Today might have marked the coronation of a new monarch, but there was only one king being toasted at full time.
Julen Lopetegui has completed his rescue act with three games to spare, and thoughts can now turn to next season.
Given the impact the Spaniard has had during his short time it’s intriguing to ponder where he could take us after a full pre-season and another transfer window.
And while memories of last week’s mauling at Brighton (or the many other miserable afternoons we’ve been made to endure this season) shouldn’t be erased entirely, now is a time to praise the stellar job our management team have done.
That’s eight clean sheets in the book since Jeff Shi whisked King Julen into Wolverhampton in his Lamborghini, and a ninth league win to boot.
Of those successes, there can be no doubt that the last four have been crucial. To put Chelsea, Brentford, Palace and Villa to the sword without conceding a single goal is no mean feat.
Today’s result was probably a tad harsh on a Villa side that certainly played the better football, though their persistent gamesmanship makes it easy to withhold sympathy.
Every player in gold and black put in the shift that’s necessary to see tight games out, with Lemina and the matchwinner Toti particularly imperious.
It was disappointing that we couldn’t create more in the final third, but a front three of Costa, Cunha, and a re-energised Neto at least offered energy.
One final shoutout ought to go to Jose Sa, who recovered from a miserable time last weekend to help ensure we took the points. That first-half save was crucial.
But the crown belongs to our knight in shining armour.
Arise, King Julen.
Congratulations, to all the staff, and players, big clearance in summer, time for a glass off malt whisky, I would like to thank all the bloggers for the support, it means a lot in my darkest days off my health, God bless u all , as they said in the 80s, when I was young and free, let’s all have a disco, wolves aie we.
Yeah man. Let’s all av a disco. Let’s all av a disco. La la la .la la la la !
Great memories sir, some off the songs they made were superb, a new king is born today he’s name his steve bull, and he’s better than Andy Gray, God bless u sir!
Well done for such a gritty performance today. Dawson was again excellent at the back and though Villa did have a few chances, we managed the game out really well. A second goal would have eased our nerves in the final stages. Well done to J Lo and his staff for turning this team around. We can start to feel positive about next season.
Great, great result. We did exactly what we had to do… win it, by hook or by crook.
Arise King J Lo!
I have always got my stats head on. I always believe that a reasonable amount of games offer a pointer to the direction of travel. I often come on here with my PPG predictions. A couple of months back. Using PPG I made a prediction Wolves would be safe after Villa game. So. If Everon fail to beat Brighton on Monday my PPG will be bang on.
Redemption
Job done buy Julian………but there are lessons to learn from this season and Jeff and Fosun are the two main pupils.
Jeff and Fosun have dodged a bullet……for know at least. Seasons of under investment came back with a vengeance and nearly cost us our Premier League status.
Changes need to be made not just on the pitch but more importantly off the pitch if this nightmare of a season is not to be repeated.
Out of curiosity I was reading some comments on a Villa forum and several of their supporters said the only thing we offered as an attacking force was Toti’s goal. We certainly defended that lead but Cunha, Nunes and Costa all had clear sighters of their goal, so I think that’s an unfair assessment.
By the end it was actually a more straightforward win than the Palace game as Villa seemed to run out of ideas and we saw it out with a degree of comfort. Even Emery said as much afterwards. Other than Mings fluffing that chance, all of their best moments came in the first half.
Not that I’ll think about any of that beyond tonight.
Everyone did well but I’d single Toti out for special praise. He’s not the most elegant full back in the Premier League but he’s effective. One of the best things that happened to us was Jonny getting muscled out for that third Leeds goal because it forced Julen into decisive action. I wasn’t mad keen to see him in the team at Forest but he won me over in the Chelsea game and was excellent against Brentford and again today. His power and aggression are the obvious attributes but he can actually play a bit – nothing extravagant but enough to keep himself out of trouble. He should 100% be in the picture next season, especially as he can cover two positions.
Well. Look back to 26th Dec 2022. About to kick off at Everton away. 10 points. From 15 games. All and sundry saying those bottom at xmas will go down. And here we are. If Everton don’t beat Brighton on Monday we are MATHEMATICALLY safe.What a massive turnaround.
we are mathematically safe regardless…
Leeds and Leicester are on 30 points, with only 3 games left.
Absolute determination and commitment throughout the side. These very essential qualities, which were so lacking just one week ago, secured our success today.
There were many positives, but I`d like to highlight just two which have huge future implications. Toti Gomes was a fringe player, first under under Bruno and latterly under Lop. But given an opportunity he has shown substantial class and ability. Very solid defensively, today he showed again that he `s actually a very talented footballer, who could become a pivotal member of our side next season and beyond.
Cunha also demonstrated today that he also is hugely talented. If next season he is able to play behind a quality striker, he could well be phenomenal. Over to you Mr. Shi
But surely now is the time for all of us to acknowledge the massive ability and input of our new coach and his team. His achievement can only be described as immense. With support from above during the summer there is every chance that he can take us to heights never before envisioned. Exciting times ahead for all of us long suffering Wolves fanatics. With Lop at the helm, the dark days of the Bruno era are finally behind us
Mike
Fully endorse all your positives and what Julen has brought to our club has made him a legend in 4 months. From bottom with 10 at Christmas to safe on 40 with 3 to spare is an incredible transformation. And from what he has said I think he may even have surprised himself.
So what next.
There is still time for Fosun to rescue their 10 year plan if they get their act together. Wolverhampton Wanderers, with our huge geographical fan base and history DOES have the potential to challenge for the very highest of heights if run with imagination, nous and wise investment. Your 7 years of stewardship was about to go up in flames until you belatedly saw the light. Do the right thing by JL and all of us including yourselves and repay him for rescuing your project by continuing to back him as you did in January.
If you have the commitment history proves we have the potential to go all the way if the will is there. Please don’t go back into the bunker.
The so called big 6 are in some disarray, so hold your nerve and the sky is the limit.
Great battling performance.
Superb result.
Two things.
We MUST try and keep Ruben for another season. He put in the work of at least two people this afternoon and is irreplaceable.
We MUST offer Diego Costa another contract. He is a proper old fashioned centre forward. And properly fit for purpose.
I was lucky enough to video the magnificent Toti header. And also, for anyone who couldn’t be at The Golden Palace today, a bit of the post match celebrations by a loud and rocking Molineux.
Enjoy!
https://studio.youtube.com/video/xxlWOgofwGA/edit
https://studio.youtube.com/video/pMaml2eacxc/edit
When I was working they used to say I did the work of two men – Laurel and Hardy.
On a side note I thought that mcginn should have been sent off for his performance.
I would call him an ar**hole but that would be wrong as an ar**hole has some uses.
He is a nasty little thug and his actions on Dawson warranted a penalty.
Thankfully Toti scored with his brilliant header and so, you could argue, it did not matter.
He doesn’t score goals though Doog, surely that’s the most important part of being a centre forward, old or new fashioned.
Absolutely fantastic job by Lopetegui to hit the safety line with 3 games to spare after being rock bottom at Christmas and well done to Jeff Shi (yes I did say that) for seeing the light in the nick of time and acting accordingly.
It’s been pragmatic rather than pretty but must be one of the great escapes in the Premier League era. Much transition to come in the summer but at least we’re in the right place to do business; so let’s enjoy the rest of the season but serious work now needed in the summer to ensure no repeat of this roller coaster ride next year.
But for the moment unreservedly well done to all for pulling off our own tribute to Harry Houdini.
Momentous Victory in the Derby.
Great goal for Toti. Dawson, Sa, Neves, Cunha, Semedo, Costa and Lamina honourable mentions.
Footballing Gold.
40 points, 4 home wins, 4 clean sheets. Top stuff J-Lo and the lads. No need to look back now, we can concentrate on putting in some performances. And enjoy the angst of those lesser, inferior, poorly managed clubs below us kicking themselves into a frenzy. Not suggesting we get spiked 6-0, passing the ball to the opposition again though.
Cheers for the write up Ben.
1 lv & COYW.
It may not be a mathematical certainty, but
WE
ARE
SAFE
There are a lot of stats flying around, but one particularly impressive indication of Julen Lopetegui’s achievement is that we were bottom at Christmas, and yet we have more clean sheets at home this season than any other club. Wow.
He has said himself that this is his biggest achievement in football. Period. And I can understand why. People thought he was crazy to come here. We were adrift at the bottom when he arrived.
Now we can all relax a little, enjoy the next few games and look forward to a continuing rebuild and pre-season under the expert eye of our savior.
On our win over Villa. Please give Sa a break. That was another superb save. Toti was immense. Neto is getting back to his best. Costa causes issues for our opponents with his aggression and sets a great example for the team and Dawson is the value buy of the season.
UTW
Villa are such bad losers… listening to their moronic claims on radio Wm on our drive back to london
we took 4 pints out of 6 off them lot this season . they think they are so much better than they are which is one of the reasons why they lost today . . Might be a bit higher up the league than us but they lost .
put your passports away Villa . your average at best and your going nowhere
CMYW
Yes but remember they won some european competition in 1834.
Well Done Wolves. A great effort. You see, if you do what I tell you. all will be well. I said, score first and we will win. 1-0. Three points form me too 🙂
The best memories of this game are :
1. Toti’s goal (obviously)
2. Sa’s magnificent save a couple of minutes later.
3. Cunha’s incredible run and dribble past their defence from deep in our half.
4. Neto’s chase in the second half across the pitch to finally steal the ball off their defender – and the wild cheer he got from our fans.
5. And finally, the ” in your face ” attacking the opposition instead of hanging back. Very similar to the same treatment we got from teams that did well against us.
All in all, a very pleasing result which once again had me doing a silent Raindance like thingy, at 2 am.
You must have left early then as you’ve missed out Dawson’s messiesque time wasting by the corner flag.
Thank god it’s over ! An immense job performed by JL and all his staff. Yesterday’s performance full of intensity, focus and will to win took us over the line, so well done to the players too for rebounding after the debacle of Brighton. As ever for us, another critical summer awaits but for now we can simply enjoy the close out of the season with pressure off. And one final thought for Cheese, your PPG forecasting did you proud!
Thanks chap
As Ted Lasso said to his team it’s Rom-communism. It’s all going to come right in the end, after struggles in the dark forest you’ll come out into a better place.
The contrast to the Lage days are massive, he was a brooding presence in the touch line, this guy Lopetegui is kicking every ball. Sweet victory over a team who like niggly gamesmanship, no better proved than when McGinn was wrestling with Dawson in the penalty area, in the end two Vile players were taken out and Toti scored.
We had more clear cut chances than Vile, Cunha, Costa and Neto could maybe should have scored. Mings missed a sitter and Watkins headed straight to Sa in the first half. But they’re so wrapped up in niggly fouls and appealing it takes away from their play, which is good and attacking.
Very sweet victory that one and the sweetest of the season for me. Safe, and putting local rivals to bed. We can look forward now with a coach who although crazy to take the job, so he was warned by friends, has achieved his biggest and most difficult challenge, keeping us up.
It’s onwards and upwards, a full season of Lopetegui and hopefully some great football. But I wonder if Fosun are going to put up the price of those season tickets!
Player of the year Jose Sa
He won us this game and what a first goal…
Vile fans eat your hearts out…
We survive so let’s buy some players in the close season to keep us in the top tier again
As regards Neves then who knows?
COYW
As for your question mark. He’ll be player of the season( by a country mile).
Great stuff, been waiting weeks for this moment, now let’s relegate Everton on the 20th May ????
I should also add that in addition to Everton either drawing or losing at Brighton tomorrow if Leicester lose at Fulham or Florist lose to Saints will also mean mathematically safe. Anyone of those results will do us ! Then we can sit back. Light a cigar and relax.
You have to hand the crown to Lopetegui. Not only was he prepared to come here when we were in the championship but he also came when we were almost certainly heading back to it. He deserves a coronation. Honourable mention also to that Prince among men, Nuno.
I always predicted that we would survive this season and prosper next season. OK, the maths guys might say we are not 100% safe but we are in reality. There is no way that most teams below us can take maximum points because some teams are due to play each other.
I won’t get egg on my face if I day dream about the teams I want to go down. I wouldn’t cry over Neverton, Forest and Leeds or Leicester to go down but it’s probably the first two of those plus Southampton. Dilemma for Coady I fear, he will be back to an uncertain future at Wolves after jumping ship so willingly.
I can see his return sitting well with Lopetegui either.
He’s imo taken umbrage with Jimenez on picking the World Cup over his fitness and return to Wolves .. ultimately benched and now not even in the squad …
Lopetegui has no emotional attachment to either Raul or Conor- both have been brilliant servants for Wolves and I hope both are able to extend their careers.
However, neither are currently anywhere near a squad place with us never mind starting a game.
Never go back and hopefully Conor will find a Championship club where he can flourish. Raul is lucky to be alive and well following his assault and a return to football at elite level looks to be unachievable.
Immense credit to all at the Molineux for achieving another year in the PL- some big guns are going to drop and who could predict all three promoted teams getting established- you could usually rely upon2/3 being relegated in their first season after promotion.
I’m not yet convinced Rúben will go- his relationship with Julen was clear for all to see after the match yesterday and our new boss is a giant amongst men.
As regards the Brighton game- yes we were awful but after the injustices B&HA have suffered this season someone was going to get a shellacking and it happened to be us. Put it down to ‘football’ and move on.
Would love to see us go to Manure and wipe the floor with them.
sheffield united would be a good fit for Conor
Promoted club with good character . A experienced premier league captain who’s a good player would help them get a foothold .
I wish him well whatever happens
Can’t
DWW
Do you really think that Conor Coady “jumped”ship”. My take is that he was systematically marginalised by the idiotic Lage because he was a bigger personalty in the club than his boss.
I would love to see him back at Molineux next season but only if if it sits comfortably with JL the new messiah.
Well, he’s ‘marginalised’ by Dyche now, isn’t he? Coady’s stated wish for leaving was to preserve his England place. Like Jimenez, players putting country above club do not sit well with Loeptegui… Coady’s departure to a relegation rival could have been fatal for Wolves. Staying and fighting for his Wolves place was a better option then.
I’d love to see Coady back too but I suspect we might have better options. Neves will probably move on and the captaincy could pass to Dawson anyway.
Conor Coady was signed as a championship midfielder and Nuno spotted something in him as a sweeper. He is no Craig Dawson. Let’s put it that way. Conor was a massive influence in those 2018/2022 years but Dyche doesn’t play him now. A strong character in the dressing room and will always be welcome but I can’t see JLo finding a place for him.
CoD
We are likely to need a club captain as there is little doubt that Ruben Neves will go on his merry way and good luck to him. And other than maybe Dawson I don’t see many contenders If Coady could accept that role in conjunction with being a full squad member I believe his influence` in the dressing room could again be massive, And he would be a lot better in a back 4 role than Collins. Additionally he is quite a handy utility man off the bench.
Regrettably PJB I can’t see Conor having a role under J Lo. I am sure the club will work something out with him. Don’t get me wrong. I will be forever fond of those couple of years when he was part of the Nuno top 7, the Euro adventure and the FA cup run. But I think it is time to move on.
Your first paragraph is spot on in my view.
Conor will return , of course, at the end of the season.
There will be plenty of suitors and he will almost certainly move on to pastures new.
A great captain for us at an exciting time in our history.
Nuno developed him well when he arrived from Sheffield Utd. He might even return there.
PJB at 5.36 is the post I refer to.
He came from Huddersfield, Kendal. He played for Sheff Utd earlier in his career (on loan from Liverpool).
Thanks Ped , I remember now!
Nicely put Ben. An incredible turnaround from where we were at Christmas to be safe with three games to spare. 30 points from about 20 games is impressive considering how low we were, both in terms of quality and confidence.
Last week was an embarrassment and the difference between home and away has been puzzling but on our own patch we’ve been imperious of late. How often have we been able to say that over the years?
To reel off four home wins on the spin against tricky teams is seriously impressive. The impact of Dawson and Lemina cannot be overstated. They’ve saved our season, while Costa has come good and put it some solid shifts.
It was a tight game yesterday and it could’ve gone either way but we earned it. Tough fixtures to end with but hopefully we can sign off at fortress Molineux with a win over Everton.
As a doghead surrounded by villains that victory is all the sweeter and it’ll go some way to keeping them quiet despite the huge gap. Begrudgingly though Villa’s style of play is just what i’d like us to be next season.
Except for mcgitface who is just a thug and should be locked up
An altogether extremely satisfying days work at the Golden Palace as we maintained our apparent hoodoo over those who feel they should be revered as the Kings of Midlands footie.
Ha!! Once more they slink off home with their tails between their legs. How naive to think for a moment they could change the natural way of things. Fortress Molineux. Four wins. Four clean sheets. By they end, the writing was writ large on the wall and the sight of Craig Dawson, of all people, playing right wing and winning a throw tight in the corner, summed up our team’s determination to never, ever be moved.
What a grand day out.
The target was always 40 points and always will be to remain in this league. The first question being how? Probably 10 wins and 10 draws is the easiest answer . The second question being how soon? ASAP obviously.
Home form has been crucial and now stands at W9 D2 L7 and beating the two worst teams (Saints & Everton ) away under J Lo has been crucial.
Crowd noise at Molineux yesterday was again excellent with full support for the incumbent manager, this hasn’t been the case at other bottom half teams and must make a difference, so well done all of those who attended and made a noise.
Well done also who stood outside the Uni building and chanted “You’re not going on a European tour” to our departing friends , that made the coppers laugh.
Four more points might get us another place higher and a few more millions to spend, give some to Ruben and build the team around him.
The home record under JLo is where survival was achieved .
WON 7
DRAWN 0
LOST 3
FOR 13
AGNST 6
Remarkably all 7 of the wins were by 11-0. Take out the 4 in the freak Leeds game and that just leaves Bournemouth and Man utd with a single goal each.
Truly FORTRESS MOLINEUX !
There’s definitely something about playing in front of us at Molineux… crowd support is always amazing .. and even folks in the Billy Wright stand are making some noise ..
as you say Cheesey .. Leeds was a freak .. on another day Mellier would have had his usual mare …
Roll on
May 20
Love the Light!!
(No more darkness please lads)
We just need to work on scoring 60+ goals in a PL
Season … and I suspect JLo can do it( or knows who can)
Love the rumour about Ansu Fati
If Ruben has to go that would be an extraordinary trade
We will see
It might be “Ansu Fati, Ansu Fati for the reggae then”!
With Fulham leading 3-0 against Leicester at half time, it looks as though we won’t even have wait until 4.55 to be mathematically safe.
WE ARE SAFE!
The only things left to do are, stop Man U getting in the top four, relegate Everton and ruin Arsenal’s title hopes.
Splendid afternoon. Leicester defeat means there are now 3 teams below who can’t get above us. Leicester. Leeds. Southampton. And with The S**t losing at Swansea it means they are condemned to another year in division 2. And Luke Cundle hammered a nail in their coffin. No parachute money either next season . It is all rather excellent.
As Dick Emery used to say (for the golden oldies) ….
Oooh you are awful .. but I like you ..
I don’t really mind who gets relegated but I do hope that Leeds and Forest (with that ingrate Morgan Gibbs-White) are two of the three.
Following Everton’s incredible result, it could just happen,
Come on Southampton!!!!!!
We’re mathematically safe which is fantastic news – Forest are currently winning but the Schadenfreude the majority of Wolves fans would enjoy if MGW were to be relegated wouldn’t be enjoyed by Jeff who would probably rather have the additional multi millions from the the deal with Forest if they stay up. Could use that money to offer Ruben an improved deal. I’d rather see that and see MGW’s face if we take 6 points off them next season and especially if they do a Sheffield United and go down second season.
I know we are all on the beach now and couldn’t give a toss. But the PPG is now down to 33 points as the safety line. Someone will probably stop up on 34 points I reckon. But it’s really nice just looking in from the outside now and we don’t really give a shite !
We don’t really cheese but each higher position in the league roughly means an extra £2m in the coffers so we shouldn’t be getting the speedos just yet. It would be so nice to beat all of the last three teams we’re playing for a whole host of reasons . I think I’ve got to the stage where, barring Southampton , I dislike every team in this league.
Twas sunday lunch in the boozer not a villa shirt in site
Oh so quiet from that lot , will they be out tonight ?
Many pints were downed that day without a gloating villa grin
its fast approaching eight o clock not one of them is in
were they watching the crowning or there favourite royal son
how boring to be a villa a villa fan that cant take it when they havent won
I wanted to have a bet today that they wont win another game
puts its impossible to find one anywhere after the wolves put them to shame
GOD BLESS THE KING
(but not his son who for some inexplicable reason supports that pile of brummie dog poo)
An incredible Monday for relegation results. An amazing win for Everton, unless it’s just a dead cat bounce. Looks like Leeds and Leicester will go down with the Saints. Once upon a time not so long ago Wolves went down with Leeds and Leicester and all three clubs made the acquaintance of League One from time to time. In those days Wolves revisited the PL for a while under Mad Mick. Will feel strange not facing Leicester next season but to be honest I’d rather it was Everton going down. MGW will be a PL player next season come what may, so I guess the best outcome is what’s best for Wolves’ deal with Forest, money-wise.
Money? Fuck the money . . . . it’s someone else’s!
This is emotion and Gibbs-White was just downright nasty towards people he should still be mates with.
Everton will be going down soon anyway. If not this season, next.
If they aren’t made bankrupt, they’ll be found guilty of breaching the PL’s profitability and sustainability rules. And, where, exactly, has their money come from. Docking them 20 points will do the trick.
Everton are facing a points deduction. If they are relegated this season on performance alone, I bet they will take the points deduction now (if they have a choice) to avoid it in the championship. Toothless FA will probably roll over and give them the option of a choice.
If Forest are relegated we miss out on millions for Morgan Gives Shite. But, in the case of relegation they will presumably sell him to a PL club and we will get a bung out of that. There’s no way the bugger will be playing in the championship next season.
I see that spurs and Chelsea are starting to sniff around lopetegui …
Fuck off …he’s ours
Not in the betting for either at the moment so bookies yet to hear any sniffs. Why would he go to a couple of relegation candidates? I think that he’s had enough of that kind of stress this season.
Apparently N.A.S.A are in negotiations with WBA. They feel The Hawthorns is the ideal venue to train the next generation of astronauts as there is no atmosphere……
Just renewed season ticket for 23/24. New fixtures to be announced in 33 days time Thursday 15 June !!