether it’s straightforward bias or just incompetence only the refs who made the decisions will know.
But it seems churlish to moan about that given the night and the impact Raul’s injury had on the game overall. Best wishes Raul and family.
Good point about Adama, lost in the aftermath of Raul’s injury.
Wolves should appeal Adama’s yellow. No one could ignore an appeal.
I don’t think you can appeal a yellow card, Stu. These officials seem incapable of using the VAR system with any form of common sense. If I were a believer in conspiracies, I would think refs want the system to fail. Or maybe they are as incapable or corrupt, whether consciously or not, as they make themselves seem. You could see he was clipped within seconds; what are they doing and why?
You are right Debenham, yellows cannot be appealed.
VAR wears a red shirt.
Beware next week.
It seems pathetic to say, “Get well soon, Raul”. I’ll say, “Get well. Take as long as you need, Raul”
Nothing to add… StuWolf very sombering insights… Seems churlish (for me) to add anything footie wise.
Like everyone I am hoping Raul makes a speedy recovery.
On a positive note to what is a very concerning injury to Raul is that don goodman had a fractured skull requiring an operation. So, similar to Raul’s situation although not necessarily identical as we don’t know the nature of the procedure/extent of the damage. At the time of don’s injury there were understandably questions as to whether he would be able to resume playing and even when those were addressed he was expected to be out for 12 months. In the end, he started playing again in 6 months. Let Raul have all the time he needs to recover and decide his future. The start of next season is 9 months away and he should be afforded the space to recover properly. Best wishes to him, his wife and family.
Well done to the whole team for managing that performance. Obviously it is impossible to enjoy that win as we should. I am very afraid we have seen the last of Raul on the field as he has suffered such a bad injury. I hope, of course, for a full recovery, as every football fan, whatever their club, will do. His health will come first and, as a young father, my heart goes out to his family and we, as the Wolves’ pack, feel part of that, as it is apparent he is such a nice, popular guy. Hope remains, but…
Fabio Silva did very well in my opinion, but has a lot of physical growing and strength to attain in order to become the finished product, so, I imagine, finding a replacement for the beloved Raul will be a top requirement now. As an eighteen year old Fabio was being educated and used wisely by Nuno. I hope we can continue to make sure he is used appropriately and his physical wellbeing and self confidence, at such an important phase of his career, is maintained.
Miracles do occur and I know what I will be asking for this Christmas… I know all our thoughts will be with Raul and his young family; Oh, for some good news…
One little thing I did notice about the game, was the positioning of Semedo as soon as the opposition gained possession. He rarely positioned himself between his initial opponent and our goals but was very often too far forward of where he should have been imo. Arsenal certainly made use of attacking successfully down that side and fair play to our guys in not conceding from the many crosses emanating from our right. I like Semedo a lot but I hope to see some improvement in the next few games…
Agree with you there DebenhamWolf, Semedo has a lot of improving to do. I feel it’d be wiser for us to judge him next season, as he joined late on in the window and had no pre-season with his new teammates.
Totally agree…
Enjoyed this one, first time in a while. Right up until Neves was brought on for Silva.
Defensive motivation put us under alot of pressure – a good team would take advantage.
It’s scary watching your team do so well, change gets made and then you are constantly under pressure. My heart cannot take it.
Boly needs to knock it off with the square passing, the one too many touches and running way out of position.
Podence took his goal brilliantly – I still cannot get behind him though. Watching a defender move him off the ball really winds me up. He hasn’t got any sort of presence on the pitch and goes missing until he has to ball.
We have also gone from VAR checking 6 passages of play before a goal and checking EVERY incident, to VAR picking and Choosing what they deem a “clear and obvious error” – He booked Adama for diving. Costs him money and goes on his record, however there was obvious contact. – I think I might need to stop watching for a few years until they sort this shit out.
Thoughts with Rauls Family and Raul.
*** Just a quick question, If 2 players go in for a ball anywhere on the pitch as a 50/50 but irrationally, who ever is slowest and takes the player gives away a foul. so why wasn’t this the case? (it doesn’t mean anything no, except it points out the inconsistency with refereeing and VAR) Luiz flew at Raul, in the air, Head down eyes shut after Raul had cleared it the contact was made. Should be a dangerous play for me”””
I never thought that any player would ever suffer a fractured skull playing what we call the beautiful game. It only goes to show how dangerous football is. There is now ample evidence that, decades later, a player can suffer dementia caused by heading the ball. My thoughts to Raul and his family. My thoughts also to David Luiz. The reckless decision to leave him on after the incident was incomprehensible. After such a sickening collision, Luiz may have suffered an injury that required immediate diagnosis if not treatment, and that might still be the case…
Full credit for the Wolves players in turning in a magnificent display, in spite of the fact that they were so obviously concerned for Raul. The aggression and tactics displayed in the second half against Southampton were on full display against Arsenal. We can’t play back four? My arse we can’t! Back four is not a problem, the problem is the turnover in new players. But confidence and familiarity is returning in droves. My pre-match prediction of a 3-1 win was denied when Traore was ludicrously carded at 2-1 when he was brought down in the penalty area. Replays showed that his foot was trodden on when was at full speed. 100% penalty. Wasn’t Andre Marriner (the Villa fan) the VAR ref? Says it all. Chalk up another VAR farce against Wolves.
Happily my 7/1 bet for Wolves to win and both teams to score came in big-time. I’ve been on a roll since the US election, spending the bookies’ money.
Three things came out of this match, as far as I’m concerned.
1. Raul is going to be very lucky to ever play again. It is one thing for a goalie like Petr Cech to have a fractured skull, he never headed the ball, it is totally different for an outfield player, who will always be required to use his head in a match.
I will be very surprised if he get medical clearance to resume his career.
And will he ever be as brave and fearless in the air as before? Doubtful, and rightly so.
Life and health come before anything else.
2. In the most horrid of circumstances, we have found out how we can play without Raul leading the line.
We have all speculated on what would happen if he got injured, (not like this, obviously) or suspended, or even dropped, and now we know.
Brilliantly. Our attack was a constant threat all over the pitch, and if Messi had scored our second the way Dan did, it would never be off youtube. Fabulous little flick up before the shot, which sent the keeper the wrong way.
3. Diogo who?
For me, Pedro Neto gave one of the finest displays of wingmanship since the days of Dave Wagstaffe.
He constantly tormented their defense with pace and skill for the full match.
Closely followed yet again by our midfield maestro, young Mr. Moutinho.
Some people on social media have said Arsenal were poor.
They showed late in the game that they were not, but made to look poor for 70 minutes or so by our wonderful play.
I am not in the least worried by the upcoming visit to Anfield, but more worried whether our friend var will be used against us, yet again.
It was a travesty that Adama, who had his best game for ages, got booked for so called diving, yet their bloke Oh Bammy Yang didnt for a similar incident a bit later.
Once again, farcial decisions and interference.
Football will never be the same until var is abandoned for ever, and crowds are back.
And obviously I echo all the sentiments on here and Worldwide for Raul to have a good, positive recovery.
If you are really bored, Raul, and read this blog, please take your time, get healthy, and relax in the knowledge that you are in our thoughts, our hearts and forever enshrined as one of the greatest Wolves forwards.
Get well , Senor.
May not be that Raul won’t be back. Don Goodman fractured his skull in ’96 playing for Wolves. He was assured by his surgeon that he would be fine, his skull stronger, and so it proved.
Of course different cases have different results but we can hope and those with a faith pray. (Not me I’m afraid).
Well said Clive, and an interesting set of points about the game.
In regard to the next game , Liverpool were on the wrong end of three VAR decisions
in their last game so perhaps the tide has turned.
Like you, I feel we could get a result there.
Absolutely devastated about Raul’s injury.
A lovely man, a superb footballer, a great ambassador for Wolves and a proud husband and dad.
Let’s hope that he makes a full, and quick, recovery, and that he’s back terrorising defences before too long.
Talk about terrorising defences!
What a performance by our boys.
Neto, Podence and Traore were in rampaging form, and the young lad Silva started to look more comfortable as the game progressed.
The Donk ran his socks off and Moutinho pulled the strings brilliantly in midfield. The defence, for the most part, looked sound. Although I do still have worries about Semedo.
Arsenal looked like a team struggling around the relegation zone.
Which is exactly what they are.
And how Adama got booked for being tripped in the penalty area is something that only Michael Oliver and Andre Astonvillaner know.
A thoroughly entertaining game which was horribly spoiled by the injury to Raul and, to a much lesser extent, by the way Nuno reverted to all out defence when we had the momentum and could probably have scored more goals.
Taking Podence off was the wrong move as far as I was concerned and we were looking more and more shaky as the final twenty minutes ticked away.
Love to Raul, his wife and little one.
The pack is behind you mate. Stay strong and you’ll come through this even stronger.
Best wished to Raul. I always hope it sounded worse than it was but when I woke up to the news of a fractured skull, then reality sunk in.
I hope it is just a matter of time to heal rather than time and discomfort.
There is a picture going around the Twitterverse of the collision and just before. It certainly looks like Luiz completely went animal on Raul.
As far as the yellow card for Adama, the commentators what I was subject to said it was clearly a dive. I had to put up with their pro-Arsenal view the whole game. I wonder if my neighbours were thinking something was wrong when I yelled at the television over one of their comments.
It certainly looked like Adama had his mojo back for much of the game so maybe the change in formation was responsible for that. I’m surprised Nuno actually went with a formation that would leave our net more vulnerable but kudos for taking a flier on it for two games in a row.
I didn’t think Fabio looked bad at all, it was probably his best playing since he got here. That being said, I’m assuming we will be trying to get in a striker in the next window because Raul will definitely not be back for a few months at least, I would think.
If Liverpool fans want to know why Wolves sold them Jota, I think they should understand after last night’s game. Neto was great. Podence was great. Adama was great.
The rumours of Moutinho’s demise have been greatly exaggerated. I couldn’t figure out how his legs could go completely in a matter of months and, apparently, they haven’t.
And can someone tell my why Luiz was playing with blood seeping from his bandage. Isn’t there a rule that if you get blood on your jersey or a bloody nose, you have to leave the field to have it tended to?
And finally, here is the picture from Twitter. I assume there is no photoshopping going on.
Tim thanks for the picture.
It answers a lot of questions.
Irrespective of whether David Luiz is at fault, Clive, PJB, that’s for others to analyse and live with.
Open the picture up and there is the evidence to support taking players sustaining a head injury off, the ripples in the faces are indication of the shockwaves applied through the force of the blow. Both players received the same force irrespective of who applied it.
Basic Trauma rules:- Force = Mass x acceleration
The two large very heavy heads (Mass) x the speed Of Luiz (acceleration)
This picture should be shoved under the noses of all at the FA headquarters, it illustrates our concerns of Luiz staying on the pitch.
Another report states, “he was allowed to drive home from the game”
Defies belief, funkin morons.
It is common in all sports to assume the person on the receiving end of a body check or whatever is getting more force than the person doing the checking.
I once told someone otherwise and they had a hard time believing it.
A running back getting hit by a defender is not receiving any more force than the defender doing the blocking, you just have to brace yourself so as not to be caught in an awkward position.
Sorry
I’ve just watched MOD2 for the first time and am going to say what no one else seems to be prepared to address .There is a wall of silence.
The challenge on Jiminez was reckless. He was static and Luiz charged in like a bull at a gate. Not deliberate but reckless.
In any other walk of life if you are reckless you are culpable; accidental is not a defence in itself.
Regardless of cause, the effect is the most important thing so very best to you Raul.
Glad you mentioned it first.
Luiz is very similar to that other animal of limited ability, Sergio Ramos.
Brutishness and ignorance trying to make up for serious lack of skill.
Don’t think he meant to fracture his skull, but probably has zero remorse this morning, if he even knows what happened.
THIS is where var should step in, analyze what happened and dish out appropriate punishment, whether immediate or retro actively, to Luiz. But with it’s track record, var would probably fuck it up all together and award the Arse a penalty.
Clive
I think the complete lack of discussions / comment by any TV “pundits” says it all and Sky immediately imposed censorship on the grounds of “good taste”. Suspect that all this and the “absence” of VAR is anticipating possible legal consequences further down the line , never mind football bans.
As for someone above comparing Luiz with Romain Saiss I think Romain is a pussycat by comparison.
At best like you I fear it will be a very long time.if ever, before we see Jiminez back on a football field.
On your earlier post.
1. All said.
2. Yes, but we still need to replace him to have the option of a conventional CF; I’ve already pontificated at some length above – where are all the “ones for the future”. Mainly playing in Europe on loan.
3. Can’t resist a good natured dig – after imploring us to forget about Diogo I think you were the first to mention him this week. Spot on with Neto though – another star in the making.
4. Agreed, Arsenal weren’t great but you can only beat what’s put in front of you and we outclassed them.
5. I AM worried about Anfield, but live in hope. Our goal by Neto was ruled out last season after a 4 minute search for the fitting freeze frame. And off piste I thoughts Klopp’s rant on Sat. was outrageous. Will he be taken to task.? Take a leaf out of Nuno’s standards of dignity you ignoramus.
All the best and like everyone rooting for RJ.
Glad you mentioned it PJB, glad you mentioned it Clive. I almost keyed the same opinion into the BBC ‘Comments’. Nobody is saying anything about this animal. Although one gooner in his comments asked “when will Luiz learn to tackle fairly?” All the papers and Teletext appear to use the phrase “accidental, clash of heads” but when you’ve read it over and over again you start to think “they do protest his innocence too much”.
The reason is partly because the seriousness of the injury and the concern about Raul’s future but over the coming days I think the intent Luiz showed in that reckless header will be a talking point.
I mean – 3 posts before I was asking the question.
Luiz should be banned.
*** Just a quick question, If 2 players go in for a ball anywhere on the pitch as a 50/50 but irrationally, who ever is slowest and takes the player gives away a foul. so why wasn’t this the case? (it doesn’t mean anything no, except it points out the inconsistency with refereeing and VAR) Luiz flew at Raul, in the air, Head down eyes shut after Raul had cleared it the contact was made. Should be a dangerous play for me”””
Wolves U23s are on youtube live, it anyone is interested.
Might not actually be live as I think the game has completed already.
BTW, isn’t that Luiz situation similar to the Liverpool goalie who was playing while seemingly concussed?
Actually Tim I now think (having been able to watch it on MOTD after Sky blacked the incident out) that Luiz’s challenge was without doubt at best reckless in the extreme; he made a charge at a static opponent and effectively head butted him.I don’t really care what the consequences to his wellbeing are are as it as now clear that he was the sole perpetrator and the other party is in hospital with at best a career threatening and at worst a potentially life critical injury.
Why no VAR? It was a clear red card possibility.
Where are the howls from the pundits.
It makes eg. Son’s well publicised lunge last season look like a benevolent shin tap.
Raul
Get well soon, get home with your family and enjoy your first Xmas as a dad , forget football for now .
First ten games is always a good time to assess the start to a new season.
@1.7 points per game , this is officially our best start to a top flight season since 79-80 ( my favourite ever year btw) which ended up with a top 6 finish and our last major trophy ?.
I suppose we can all agree then that this is shaping up to be a great season, we have no Europa this year and are only going to get stronger as the season progresses.
There were so many good performances last night but Neto and mautino left nothing out on the field and with 14 years difference between they share my man of the match.
Our defence kept arsenal to ‘not a single shot on target’ in the second half too .
Traore will be massive for us over the next month against the so called big boys and with Neto- podence chipping in, will hold the fort until our Mexican magician returns
And he will
They make em tuff in Mexico
Come on you wolves
That was sickening to watch & like Stu said I cannot fit the life of me understand why Luiz was allowed back on the pitch. He should have taken off & checked over thoroughly, not allowed to play on then subbed later.
My thoughts go out to Raul and his family & I wish him all the best for a speedy recovery. My fear when I saw it was a fractured skull & sadly that’s what it is.
After going through that the lads were superb & im proud of them all, even more so for getting the win.
But at the end of the day it’s just a game. Rauls health is far more important by far.
The strength of the Wolf is in the pack & the pack is with him 100%.
A question to Stuwolf.
Players head the ball all of the time and the same thing happens inside the skull whether or not there is a fracture.
Isn’t the fracture likely to be more a case of the forehead of Luiz’ skull hitting Jimenez’ skull (temple area)?
Therefore, we have two things occurring, and maybe we can separate the two incidents to better understand the long term effects? I know we can’t know fully what will happen but maybe we can theorize better if we break down the compound incident into two.
Note: I’m just trying to understand what happened and so go easy on me.
The effects of the ball hitting his head and knocking his brain into the front of the skull and then the back of the skull is more or less a normal occurrence when heading the ball. This ball didn’t seem to be going any faster than normal.
The skull is indeed thicker at the front than on the Sphenoids, (temples), so yes you are right hence the severity of a fracture for Raul but not (we pray) for Luiz.
He ball hitting the head with force will indeed have the same effect as a blow, but with less trauma due to it’s construction, sponge and leather/plastic.
This is indeed why dementia becomes a problem later on in the life of footballers. There are Trillions of nerve cells so luckily it takes a while to cause sufficient damage.
Well said, above. My father, still a practising physician himself and in great health at age 75, fell off his horse- wearing a little helmet. He got right back on- but an hour he later slumped over, with terminal swelling in his cranium. He had been on aspirin and Cumidin (blood thinner).
The issue is not whether Luiz sustained the same force trauma as Jimenez. He also lay motionless for a time, appeared confused, and had sustained an obvious sharp blow to the skull even if his own momentum had caused it. No way he should have been allowed to continue.
AB Squash,so sorry regarding your father.
Thinking we are indestructible is folly. Brain shrinkage in the elderly is a contributing factor in head injury. No so David Luiz, but it should not be discounted without full, proper clinical investigation.
I note from the press, David Luiz is not to play in the Europa league game on Thursday as a precaution. ???
Sorry but,
The horse has bolted.
As said by everyone already, thoughts and prayers with Raul and family. I originally thought it was a concussion at worst, but now read about the fracture and surgery, and the shock and severity of the injury sank in. Regardless of the sport or the team he plied his trade for, one would wish him well. As our #9, I wish him a full and speedy recovery and will be scanning the news all day looking for good news updates.
As for the game, I thought we were resplendent at times, despite the fact the players must have been so shaken. Don’t underestimate Arsenal. Despite some recent results they certainly have the quality of players, so well done Wolves.
After the game, I had to look up what I wrote on October 21 on this blog after the Leeds win: “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 :-)”.
I’m glad Nuno is listening 😉
Go Wanderers! Get well Raul!
Go Wolves
Re: Raul; I can only endorse the comments made by other posters and wish him a speedy recovery.
Two other points.
1: If the contact on Welbeck was a penalty how the hell did Adama get booked ? VAR gets more frustrating every week!!
2: Since Raul is now out for a considerable length of time we need a replacement ASAP.
Patrick Cutrone is still our player and it doesn’t look like Fiorentina are going to take up the option to buy him. Rafa Mir is also still on our books and appears to be having a decent time in Spain. Any thoughts/comments (other than “you must be f***in’ joking/clutching at straws”.
I could see Wolves bringing back Cutrone but I doubt Nuno would want him. He might be better suited to the new style of play, though. I’ve been watching him play a bit in Italy because of the sports package I have and he hasn’t acutally been very impressive. I guess that is the nature of a poacher, though. He needs service or he is isolated.
As far as Rafa Mir goes, I think the team he is on loan to have an option to buy and since he is doing well and on the radar of some of the big teams in Spain, I think they might take up the option and then flip him to one of the bigger teams for a quick profit. Or keep him.
Wolves will sign someone else in the January window. We just have to make do for a month or two. Adama? Pedro?
Regarding Cutrone – his value has plummetted to very little, I would guess so bringing him back and rehabbing him and getting some results for half a season might be a smart move for both the team and the player. I’m not sure if both (alleged) antagonists would be willing to participate but I’d love to hear the chant again.
Note: Just brainstorming.
Surprised no one has suggested we buy back Diogo.
Also, no one has yet mentioned the brain fart Rui had in the second half, which could have dropped us at least two points.
Proves he ain’t 100% perfect, only 99.9%!!
Leave everything to Dr. N, he knows wot he be a doin’!
Clive
At least I admit I’m obsessed with Jota!
How about Leo Bonatini? He knows the system.
Tim
I’ve mentioned Leo a couple of times.
He is a proper Wolves forgotten hero without whom none Nuno’s dream might never have happened because until Dec 2017 he scored nearly all our goals – and he’s still on the books.
Would it actually do any harm to recall him? Probably a better option than slapped ar$e Cuitrone. Other options – Mir, Campagna, Dashidov.
Can’t explain why I missed filing my prediction
2:2
Would trade any number of 6-0 hammering s for a fit again Jimenez
I recall saying once that if he leaves for a bigger payday good luck to him as footballers are only one bad injury away from the end of their career
Hope not this one for Raul… but who knows?
If there is a dog ..please be sure he’s OK
Yep think Luiz was reckless
( like Pickford)
Traore was tripped
Neto was the new ‘unplayable’
Silva looks a long way from top class striker
Moutinho could play until 40
Passes back to Patricio at best lose us possession
Hard to summon a lot of excitement for next match tho… especially after Stu’s depressing description of brain damage
OODCL I hope
Tragedy about our no 9 who I think is the best centre forward we’ve had since John Richards I truely hope he recovers quickly but no doubt that will not be possible for quite a while..
My favourite winger Traore does it yet again and has created a situation where the word sacrilege enters my mind if he is not on the pitch..
Netto has got me thinking he might just make it lol (Brompton)
Was ..prob man of the match ..
Considering Raul’s scenario this was a spectacular result ..
6th place indeed
First and foremost thoughts go out to Raul and his family.
Moutinho won’t go on forever sadly but proved the old adage form is temporary but class is permanent. Superb performance from Neto. Dreading the phone call from Klopp or Pep. Terrific finish from Podence – number 10 role may suit him better than playing as a conventional winger. Traore looked menacing. I thought Silva did really well for an 18 year old and showed lots of promise. Playing regularly will accelerate his development if managed well. Wouldn’t be surprised if we go for an experienced loan in January to share the load. Agree with comments about Semedo. Defending was his weakness at Barca. Work needed on the training ground but he looks classy.
Back to Raul. Let’s hope for the best.
Wot about me???
You made me smile Steve. I always say patience and faith are key considerations. I may even be right in my believing we will finish in the top six.
Is anyone switched on to this Twitter thing? What has arch gooner Piers Morgan been saying about last night’s game?
Best wishes go out to Raul who always comes across as a decent humble chap. Praise also to the medical staff who were there in the immediate aftermath and did what they always do. They never cease to amaze me. And also the wonderful staff at the hospital. Without any of these amazing folks Raul may be in a far worse place than he is now. Real heroes in the face of adversity. Praise also to the lads left behind on the field of play. They got the job done in the face of considerable adversity. And to Nuno. What a fantastic person he is. His response as ever class. Humble. Intelligent. Sensible. Pragmatic. The bloke is just magnificent in how he conducts himself in all sorts of situations. And last night Neto and Traore terrorised the Arsenal defenders. Podence in the way he took his goal was pure class. Brilliant result. But the biggest result will be a fully fit Raul once again wearing the old gold standing aloft in front of the South Bank.
You have hit all the right notes, as ever, Cheesy. 30,000 fans roaring ‘Si Senor’ will not leave a dry eye in the house and is a day we all pray for. Good luck Raul.
I very seen an photo of Raul s injury.. it is horrible. Poor guy .
“Thank you for your support messages. I will be under observation and I hope to return to the pitch soon.”
Raul Jimenez Flag of Mexico:
Devastating news for Raul and his family, let’s keep hopes up for a full recovery, the news is very sparse so far so we can hope that the fracture is not a bad one.
Great performance from the team after such a nasty incident and three very valuable points in the bag.
Good to see raul is on the mend already what a great man.
Any way who sat through that load of c obblers last night and was left wondering how the hell west ham put four past us …they were total pants.. and the vile weren’t much better but at least put two passes together now and again.
Now then do vile dive a lot ??? or are they genuinely fouled a lot or do they deliberately leave their legs trailing behind to get trod on .. a lot ??
Whatever the answer the ref swallows it every time and they get a ridiculous amount of free kicks around the box to prove it !!!! we will need to watch that one i think.
Karma came to get them in the end in the form of var so justice was rightly done.
Distinct lack of vile shirts around in aldridge today ….. nice day
They don’t dive mate.
They ‘Draw fouls’.
Apparently there’s a very subtle difference.
Of course … silly me thinking they may be a bunch of cheats.
What can’t speak.
Can’t lie.
Wolves have done a page so fans can send get well messages to Raul. It’s on the main Wolves web site (& app) if anyone wants to send one, I’ve just done mine.
And me.
Least we can do.
Bet there ain’t one for Luiz on any Arsenal site.
And me ………. and I asked him to read the Blog too!! In case he doesn’t already.
I also warned him about you, if/when he reads the blog !
Thanks, pal!!!
Based on nothing other than all of the knocks we all took to the head as kids playing sports, I am starting to become a little more optimistic about Raul’s future as a player.
I know he won’t be back until the summer, at the earliest, but I think he can make a comeback.
I only have to think back to all of the abuse our heads took as we fought other kids and had punches to the head or tried to tackle someone without a helmet and stuck our head into their chest.
All kinds of crazy things like that and yet 95% of us are fine so if his skull heals properly, I can see him coming back.
Of course, he will be 30 by then and may decide it isn’t worth the risk.
He can go back to Mexico and become a football analyst and live the life of Riley.
Sometimes, young Timmy, you leave yourself wide open!
Your head was abused as a child, and boy does it show!
Sorry, couldn’t resist.
So what’s your excuse?
Sorry, I couldn’t resist, either.
(You see, Clive. Friendly banter)
Very good.
Keep it up.
Have a gold star and go to the top of the class and sit on the radiator!
https://espndeportes.espn.com/futbol/inglaterra/nota/_/id/7824722/raul-jimenez-regreso-fractura-futuro-wolves
Dr. Gerardo Meraz, ESPN specialist in trauma, affirmed that the Wolves’ Mexican forward , Raúl Jiménez , will return to play without any problem, when he recovers from his severe skull injury, the product of a collision with David Luiz. on Sunday.
“In short, the player is going to come back; without any problem he is going to play football again. That is what my experience tells me. Most of these players, once the hematoma is drained, the bleeding stops and the blood stabilizes. fracture, it is only a matter of time and I believe that he will evolve satisfactorily, “said Meraz…..”
That would be fantastic, should it happen, For us of course, but, more importantly, for himself.
Villa Vs Newcastle’s Friday game is called off due to a big Covid 19 outbreak at the Newcastle training ground.
Wolves U23’s played there yesterday afternoon.
Oh dear.
Everything has been said about Raul’s situation so I’ll cut to the chase.
Sunday night should have left everyone associated with the club with a feeling of immense pride. The players for responding so well after witnessing a horrific incident, the back-room staff for responding to Raul so professionally and the manager for opting for the right tactics and for insisting on his privacy when interviewed. All of the players stood up to be counted when it would have been understandable had some ‘hidden’ a little – for me all 11 were standout performers on Sunday.
Believe it or not.
https://the4thofficial.net/2020/12/wolves-provide-update-on-this-strikers-injury-big-blow-for-nuno-espirito-santo/
“…Jimenez’s recent injury makes him a major doubt for the Liverpool clash this weekend which will be a bitter pill to swallow for Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo despite his team’s impressive 2-1 win over the Gunners on Sunday…”
Yeah it has all been said above… Luiz should have been evaluated by a neutral medical worker before being allowed to return. At the very least the rules on substitution should make an exception for suspected head injuries- temporary replacement should be allowed.
With all the talk about concussions in the NFL and NHL (American football and ice hockey) they still don’t get it. Announcers treat it lightly. Referees and leaugues don’t punish appropriately. Players will be players.
I worked for a civil court judge decades ago. His policy was that assuming the opposing sides in a lawsuit were adults, if they signed a Settlement Agreement he had nothing to say in the matter- case closed. It made little difference if one side could not afford a lawyer (as in most tenant v landlord cases, e.g.). At most, he would have me initial that I had read and explained the paper to the “pro se” party.
When a minor plaintiff settled a personal injury case, however, state law required that a judge sign off on the deal. This was mostly a routine exercise- the lawyers could be presumed to know more about the merits of the case than the judge (who is decidedly not an active participant in the US system of litigation). If the judge refused to approve the settlement, the injured child might go on to lose the case at trial on liability- resulting in zero damages.
This judge by reputation was not at all “pro-plaintiff”- of course, he would never inject his personal judgment into the works on the grounds that the insurance company was giving away too MUCH to the poor injured child… but he never leaned on them to cough up a little more, to get the blessing of his signature.
But he had one exception, which never failed to exasperate the lawyers on both sides: if there was ANY evidence of a concussion, he insisted that the child get a full neurological exam, with a statement from the doctor that future complications were unlikely. This caused delay and cost money- there was no guarantee that it would ultimately be in the best interests of the child.
Even 25 years ago, this crusty old judge understood that even “mild” concussions were treated too casually by medical and legal experts.
Now to the game…
I am one of the fans that kept pleading that Traore play 90- why not together with Podence into the mix. But I don’t credit the coach for finally bowing to pressure. The question is why it took so long.
Granted, I predicted it would be 4-1 if they started both superstars against Southampton. It takes a while to coalesce- especially young players with different skill sets. Granted, also, that Arsenal are not what they used to be. But the first goal was so @#$%ing easy. Podence made a nice feed to Traore, who promptly beat his man down the wing with a burst of acceleration (as he ALWAYS does), made a beautiful cross (as he quite often does), for an easy header that probably should not have hit the bar, but was converted anyway on the rebound.
The second goal involved a brilliant run through contact by Traore, with a terrific feed to Neto. He probably should have fed Podence, but his shot was fortunately deflected, resulting in a fine conversion by the alert man with the quick feet.
The third goal was denied by VAR and the referee. Yes, the ball got away and it LOOKED like a bit of a dive, and Traore did not complain vociferously. So what. It was a trip, in the box. You can easily get injured by trying to stay on your feet after being tripped- especially at Traore’s velocity.
The defense was shoddy, but Adama is unplayable. Podence is brilliant. Get 3 goals in the first half and you won’t lose many points to anyone in any league.
No doubts in my mind that it was the booking of Traore that cost us the penalty on Sunday.
The ridiculous pact of mutual support between Ref and Stockley Park which means they can’t drop their man in the middle in the crap has cost us again. If the booking had not been given I just know that VAR would have recommended a pitch-side review and that a penalty would have been given. But the booking was a cock-up too far to be owned up to.
Wonder how Stockley Park would have felt if Traore had incurred another booking and seen red and/or a late Arsenal equaliser.
This perceived guidance of no interruption unless there is a ‘clear and obvious error’ is ridiculously pathetic. If an error is identified it has to be named. To do otherwise based on any criteria maximises inconsistency and creates a situation much more unfair than existed before VAR.
Can’t comment on Raul other than to wish him a complete and speedy recovery. Just too angry still.
Happy to see Silva continue. Already taking up good positions and nice work setting up Traore for his missed effort. More pitch-time minutes can only improve his confidence and set him up for the future. Plenty of goals in the rest of the team until he starts to contribute.
Full credit to Nuno again. Nothing whimsical about his switches in personnel or tactics. When he makes the change it works and the squad is standing up to the changes inflicted very well. Best Prem league start in nearly fifty years, excellent youth potential and nobody can really say they are being unfairly excluded.
To be honest Jackomac, I think ‘clear and obvious’ should apply to offside. I’m sick to death of disallowed goals due to the striker not having trimmed his fingernails that morning.
So now the task is to probably get a replacement for Raul. Whether it will be a permanent signing or a loan, we’ll have to see.
With Brexit, the rules will be different. Players from the EU will be treated the same as players from South America, there will be a point system depending on various things like international experience and what league they were/are playing in.
We can’t just go into Portugal and pick up a player from Porto like the last window.
Note: This is my understanding of the new rules that go into effect Jan. 1, 2021
In light of your comment Tim ….Perhaps we should move now for a proven goal scorer …..albeit in the Championship Ivan Toney from Brentford to me looks like a PL CF now .. …. The lad reminds me of a young Drogba
If I remember rightly, we’ve been linked with Toney before, perhaps he was one that our old pal Jezza wouldn’t cough up for.
I’d like Giroud because a) he wants to play every week, b) he wants 6 months to show he can get in the France team for the World Cup and c) he can handle the pressure, score goals and Silva would watch & learn.
I don’t think Silva is ready to be the main man and to expect him to be Raul overnight will be detrimental to his progress.
Very good shout on Giroud. It is a perfect 6 month fit for him and us. Stumbling block might be wages as I should imagine he is on more than any of our current team – not a problem in terms of funding them rather how others in the team might react. It would also be interesting to know what Chelsea’s stance would be selling to a team potentially competing with them for European place. Why would they want to give us a leg up when he could go abroad?
And if he shaved his beard, he could jump an extra six inches higher!
For those young ‘uns out there, an inch is two degrees farenheit in old money.
On Giroud or other possible replacements for RJ.
We have ON OUR BOOKS –
Silva
Mir
Bonatini
Campana
Dashidov
Bought in for a total of around £45 million.
If they weren’t going to be first team contenders why on earth did we buy them as since their purchases I think they have made around 3 starts between them.
Wherever possible I would suggest we recall and try playing OUR OWN PLAYERS.
Wow BG great call !….just went back into the internet archives and apparently he failed a medical in 2016 after we had agreed to pay 500 k for him from Northampton …..
Great result and performance. Best wishes to Raul when I heard the clash of heads I knew it was serious the sound was horrible makes me shudder just speaking about it.
The presavation of life is paramount no matter what the sport or just people going about there every day life.
I’ve often thought why don’t footballers wear head guards like the one amateur boxers wear should still be able to head the ball…….anyway that’s for another day.
Thoughts and prayers to Raul and his family.
Excellent article on the E&S Web site, from the great Zico. Worth a read.
Congratulations to Stale Solbakken on the Norway job.
Never given a fair chance at Wolves by the scouse g*t.
The fans are the ones who drove him out, not Morgan.
At least that is how I remember it. It was too boring of a style.
Tim
My recollection is that he was refused sufficient resources to do a proper job and they fell out after about 4 months. You have to admit, not an uncommon scenario in the Morgan and cheap option Moxey era.
I also recall Mick was frequently hampered by being handed a cheaper downgrade on his transfer targets.
I think Morgan did very nicely thank you out of his £10 investment in WWFC.
Yes 30 million which he donated to his charity.
It was (some of ) the players that drove him out – refusing to take on board the tactical changes he wanted to impose.
Just to echo in full every sentiment on the blog regarding the sickening injury to Raul. He certainly has been one of the principal cornerstones of two successful seasons in the top flight and I wish him a successful recovery. He comes across as a smashing lad to boot!
I suspect like everyone else watching, the incident and aftermath made me winch and certainly took a real edge of what proved to be a superb away performance to clinch all three points. The team all stood up to be counted and for me Coady and Neto were outstanding .
Now is the time to eat humble pie, as I forecast a goalless draw – what the hell do I know! Nowt – as usual.
More than Happy to eat the pie after my dinner tonight!
BOG
Nuno likes small squads full of versatile players who can cover more than one position so I’m sure he has an answer already with the squad we currently have.
I’m just dying to see what it is.
How about playing Saiss upfront?
Nuno has played him everywhere else on the pitch so may as well try him.
Nooooooo! We do.not need him.