In case you didn’t know, we’re in the age of artificial intelligence.
And if you asked a computer to imagine a standard home victory in the Premier League, it would almost certainly spit out something resembling this sun-drenched kickabout.
A predictable defeat at the Theatre of Dreams that followed all the familiar algorithms.
Utd squandered several chances before they eventually got ahead while Wolves enjoyed their share of the ball without ever threatening.
After a couple of shaky outings for David De Gea, he’ll have enjoyed not having to make a single save in the entire game. I can’t even remember him holding the ball in his hands.
Meanwhile, at the other end, Daniel Bentley was our Man of the Match on his Wolves and Premier League debut. He made three top-class stops to keep his team in the game before that final breakaway sealed the deal.
Others were tidy in possession and diligent in their work, but nobody was able to summon anything in the final third to make a fairly average Man Utd team sweat about seeing the game out.
Hwang had one good run in behind and Podence produced a cross that wouldn’t quite drop for Raul, but those nearly moments have too often been all we can muster.
The job for the summer is clear – sweep the decks and re-imagine the entire attacking unit. Nobody should be safe because nobody has produced the goods consistently enough to be overlooked.
That’s the only way we can avoid these familiar shutouts and end what’s been three years of steady decline in front of goal.
Fortunately, today’s result doesn’t matter and for all the frustration over our meagre output, that’s still worth celebrating.
But we must learn from what we see and take appropriate action. Even a computer can do that.
Excellent comment Thomas. JLo will know in his own mind what he needs. He will have a dialogue with Fosun . Lessons need to be learned over the last couple of years. JLo has said that too. Even in our victories there has never been any swagger or anything to get you off your seat. The great escape was built on grit and determination and Forstress Molineux. I think we all have a dream of more expansive football, creativity, chances, thrills and spills. Now is the chance to sit down. Clear out the dead wood. Keep who will be effective and bring new blood in to make us a more positive force. The end of the season can’t come quick enough.
Congratulation to Dan Bentley. He`s waited patiently for his opportunity and today he showed us all just what a capable keeper he is.
But todays overall performance gave us all a sharp reminder of just how much we need to improve if we are to avoid a repeat of this season`s dice with relegation. The reality is that we demonstrated yet again that we are toothless up front. Nothing less than the replacement of a lot of mediocrity with some genuine quality in this key area will suffice.
Hopefully Mr Shi will now understand that he MUST support his new coach by backing him in the close season — not by foisting upon him a number of Mendez second string mercenaries purchased at inflated prices, but by allowing him to bring in players who he believes can be blended into a real productive unit. After his heroic efforts during then past few months, Lop deserves nothing less.
What saw today was typical wolves away,never really offered much going forward. It’s alright saying get rid of the deadwood but there’s a lot of players on good contracts who haven’t stepped up to the plate.
I’m not certain Fosun will stump up the money again and if they do who do we bring in to fill the gaps.
I really hope Julen will be ruthless and move on the players who haven’t done enough no matter what they have cost.Julen deserves another shot at it.
We are hosting Everton who are hanging on to their boot laces to stay in the best league in the world. They will be up for the fight ,I only hope we are too and sign off with a win for the fantastic support we have home and away.UTW.
JL has dropped more heavy hints post match that he expects significant backing in the summer. He seems very much his own man, so unless Fosun deliver, we should not take it for granted that he will hang around. As ever, interesting times ahead for all Wolves fans.
And it’s a huge task isn’t it Sutton. I believe the same as you – JL has done a fantastic job but if he doesn’t get the backing I fear we may start next season with yet another manager .
We know that Neves, Guedes, Jiminez, Moutinho, Costa and Traore are likely departures and that there are question marks over the futures of Nunes, Silva and one or two more. So we are likely to need around 10 incomers just to maintain squad numbers before even looking at upgrades. Just hope “the recruitment team” have been doing their homework diligently.
PJB your narrative is already negative. Chill out mate. Let’s see what happens.
CoD on this occasion your negative is my realistic; we’ve endured 3 years of inertia at best – don’t think an accomplished coach like Lopetenguie is going to put up with more of the same. Jeff kicked of on the right foot in January but we’re going to need to see a lot more of the same. 9 shots with NONE on target today illustrates that we have only scratched the surface.
Ok mate. No worries. Just opinions.
The warning bells are ringing loudly in my ears ,PJB.
I fully agree that JLo appears to be very much his own man. Jeff has form on this- practically giving Jota away to Liverpool and agreeing to take Hoever as a make weight.
Noises are being made that if Ruben goes to Barcelona, we again are being offered players we don’t want and who probably don’t want to come to Wolves. Very much against Julen’s stated policy. I would not be surprised to see him walk away if Mendes has his way again.
It’s a bit like being forced into a car showroom not of your choice and only being given the option to buy models you have never seen before and don’t want.
Well . All very conspiracy theory. Lets see what happens. If Julen walks away you will know. I don’t think he will.
CoD.
They aren’t conspiracy theory, we are using past history for indicators; the bottom line is we HAVE TO have a change of policy if the Lopetengui era is to be given a fair chance of succeeding.
ie. Jorge Mendes doesn’t rule, ok.
I’m curious who you all think will go and stay. My guess:
Definitely gone:
Raul
Jonny
Moutinho
Adama
Probably gone:
Neves
One of Podence / Hwang
Costa
Guedes
Definitely staying (barring a huge offer):
Kilman
Dawson
Bueno
Collins
B. Traore
Gomes
Toti
Lemina
Cunha
Sarabia
Neto
Sasa
Team would sell for a reasonable offer (but, I’m guessing most stay):
Semedo
RAN
Sa
Bentley
Nunes
Collins will definitely go…
On which case we’ll be accepting a big loss on what was paid.
Hind Sight. You`re certainly correct about a big loss. But can we really afford to retain him ? Next season will be difficult enough without having a major defensive liability on our hands.
The signing of this guy at a hugely inflated cost was yet another major error perpetrated by the old recruitment regime. He is perpetually a disaster waiting to happen. Nowhere close to Premiership standards. Let`s get what we can and move on
Agree
A very sad reflection on Collins ability Mike, possibly the worst central defender I’ve seen at Molineux since Derek Jefferson.
I don’t think management will give up on him after one year. Not saying he’s great. But, I assume he’s on a reasonable salary and can by the third CM.
I think RAN will be on his way. Much as it pains me to say, I thought we looked better in midfield with Lemina and Gomes before Neves came back in.
No way was there a big enough sample Jimbo and both were home games. Fact is that goals and wins are often decided on small margins and moments such as set pieces and it’s been shown time and again that Neves’s delivery is so much better than anyone elses in the current squad. When he goes we’ve got to acquire people who can create chances aswell as score otherwise we’re going to stay in the mire.
I have to say, though grateful for JL saving us from relegation – I hate the turgid ‘ safety first’ – cross-field – back-wards possesion football he loves – especialy away from home – when we’ve been on the back foot for 80% of the game and losing, lthough retaining a lot of possession – we suddenly throw the kitchen sink near the end and try and nick a point and then get the sucker punched like today for the second goal !!
Not the real Wolves in my opinion and if this is the way forward – I’m certainly not looking forward to next seasons away games – that’s for sure..
I much prefer the ‘ devil may care ‘ attacking football – Wolves are renowned for than this ‘ safety first ‘ defensive play JL seems to favour.
Yes, he’s saved us, but at what cost, not one single shot on goal in 95 minutes – fills me with dread for next season and to be perfectly not totally convinced with his weekly team selection changes ..
That style 0f play could and probably will change dramatically with changes in personnel ….fingers crossed
I don’t know how Lopetigui’s previous teams used to play. Did they mirror what we are seeing?
Many of us will agree with your opening comments Chris C. And of course, that approach has kept us up. Perhaps it is the outcome of playing the card he has been dealt, using his resources as best he can. In that regard, he has been successful , achieving the prime objective of remaining in The Premier League.
You are correct . None of use want to see a recurrence of this season’s typical performances.
As for your list , Loi, it is very similar to mine and I think we are broadly correct.
I think and hope Nunes leaves.
We know that a large squad of quality is required. If we look to make numerous
signings following numerous departures, that presents a major challenge .
New players need to be assimilated into a largely new squad and learn about the Club, it’s aspirations and be ready for the first match of the season. Quite a challenge for players and coaching staff.
Finally and ideally, departures and signings need to come before pre season training, and we know that never happens.
After todays games looking like 33 points will keep you up. Allow for goal difference so 34 looks likely. Florist might already have enough.
Florist are a bunch of pansies and MGW is tulipy for my liking but unfortunately it looks like they will be gilding the lily and coming out of this smelling of roses.
Rebuild on the summer, gk was a bright spot, once again thank u to all your bloggers for your support in my darkest days, God bless u all, wolves aie we.
Zero shots on target and back to being the lowest scoring team in the entire league.
At the moment I don’t care because we’re staying up.
But, short of kidnapping Haaland, it’s going to be a tough call finding players who can score goals ready for next season isn’t it?
It’s about time the Toffees had a taste of what Wolves fans have had to endure in the past few seasons before our last promotion under Nuno.
Let’s hope we whop them.
I think Haaland would struggle as we create naff all for him to get on the end off,
No matter what happens in our final games, JL has achieved the only goal that was set. The only goal that mattered.
Premier League survival.
That is everything. Period.
Nothing else matters.
Not at this stage of the season.
We could win the next two games at a canter, or suffer two catastrophic losses.
It doesn’t change the fact that
a) we want JL to stay
b) Fosun need to back him to give us a fighting chance of operating in the top half of the table next season.
c) it feels as if there will be and needs to be a changing of the guard this Summer. A lot of comings and going’s required.
d) recruitment needs to be in the hands of JL not JM.
UTW
Muttleigh
a to d 100% correct. Would add an e, we need to get back to players who actually want to be here in the original spirit of Nuno.
Agree with you both – survival was absolutely the key goal, but the way we play just HAS to change next season. A lot of players will be leaving and their replacements not only must want to be at our club, but they also need to bring a strong level of confidence and self-belief – whether as a defender, or an attacker. Another year of no risks, sideways passing and sparse goalscoring will likely see us scrapping at the bottom again. I really get the sense that J-Lo knows this and exactly who he thinks the club needs to make real progress. Fosun must trust and fully back him.
Under Julen, we have a record which would put us in the top half of the league with our current squad.
Congrats to Rich who is now uncatchable in the Prediction League.
The dust has settled a little from our visit yesterday but it was pretty much the same as we’ve seen all season. As for JL he had a marginally improved squad to assist in the saving of our premiership standing and managed to do so without any assistance from referee’s and VAR so all in all HE DONE GOOD
Now the real job starts and we the Wolves fans have to hope along with Fosun support JL can interest sufficient quality players to join him and continue the dream that was started by Nuno a few years ago
At this stage I would beg of JL to make sure that his influence of choice of player is paramount and that Barcelona and Mendez only get involved if HE wants what they have to offer
Good luck JL you will need it
Good luck to all the bloggers on here who help to make the supporting of WWFC a pleasure
C O Y W.
It seems to me that Shi and Lop have gone for presence, or rather survival, in the EPL by concentrating on home form only. That hasn’t changed since Lop arrived. And I am worried that it will happen again next season. If we pick up a few away points then all well and good because we lose some crazy games at home against the relegation-threatened.
It is dire going to away matches; it seems that the lads take it easy, maybe saving themselves for the next home match.
Our home form is good. We collected 29 points and that’s more than Southampton has in total and one fewer than Leicester has. And we had some great games and results in amongst.
But only Forest and Leeds have done worse away than us. Forest collected a mere seven away points and Leeds nine. Compare our meagre eleven points. BTW Bournemouth has collected a credit-worthy 17 away points and even Leicester and Southampton have 14 each!
We scored 12 times away, that’s terrible, little more than one goal every other game. And isn’t likely to be improved after our game against Arsenal. Only Forest has scored fewer than us away, ten times!
More than half the teams in the league must expect, and get, an easy home win when we roll up.
Many bloggers on here have bemoaned our dismal goal tally and I would bet most would be able to name all eighteen goal scorers at home. At one point I was fearing that OG was going to be our leading goal scorer!
OK, I can live with this. If I want a great day out I’ll go to the Mol, mix in, have a few, shout a lot and sing a bit. But it’s getting harder to put in the effort of travelling much further than the Midlands with the dedicated.
I know that results aren’t everything. This should be an entertainment. And I know that for some other teams’ supporters the complete opposite of those statements is true. But I want some memories. The high-spot win at Southampton from a goal behind and with only ten men has made up for a lot of disappointment of course.
I expect the same next season but always hope and always believe.
I need a few days to get over this latest defeat.
Lazy half hearted performance I’d even go as far as to say it was as bad as Brighton away and it could have been if it wasn’t for Bently the only positive to take from the game.
This type of performance has become the norm especially away from home 2 away wins all season says it all to many players just not interested and Kilman stood out again he’s become a liability he gave the ball away for the first goal and then just strolled back didn’t even make an attempt to get back into the box to cut out the pass to there goal scorer Dawson can been seen giving him a bollocking.
It’s disrespectful to the travelling fans, the League to put in a performance like that Utd will not have an easier home game and Julian needs to get a grip and weed out those who clearly cannot be bothered to play for a full season not just until we reach 40 points.
I’ve just read through the blog and I’ve glimpsed the immediate future.
90 days before the start of the 2023/24 season and it’s going to feel a damn sight longer if all we have on here is people complaining about Jeff Shi, Mendes, Fosun and the recruiting team.
There’s not a single person on here who is privy to the thoughts of the owners so how about we just assume that they want success as much as we do?
Wolverhampton itself isn’t going to be a major attraction but where in the UK, outside London, is? Manchester and Liverpool are only attractive because their clubs have a decent chance of qualifying for Europe, the cities themselves are as squalid as everywhere else, including Newcastle, although they will find it easier to recruit this summer if they qualify for the Champions League as now seems likely.
What we we do have is Lopetgui.
He didn’t come here to be fighting relegation every season of his 3-year contract. I believe he’ll attract the kind of player we need.
So, until the transfer window closes (or slams shut, as the tabloids prefer) in September, perhaps we could all err on the side of optimism and have a little patience, because everyone isn’t going to be in place on the 11th June.
Happy Wolves fan,
Very fine sentiments which are highly commendable.
But we know that multiple departures (probably well into double figures) are very much on the agenda for a variety of reasons – those out of contract, those not wanted by JL and those who “want away”.
And as you point out it’s a short 90 days till 23/24 kicks off so time is of the essence for recruitment; we just can’t afford to repeat the dithering will we / won’t we sign him approach of most windows in recent years. The decisive approach taken in January has probably saved us from relegation so it’s imperative that Fosun / Shi get their act together again and back their man NOW not in the middle of July so let’s all hope the serious planning is already well under way. The manager needs the bulk of his restructured squad together for pre season, September signings should be there for fine tuning only.
Only if talks with JL are already ongoing can we be realistically confident that the “mighty” but seriously faltering Fosun Wolves project can be revived, albeit probably a bit diluted. And he must have priority for HIS choices not those of Machiavelli Mendes. More of the last 3 years of pantomime recruitment now rightly seems unacceptable to many posters on this site and certainly most Wolves supporters I know.
And everyone who has WWFC close to their heart deserves better than that.
I’m fed up of people saying let’s wait and see what Jeff and Fosun do.
There recruitment over the last 3 years has been terrible and that’s what I’m judging
them on.
if past windows are anything to go by this summer will be the usual last minute arrivals with no time to settle in and gel and most likely none of them will be from the UK market and almost certainly Mendez will have a hand in them.
To many times I’ve waited and given Jeff and Fosun the Benifit of the doubt not any more.
6 consecutive seasons for a club like Wolves in top league. Must be doing something right ?
There’s much to be said if the phrase .. ‘slowly slowly catchee monkey ‘
I’m truly of the opinion that, yes, we’re in need of new faces but certainly not a whole team .. as they say .. Rome wasn’t built in a day …!!
There are those whose contracts expire this season.. but without suitable , cost effective, recruits then why not another year in a contract … Moutinho, Costa…
They’re established professionals who know the game… of course they’re not long term, but in the absence of suitable recruits they’re better than punts on recommended, video sold replacements.
Of course it’s Fosuns money .. but somewhere in between wholesale changes and none at all lies the answers … but not the two extremes..
Lord Twix,
I suggest you give Ben’s new blog a miss!! LOL