If Gary O’Neil was trying to convey understated satisfaction at full time, he probably should have told Shaun Derry.
His right hand man was fist pumping the air with the best of us as Wolves locked down a second away win of the season to elevate themselves up to the giddy heights of midtable.
Whether he wants to admit it or not, victory was sweet for the boss and not just because of the opposition. He made smart changes in the game that swung momentum his current team’s way.
Tommy Doyle came on for João Gomes at half time and immediately threaded the ball through in the build up to Cunha’s equaliser. His passing elevated the team and helped us get control of the game even before the Cherries were reduced to 10.
And no complaints about the red card please. Yes, Hwang threw himself to the ground like he’d been planted with a sledgehammer but you can’t stick your head in someone’s face and stay on the pitch.
Wolves continued to move the ball well and probe around the Bournemouth box, but it was right at the end when the game became stretched that the winning goal arrived.
Sasa, another smart substitution, won it back, got to his feet, collected Hwang’s fantastic pass and finished with aplomb. That’s twice the Austrian has come on to win a game for his side this season.
I’d be screaming for him to start but you can’t deny the impact of the first choice front three.
Another goal for Cunha and an assist each for Neto and Hwang. They’re building numbers we could only dream about from our attackers in recent years.
Pedro in particular is in scintillating form (is anyone in the league playing better?) and was unlucky to see that first half rocket come back off the angle.
His team went in behind at the break after conceding a goal that was great from a Bournemouth perspective as they effortlessly transported the ball up the pitch but awful for Wolves with players dragged out of position and nobody able to block or make a tackle.
That was more or less all Bournemouth offered as an attacking force and I did think that Wolves had been the better team at the interval, despite the negative scoreline.
By the end, the visitors had clocked up 12 corners and 20 shots on goal, cementing their superiority to more than warrant the three points.
That’s four Premier League games unbeaten and with eight points snaffled in the process, things are looking rosy in the garden.
Time will tell if we’re storing up nuts for a cold and bleak winter or building towards a sunnier season than most imagined.
But I feel good about this team now and the squad gives the manager options. He’ll have some difficult decisions next week with Lemina, Semedo and possibly one or two others back in contention.
It’s a nice position to be in and one you certainly begrudge Gary O’Neil.
Well in mate.
Watched the whole game and truthfully …… last on motd by a long chalk.
It was pretty awful stuff and there is no doubt we still cant play against the er shall we say lesser sides this has been going on for quite a few years now why is anyones guess.
B0ringmouth were just that and i will be kind and say they dragged us down to their level but do we always have to succumb to this yes i know the stats say we slaughtered them but believe me we didnt but we could have and should have .
For some reason gaza decided to change formation and low and behold we gifted them a goal it seems from not having a clue what we were supposed to be doing or what game plan we had .
Almost immediately he swopped back to our now trusted 5 at the back and the transformation was astonishing its as though the ghost of nuno is in all of them and they know no other way to play.
Still we won which we deserved gaz got his revenge and slowly but surely we are on the move upwards roll on next week when we can play a decent side .
Can’t believe I just read that negative post. I too watched the whole game and saw a completely different game to you. Yes we had a few miss placed passes and Traore struggled at the start, but over all, the boys played well and worked their socks off. Can’t you just be chuffed with the win and give the guys credit for a job well done.
Same same Andrew, first up on the thread too, unreal.
A fully deserved victory by a well organized and motivated side. A couple of specific comments.
In Sasa we have a gem who`s abilities we must surely capitalize on to maximum effect. His size causes unique problems for any defense, yet his control on the ground is first class. He uses the ball well, bringing others into play, but better yet he is a very cool finisher, as demonstrated this afternoon. Just what we need.
On this showing Tommy Doyle may just be the most astute transfer business of the season. Key for us is that not only can he see the killer pass, but he`s able to execute with great precision.
The past few weeks has made a huge difference to our perceptions. We now appear to have established a solid base on which to build, which must give us considerable hope for the future
I totally agree Mike – you may remember I pinpointed Tommy Doyle’s passing precision, whether crosses or corners as a perfect foil for the calibre of Sasa’s ‘ intelligent forward play in my last post before the International break.. Doyle’s passing stats were amazing when he spent last season at Sheff Utd and I hoped he would get more playing time as I hoped for the same with Sasa – such a measured and accomplished centre forward and such an improvement on the useless ‘ headless chicken that is Fabia Silva..
If it’s true he’s on £80,000 a week – he ‘ must ‘ be shifted at all costs in January and allow the sub’s space he currently occupies for young Fraser to show his potential.
Gary O’Neil is doing a very good job in my opinion and it appears that the players have brought into his ideas and are ready to give their all for the cause. What a pleasure. We’ve often struggled to get results against teams near or below us in the league, but not this season so far. I like the way we’re playing and the way O’Neil presents himself and his ‘group’. Quite optimistic now about this season and and beginning to hope we can look forward to some good times with Gary O’Neil at the helm.
At half time I was wondering if players who have travel half way around the world and back should be rested. We were a poor side.
Doyle was a revelation. I love J.Gomes but some tackles are reckless and bound for booking. He needs to settle into the premier league.
I think we should cut out/ban the moaning- Cunha .
Neto…..is too good not to be playing top level.
Subs changed the game at the right time.
We won Hurrah! Take the points and run. Still work to do.
We won. Hurrah!
Well done to GON, his staff and the team. These games against teams in and around us are important to win and just as importantly it continues to build momentum and confidence going into what will be a very difficult game against Newcastle.
For those who think we can’t play and get points against supposed ‘lesser’ teams I give you 7 points from away games Everton. Luton. Bournemouth. Suck it up. Wolves are now looking up rather than down. A testament to the shrewd management of Jeff and the team. Well done.
We were, if course, talking about previous seasons.
No. Not at all. Fosun best owners ever at WWFC.
Rubbish cheese That’s the two John’s, Baynton & Brodie. Check them out and you’ll know why.
Nothing you say will convince me otherwise. No other owner has pumped in £500 million quid like Fosun in to the playing staff. Sure. Mistakes along the way. But the fact we are sustainable in to a 6th co secutive season in the elite league must give Fosun some credit ?? And looking likely a 7th season .it’s not easy.
I stand with you Cheese
All day long
Fully agree Cheese
You are, of course, absolutely right Cheesey.
You’re correct Cheeseman. Well posted.
Count me in Cheesey .. the Bhatti Brothers, Morgan and Moxey years are but distant nightmares in our chequered history ..
I do exclude Sir Jack though … for my own reasons ..
Is true they see wolves as a company can pay the highest of wages and no doubt a new ground of sorts is coming we need 3 star players and a top eight and watch them perform…
Yep. A point of view which the louder angrier voices choose to overlook.
You are probably right but maybe you are the only blogger old enough to remember witnessing their exploits?
No my friend there are plenty of older bloggers who go back beyond the infamous Bhattis. The fact that we are actually in the Premier League is down to Fosun, staying there was always going to be problematic and will remain so , whether that’s because of issues on or off the pitch . Nuno’s era made us proud but that has gone, Gary O’Neil deserves credit for the work that he has done so far but if we can stay in the mid table zone, it will be a great achievement.
Fair play to Gary, for changing it, competition for places is key, sabria get rid Jan, enjoy your weekend bloggers, let’s all have a disco, whers that malt whisky, God bless u all, wolves aie we!
Slowly but surely our team is beginning to fulfil its undoubted potential and the results are beginning to flow.
The incredibly difficult run of fixtures which have marked the start of the season will soon begin to ease and who of us would have been dissatisfied with this points tally from these early matches. The encouraging thing is, our performances and results have slowly improved after the understandably shaky start and if, if, we can maintain the momentum, the early season fears of some about relegation will seem like some far off bad dream.
Well done GON. Much deserved..
Would have settled for a draw in a must not lose game so this is a huge win – possibly even season defining. Well done to all and big sigh of relief.
Great to see the team building solidly under GON and the fact that we actually have real options in the squad. I hope to god FOSUN aren’t tempted to sell Neto in the near future – it would surely really derail the upward trajectory of the club.
Thank you god of points for bestowing 3 of your precious children upon us but Jesus jehusifat Christ, when will we ever win again without it stealing a large chunk of my remaining years?
What could and should have been a routine win turned out to be anything but. Even with Bournemouth pressing self destruct .
I’ve forgotten what a comfortable win feels like but my memory is still good enough to know this wasn’t one.
A welcome win but please, be aware of my blood pressure!
Would just like to add my tribute to Sir Bobby. I never remembered seeing him play but I certainly know he was a true legend of English football. RIP Sir Bob..
Agreed. I did watch him play against us a few times back in the 60’s and early 70’s and as well as being an excellent player he was one of those very few opposition players you had real respect for.
COD. Sir Bobby Charlton was world class player in his day, despite playing in an era when he was surrounded by others of similar huge ability. He will of course be remembered for his spectacular goals and all round ability. I have never been a Man Utd fan, but it was always a great pleasure to see him play — pace, vision and a tremendous shot.
But many, including me, will remember him most of all because of his stature as a man. A real sportsman demonstrating outstanding personal qualities, which are sadly missing in today`s game. A real ambassador for our sport, in all respects
Can only add to the tributes to Sir Booby Charlton a real gentleman and truly great footballer. I was privileged to be at Wembley in ’66 for all England’s post group stage matches including the final and there is little doubt that without him we wouldn’t have won it – wonderful memories.
RIP, every Englishman from my generation and football people worldwide should salute you.
Sir Booby was always a joy to watch PJB 🙂
I think what this game has shown us, is that we have some depth in our squad. Doyle was b reath of fresh air with his passing abilities. I do believe he can shoot from distance too – so I can certainly see him starting soon.
Sasa must have the best record in PL (if not the world) for scoring goals / minutes played ratio !I’m sure someone will tell us.
Sarabia is our biggest disappointment so far and I too can see him leaving any time soon.
All in all, a deserved win (and a deserved 3 pointer in the prediction league.
Add Fabio Silva to the list of ‘ big disappointments ‘ – a double whammy ….as apparently they are the top 2 earners at the club – get rid both in Jan – a must !!
It’s so weird watching Bournemouth home games, it’s sounds like a League 2 match with League 1 visuals. I’m glad they’re in the Prem though cos it gives hope to all clubs no matter how small, i hope they stay up and Citeh by some freak of nature or miracle, go down, either will suffice and make for a happy ending. Maybe the powers that be let one of the minnows in to encourage the illusion of a pyramid, given our 2014 match at home you’d be forgiven for thinking there’s a conspiracy. Theft in plain sight!
Moan when we win, moan when we lose, some people! Where are the ‘like/unlike’ buttons when you need to tell these killjoys how you feel. Pfft..
Four games without a loss, 8 points in the bag and a healthy trajectory.
Newcastle up next, jibber jibber? ……….nah, we’re gonna burst that bloodmoney bubble.
UTW
I’m more than happy with the three points we got at Bournemouth.
A win is a win, even if it is against 10 men. After all, we’ve been in exactly the same situation ourselves. I won’t say how many times…
Ok, so we have to endure nail biting games every week, instead of watching our team cruise to easy victories like City and Arsenal are wont to do (sometimes… heh heh), but most of the Premiership is made up of teams exactly like ours.
So we need to remember that and stay positive that the players and manager are always trying to do their best.
Let’s hope their best will be good when we face Newcastle next week.
But the odd easy victory. That would be nice – wouldn’t it?
It would indeed Prawny!
Latest PPG projections with 1 /4 of the season gone. This is how the season will end if current ppg is repeated over tge season:
WOLVES 46
…………………………………….
EVERTON 30
LUTON 21
_______________________
BURNLEY 17
BNMOUTH 13
SHEFF U 4
So as it stands 18 points will keep you up. Interesting that at the same stage last sesson Wolves had 6 points and were in the bottom 3. So we have nearly doubled that total same stage this season and we have had some really tough hone games. And another 2 to come!
Agreed CoD, I saw the data which GO’N quoted, it showed Wolves had the hardest set of fixtures to begin the season. Based on this our points return so far is very good. We are top of the mini league of clubs who were predicted to struggle, that will do.
Great post – thank you.
RIP Sir Bobby Charlton. Impossible for words to do justice to the contribution he made to the game domestically and globally, nor the strength of character and personal qualities he demonstrated.
Yesterday’s game. Exactly the sort of fixture that not so long ago we would have lost, probably with 10 men.
We are turning a corner. The coach is quietly going about his business, has the players playing for him; he’s winning over swathes of supporters, although some will never be convinced.
There are a number of very winnable games before the end of the year, having successfully negotiated a very difficult opening run of fixtures.
We missed Lemina yesterday. Hwang, Cunha and particularly Neto are forming a partnership that we could only dream of a few weeks ago, Kalajdzic is possibly the go to super sub if we need to score late on, and all in all, most of us would have snatched the hand off from anyone offering 12th after 9 games.
UTW
Good win with Sasa the gift that keeps on giving, Neto outstanding even though quieter in this game and Doyle showing his creative spark and passing touch. All the others added to the whole with one or two having lesser halves. They did the required job, which we have always struggled with, in beating a lesser but plucky, hard working, tough opposition.
Can we withstand the ‘moneybags’ next week? Both sides are due a setback, but I have a sneeky, optimistic feeling if our defensive play is up to its best; maybe 3, 5 at the back. Well done, the lads…
I still think Gary needs to find a way to use Sasa more.
Was the pass from their Neto that resulted in a goal really that bad? Seems like players get into that type of situation all of the time and their 29 (Billing?) just messed up.
May not have been an ideal decision but players pass to other players in that position all of the time.
Everything has already been said about the great Bobby Charlton – two English words that were instantly recognised no matter where in the World they were spoken, and were guaranteed to bring a grin of recognition from anyone who heard them.
I saw him play at Molineux alongside Best and Law several times.
But the memory that will always stay with me is the goal he scored against Mexico in The World Cup.
I’ve just rewatched it and, I know it must be an optical illusion, but it still looks like that shot gathers pace just as it passes the goalkeeper.
The laws of physics say that can’t happen…. can it?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/football/62995814
Blow me down
With a feather
A 99% happy blog! ..albeit touched with sadness at the loss of a great man whose wonderful goals will stay forever in the memory.
I think Wolves are starting to look
like a real football team … quick smart and interesting to watch
(I still blame Fosun )
Will take the usual 1-1 with Geordie’s next week
OODCL
Good news. Next Door Neighbours Cat, Henrietta the Psychic slug and the shrubbery that looks like Gary O’Neill have all predicted a 3-2 win for WWFC v Newcastle. F**k Paul Merson and his shitty predictions. C
Greetings,
A satisfactory seaside outing, all things considered. This little run Gazzbo has put together has certainly lifted the spirits and had knock on benefits.
The Shi bashers, Jeff haters and Fosun fisters, I mention no names, have gone amusingly quiet, which frees this blog from wads of vitriol and notes of mostly unwarranted panic.
No 10 points at Xrimbo hardships to endure.
We can face up the Geordies with a bit of grit. They’re no Citeh.
Sasa has won us 2 games, get in tallboy. The boy wonder hasn’t got in the way and makes an attractive, if pricey, bench ornament.
We are scoring some goals which is an achievement, long may it continue.
RIP Bobby Charlton.
1 lv & COYW.
PS. Where’s the ‘Hate’ button gone? It’s not the same if you can’t rack up those negative scores. C’mon Eds get a grip. 1 lv.
Fosunfisters ahahahah.
Yes Rasta, where has the hate button gone, moaners gotta moan but haters gotta hate too 🙂
We’ve got needs ed…
Kalaidjzic needs more game time. As much as we won we nearly fluffed it due to GON reluctance to play the big man. Sarabia should have not come on, instead at that point bring Sasha on with Cunha dropped to the ten behind him for his natural link up play. We were getting so many crosses into the box from Neto, Doyle etc with no target man it was painful to watch.
Both my bets with BetVictor came in nicely. Wolves to win, and also with BTTS. This must have been an immensely gratifying result for GON, but he is never one to crow. Classy. Bournemouth’s loss is our gain. I’m liking him more and more. In my opinion he will take us further than JLo would have done if we keep our nerve. He’s still very young. The future is looking a hell of a lot better than it did in the summer. He had us playing out of our skins in phases against Man U, Liverpool, and City. Much more of this and it won’t be just Neto attracting attention from other clubs! I have no worries about GON, he is loyal even though his last employers were anything but. We had faith in him when he must have been in despair after saving Bournemouth. GON now has the chance to build something lasting at Wolves.
I didn’t think the Bournemouth keeper’s pass that led to our winner was a back pass at all, as the media said. Nothing soft or freakish about our winner. I liked how GON won’t settle for a point, he plays to win, and we would have won even against 11 men.
Amusing GON been on Monday Night Football and social media is how great tactically GON is. Lose the next 3 and it’s GON is a PE teacher. Jeff is shite. Fosun are shite. The Chinese Communist Party are controlling Wolves . Really is no sense of perspective any more. Maybe it’s just me.
Cheesey, GaryGalatico was brilliant on MNF tonight. I have totally change my view of this modern day coach. I was very impressed with everything he said as was Jamie Gareger or what ever his name is. Come on Gary the worlds your Oyster.
What ever you do don’t loose a game, or they will be calling for your head.
Very impressed with our Gary, Wembley here we come ??????
GON is certainly a quick learner- one of our number described him last month as ‘ not having the fundamental ability to set up a team, it was embarrassing, without shape, clueless’
GON ‘ was not the man to man to take us forward’
Hobbs said he was very impressed by Gary when he appointed him and it seems to me that we are in much better hands now and with shrewd additions in January, we can look forward to more success on the pitch.
PE teacher. Nice one.
Ours would usually make his way into the girls changing room at shower time. Shacked up with a schoolgirl in the Stewpony. How did these tossers get away with it?
He was from Yorkshire.
Gazzbo turns over the Mugpies? The new Messiah has landed. 1 lv.
A few of us have been very positive about Gary all along. He’s a rising young English coach, very tactically aware and improving all the time. Such coaches are like gold dust. Some PL chairmen however prefer the numerous dodgy ‘Premier League virgins’ from the Iberian peninsula. It’s inverted snobbery. Gary is the ideal sort of ordinary bloke to discuss football with over a pint in the pub, and he is intensely interested in tactics. He probably has a tactics board in his bedroom!
Great article in the Independent, showing Gary tactics as the future of football punditry:
https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/gary-oneil-monday-night-football-mnf-sky-sports-carragher-b2435070.html
I have a tactics board in my bedroom mate.
The PMDG’er is just about getting the hang of it after 24 years of marriage on November 5th.
Expecting fireworks!
We know what your tactics are .. put your arm around the centre back .. tell him (or her) you love them and .. Bob’s your Uncle…
See you Saturday.. x
This fella is whsts been needed again a club like Wolves since and before Nuno.
We are becoming a better balanced squad, playing with passion for the boss.
Also, note how since neves departure it has allowed others to step up.Its what will happen should Neto move on.
I’m feeling quite positive, Wolveswise, today. Hopefully, it will carry over to the weekend.
On another point, our late friend Clive from Houston would have been 72 today. I’ll raise a glass to him tonight.
You just beat me to it Dougie.
I don’t think I really clocked before that he shared a birthday with Stan Cullis. Two very special men.
Sadly missed.
If I was a day later I would have shared a birthday with Derek Dougan.
Me too, or maybe two ?
Cheers, Big Man. 1 lv.
Wolves at home on Christmas eve, when will we have time for present shopping?
At half time of course.
Genius BW- leftover South Bank balti pie gift wrapped should do the job?