You don’t want to concede goals against the top sides that feel avoidable.
I thought Erik Lamela was outstanding for Spurs last Saturday and his individual skill accounted for a couple of their strikes.
But that free header for Lucas Moura was harder to digest and changed the dynamic of the game.
The big six are good at smelling blood in the water, but Wolves have got to remain organised in those difficult moments to avoid giving themselves a mountain to climb.
I suspect there are going to be some more difficult moments to endure on Sunday.
Arsenal
We’ve never beaten Arsenal in my lifetime. You’ve got to go back to 1979 in fact to find the last victory for Wolves and there have been 16 defeats and 3 draws between then and now.
If recent form is anything to go by I’m not hopeful of ending the run this weekend. The Gunners are unbeaten since the middle of August and are looking like a top four side again under Unai Emery.
Having lost their first two games of the season to Man City and Chelsea there has been a suggestion they’re flat track bullies but a gutsy performance against Liverpool last weekend seemed to lay that accusation to rest.
They’ve certainly got some of the most exciting attackers in the league in Aubameyang, Lacazette and Ozil. Torreira is also looking like that ball winning midfielder Arsene Wenger strangely refused to sign for so long.
Goalkeeper Bernd Leno brings a certain calm to their defence and hasn’t conceded many since usurping Petr Cech. Keeping the back door shut on a consistent basis is the challenge though, as they’ll always create enough with the talent they have in the final third.
The home end
A few comments from a popular Arsenal forum.
Wolves have slipped up recently but have a very good manager. I think they’ll have a 2nd wind and go on a mini run again soon and fully expect them to stay up. Hopefully they are poor again this Sunday though!
Spurs seemed to handle them pretty well before letting them back into the game with a couple of stupid penalties.
I think we’ll win this one convincingly, we’re at home and Wolves aren’t playing great at the moment. All first team players are expected to be fit and I think we’ll see the same team we saw vs Liverpool.
Wolves
The Spurs game was the first match this season I’ve felt Bennett struggled, particularly with the ball at his feet.
OK, you can say a defender has to defend (he was also culpable for that Moura header too) but part of the way Wolves setup is to control possession and use the ball intelligently. When you give it away cheaply or in a bad area, it invariably creates issues.
It would be harsh to drop such a dependable player after one off day, but at some point Dendoncker must surely come into contention? Throwing him in at the deep end might be a mistake but he’s a full international so should be able to cope if called upon.
Morgan Gibbs-White is another who staked a serious claim last time out, but I would personally stick with the tried and tested for such a high profile fixture.
The poll
Predictions
vicsmith continues to the lead the way in the Prediction League table with 19 points from 11 predictions. There’s then a 3 point gap down to Brizzie and Teddy Eley, with Paddy Day, Ash K and Wolvo Dave a further point back. Keep up the good work lads.
As always, if you’d like to join in, simply leave your score prediction in the comment section below, which is where you’ll find my forecast.
Up The Wolves!
For me this has always been – and always will be – the most emotional fixture bar none.
My dear old Dad who died at the tragically young age of just 59 was a lifelong Arsenal fan and though I didn’t realise it then I think it must have hurt him a bit that I chose Wolves over Arsenal.
In 1963 as a 6 year old I had already decided I was a Wolves fan – thanks almost entirely to The Big Book of Football Champions (see picture) 1960 – and so I was over the moon when my Dad said he’s take me to Highbury to see Arsenal v Wolves on the opening day of the 1963/64 season. We didn’t have a car back then but my Uncle Reg was going to take us in his Humber Sceptre. My Mum insisted I wore my navy blue school raincoat and cap as it had rained in the morning and, God bless her, had made me a Wolves ‘rosette’ out of black and gold ribbon. It was only about a 35 minute drive to Highbury and we parked outside my Dad’s work colleague Mac’s house as he lived in Gillespie Road less than a stone’s throw from the stadium – he’s left a plank of wood wedged between two metal dustbins outside his house to preserve our parking space.
What hit me most was the sheer volume of people. I’d never seen anything like it. The gate that day was over 50,000 and I remember queueing outside the turnstiles at the North Bank end of the ground waiting to get in and being astonished by all the people, the noise and the smells – hot dogs, cigarettes, pipe tobacco and alcohol being the prevailing odours. Before kick-off Police Constable Alex Morgan sang a rousing hymn and the band of the Metropolitan Police marched up and down with the band leader hurling his mace into the air and catching it to a large cheer. The band did the same at half-time as I recall. Can’t remember much about the game though I got to see my all-time hero Ron Flowers play. I sat on my Dad’s shoulders somewhere close to the corner flag and after the teams had come out and kicked about I didn’t realise they’d kicked off and asked my Dad about 10 minutes into the game when they were going to start! I also remember a black balloon and a gold balloon tied together floating around near me. Our team of 11 Englishmen – imagine that now! – was Fred Davies, George Showell, Bobby Thomson, John Kirkham, Dave Woodfield, Ron Flowers, Terry Wharton, Chris Crowe, Ted Farmer, Jimmy Murray and Alan Hinton. We won the game 3-1 with goals from Hinton, Murray and Crowe and afterwards my Dad bought me a proper Wolves rosette – which I still have to this day along with the match programme – and fish and chips which we ate back at Mac’s house before we set off for home. Was that really over 55 years ago?
Arsenal v Wolves was then a regular outing for me and my Dad every season (well apart from when we were not in the top division!) with every trip – win, lose or draw – a memorable one. My Dad died 20 years after that first trip just before the start of the 1983/84 season, a terrible season for us of course, and when we were due to play Arsenal at Highbury I wrote to Arsenal and asked if they could do something to remember my Dad. He not only got a mention over the tannoy but Police Sergeant Alex Morgan (yes the same man only now a sergeant!) dedicated his pre-match song to my Dad and I received a fabulous letter from the then Arsenal manager Don Howe which to this day reduces me to tears.
I went to Arsenal with my Dad a lot and not just when they were playing us. It was so easy to get to from our house and in those days you could decide on a Saturday morning that you’d go so none of this planning weeks in advance rubbish. When they won the league and cup double in 1971 I think we went to something like 17 of the 21 home league games together. I wish he was coming to the game this weekend – though of course in many ways he will be. Since then I have taken my two younger sons to Highbury, and in recent years The Emirates, many times as they were growing up. Like father like son.
I will be there on Sunday in the away end whilst my wife and two youngest sons Steve, an Arsenal STH, and Andy (wonder who they were named after?) will be in the home end. Back in 1963 the managers were those two legendary Englishmen Billy Wright and Stan Cullis whereas now it will be Spaniard Unai Emery against Portuguese Nuno Espirito Santo – how times have changed. Before the match I will go to see my Dad’s marble stone outside The Armoury Arsenal club shop which I had done a few years back and may well shed a tear again as I remember the good times. The stone reads “Norman Sims, 1924 – 1983, Burma Star” (he served in the 2nd World War in the Far East). I will also take a look at Mac’s old house and the fish and chip shop on the corner which is still there. How fitting that the game will be on Remembrance Sunday.
As for the prediction – how great would it be if, despite the truly atrocious Stuart Attwell, there is a repeat of that 1963 first ever visit and we win 3-1?
OODCL
What a beautifully written piece Bedford Wolf .I can feel the emotion in it .Thanks for sharing .You describe what football support is all about .
Thanks Nick, appreciated. OODCL
Loved that Bedders’s
I actually got to know bobby Thompson who was playing in that game a little bit when he was at Stafford rangers.
Anyway.. lovely piece that and I’m with you on the predictions
No one expected Man Utd to beat Juve the other night
they think wounded wolves will be a cup of tea and a bun !!!
Cheers Matt – are you going Sunday?
Just been let down with my ticket
If anyone has a spare and can’t make the stupid kick off …
I will gladly step in !!
Nice piece from a mere youngster, well compared to me anyway. It brought back a few memories for me as well regarding the all English line-up, but I can’t remember the dates.
The 2 headlines were, “Wonderful Wolves shock Spurs” and “England’s ready made forward line”.
Stretch your memory banks and put a date on them for me please.
Hi Wight Wolf – thank you. I’m struggling with both quotes but will ask Bedfordshire Old Gold (BOG) as he is as old as the hills and remembers everything! The England’s forward line wasn’t England’s half back line was it? I seem to remember something from the late 50’s when England’s right half, centre half and left half were all Wolves players. What part of the IoW are you in? Its our favourite holiday destination and have been there many times – we were there in July during the World Cup and are going back again next Summer.
Thanks. Yes BOG seems to have the memory of an elephant.If I remember correctly Chris Crowe was part of a standard 5 man forward line.
I loved those 5 man standard forward lines – did it all change with Don Revie’s W plan – way back ?
I’ve seen Wolves away to Arsenal twice in recent years – once at Highbury and latterly at the Emirates – both dire performances where we seemed to go through the motions like condemned men. I think the Emirates game was on a Boxing Day – terrible memory – but it cost £60 to sit high up in a corner.
I’m looking forward to much better this time, but without great confidence after last week – we played well but saw what class there is in the top four.
I’ll forecast a win for luck anyway.
Sorry forgot to say ,I’m currently in East Cowes about a mile up from the car ferry terminal.
Clamp, Slater, Wright, methinks
Nice piece Mr Bedford, will try and look out for the Norman Sims when I am down there this Sunday
Nice piece Mr Bedford, will try and look out for the Norman Sims when I am down there this Sunday
Thank you. Much appreciated. It takes me a good five minutes to find the stone myself and as they are set in the floor they get quite dirty which I moan constantly to the club about!
Lovely article Bedford. As a London school kid I was an Arsenal regular from the mid-1950s. Apart from seeing Wolves (of course) play at Highbury, my dad would take us to see his team, Man U, nicknamed the Busby Babes in those days. I remember the last time the Babes played at Highbury before the Munich plane disaster. It was emotionally difficult to watch them again soon after Munich. The Leicester City helicopter crash recently brought a few bad memories back.
Onto Sunday. It’s weird how well we have performed against the top sides, and I include the result against Spurs that should have been a draw. Unless Arsenal click on every cylinder, we have a chance and we won’t be frightened to take them on. Two good footballing and attacking sides. Our wastefulness and bad luck in front of goal will surely change. I fancy a high-scoring match. I’ll stick at 2-2.
Good read Dave – love the trips down memory lane!
I am catching the 11.14 from Bedford to St Pancras and meeting up in Leicester Square for a meal and drinks at 1pm with a good mate and ex-shareholder at Arsenal. He has my ticket.
I will give you a call about 3.30-3.45 when we should be at The Emirates.
Afterwards I hope to catch the train from St Pancras to Bedford about 8 o’clock – we could meet up for a noggin at St Pancras if you fancy it.
Have a good day out – I think my seat is right above the Wolves fans.
BOG
Damn, I must have some dust in my eyes… Wonderful memories, I felt like I was there.
I was born in the Borough of Lambeth in the year of our Lord 1946. Bedders we are almost brothers, in fact we are. Brothers of the Wolf pact, as they say locally Wolves am we. Great post, star man Bedders.
Terrific stuff Dave. Last week’s post on the Spurs game and now, even moreso this, bring home how the beautiful game etches itself into the very fabric of our lives. Wonderful memories beautifully remembered.
Excellent Bedford but you seem to have failed with your sons’ upbringing given they don’t follow their dad’s team!
It’s difficult to predict anything but a loss. Away to an inform, quality side, all leads to one outcome sadly. Just hoping it’s not a rout!
Bennett was covering Kane, for that header as doc had let him go. Messy all round. Still feel we will come through this period a better team. We are learning on our feet.
Another loss this weekend I am afraid but not by much.
I assume Nuno will have been drilling the defence all week, but Arsenal have such a plethora of attacking options that its going to be tough. The only point I would make is its important to build on our second half performance last week. Don’t give Arsenal too much respect and sit back absorbing pressure – take the game to them and lets see how they respond to pressure. I’d stick with last weeks team and, if changes are to be made, make them in the potentially easier home match v Huddersfield.
Watched the Gunners play Sporting last night and I have to say they have some very good attacking players . I think we have to treat this game the same as the City game. Let them have possession and try and hit them on the counter.
I agree about Dendonker , he should be given the chance to start. For me bring on Gibbs -White and Traore to inject some pace at the 60 minute mark .
As ever all the pundits are against us , surprise surprise ! But I have a feeling we could nick this one (fingers crossed)
One of the teams I dislike got a few gooner mates, can’t see anything apart from a loss
They are in form I wouldn’t say we are out of form just not scoring enough, it will come though, nuno definitely knows what he is doing
What the heck I’d start with dendonker aswell might make him.
It’s funny how a little bad run changes the way we look at things. After the Man Utd game I just couldn’t see us points anywhere. Now, I’m hoping we just score from open play and show a good account of ourselves. Bennett stays in for me it would be very harsh to drop him after one bad game. I think it’ll be a good game but one that we come away from empty handed. The problem with this is the pressure that puts on the Huddersfield game. However I have full faith in Nuno and the squad to get back to winning ways asap
The second half against Spurs showed that Wolves need to attack with greater intensity and when they do they can cause good teams problems.
The first half showed that when you don’t play with intensity and concede soft goals it will be a major uphill struggle.
I think we might get a goal on Sunday but tough to see the required 0 or 1 conceded to get a result. Think they might overwhelm us with their attack.
Another wonderful occasion to be a part of though and if our boys play to their maximum we’ll give them one hell of a game.
Thomas – I watch a lot of Arsenal (its a condition of my family life!) and I have to say that as good and as free flowing as they can be going forward they are decidedly suspect at the back. Even their own fans are not all convinced by their defence either with Mustafi in particular an accident waiting to happen for instance. The centre of their defence lacks pace and their style of play encourages both their full backs (both better at attacking than defending strangely) to bomb forward, often at the same time, which leaves huge spaces in behind them. If we are clever and play without fear and take the game to them there is no doubt that we can beat them and score several goals. Obviously it is Nuno’s job to pick the team and I would never dream of telling him what to do but if ever a game was crying out for Vinagre not Jonny, Gibbs-White not Moutinho and Traore not Costa then this is it. If we play with energy and positivity – which I think those three can give us – then we should go there expecting to win. I certainly am.
Since ‘Lawro’ has liked us and stopped saying we will lose – we have lost. I therefore believe we will win this one because it will be 4.30 on a Sunday afternoon and quite frankly, Arsenal’s stars will probably wanting a doze by then. Contrast to us – we will be back to our sizzling best. So Lawro – 3-2 Wolves (just like our last win in 1979). Sooner or later we will have a bit of luck and instead of the ball shaving the post or hitting the keeper it will go in. Enjoy the seats at the Emirates. They are rather nice and comfy. If Stuart Attwell is the referee though be prepared for some bizarre decisions. If he was on bake off he would use a piece of roast chicken to bake a chocolate cake -that is how bad he is. Still . 3-2 WWFC.
I agree mate; piss off Lawro – go back to ignoring/underestimating us like all of the media did pre-Nuno’s manager of the month award.
International break after Sunday so probably a good time for it this time around. Is Sunday a free hit? Probably. Arsenal on an unbeaten run and we are getting a bit leaky at the back and unable to score many from open play.
We have to expect some bad patches along the way, we are not the finished product yet, that said, 15 points to the good so far, has been an impressive initiation into the best league in the world.
I think the lads will be up for taking something back with them from the smoke so a draw it is for me.
Over the last 20 years we have when faced with the ‘big’ teams done well against the Manchester teams, OK against Chelsea, Spurs and Liverpool and done terribly against the Gunners. I would love us to get a result at the weekend but just cant see it happening. They are in great form and should be able to overturn us on their home patch, hope that I’m proved wrong.
Back to winning ways against the Terriers.
Arsenal v Wolves
In the last 21 meetings (all competitions) v The Gooners our record is truly abysmal with just one victory. Last season we broke the hoodoo away at Middlesbrough and we need to try and achieve a similar result on Sunday. Over 52 games first in Woolwich then North London, Wolves have the outstanding record of just 8 victories since the dawn of time football wise. Awful – a wretched record. But that’s all in the past……
Well what about Sunday?
Normally as a “heart rules over the head” type of supporter I would forecast a Wolves victory. I always do. Even so, I cannot substantiate such a prediction come 6.30 on Sunday evening. Whilst their defending is occasionally questionable, Arsenal play some outstanding football going forward and with Wolves’ defence starting to leak goals and our chronic inability to score from open play and convert the myriad of chances we create (offside goal v Spurs notwithstanding), hopefully we can avoid getting tonked. Our defence must be totally switched on at all times and not doze off as occurred last week v Tottenham for the first two goals. I am sitting in the Clock end (upper tier) above the Wolves fans I believe. An old works colleague who is/was an Arsenal shareholder – Kroenke has called in all shares under the constitution apparently – obtained a ticket for me sitting with home supporters and I have been advised to do the obvious. That is keeping stum and absolutely no Wolves colours. (It’s a full day out as beforehand I think we are meeting and eating in Leicester Square before catching the tube to the Emirates. I have also arranged to try and meet up with some Arsenal lads from Bedford who frequent Robinsons Pool – then hopefully a beer or three at St Pancras after the game).
We must avoid conceding an early goal at all costs – otherwise the floodgates may well open – although like Wolves, Arsenal have not led at half time in any of their 11 premier league games this season.
I watched the highlights of Arsenal v Liverpool last weekend and it has to be said that the unrest on and off the pitch under Wenger plus the poor results sequence (by their standards) have been swept away in a tidal wave of optimism. The likes of Lacazette, Torreira and Ozil looked the real deal to me (Emery could afford to put Ramsey on the bench!!) but we also have game changers to create opportunities if only we could convert two or three. You never know but I am going for……
Draw 1-1 (OG for Wolves goal).
Please don’t lose Wolves – I have taken a ridiculous amount of stick all week from Spurs fans here in Bedford, even though I know we deserved a share of the spoils, and I certainly don’t relish another bout of piss taking from the local Gooners.
Living in relatively proximity to the capital means whichever team we play in the Smoke there are local supporters around here.
BOG
5 – 1
Who of my age can ever forget that score.
5 – 1
Arsenal, cock a hoop coming to the Mol on a snowy November afternoon, after having won the almost impossible “double” the previous season.
Full of internationals, superstars of the day.
Half time. One nil to the Arsenal.
Second half, five nil to The Wolves.
Waggy’s unbelievable shot, and then pass from left back position to right inside forward position for Kenny Hibbit to shimmy past the defense and stick another past Wilson.
Couple from The Doog and a McCalliog penalty.
That game is probably the one that sticks in my memory the most.
And, that day, my dad bought our first colour tv, and the first programme I watched on it was MOD that night.
So, what has that to do with Sunday’s game?
Absolutely sod all, but wouldn’t it be nice to get a repeat score line, one which y’all have never seen me predict before!!
FOwb
As Bedford has said Arsenal defence is a weakness so could be a moment for Traore to tear into them – at least give him 45 mins. As Thomas said we need to be bolder from the start
I am in total disagreement with the Bennett snipers.
Take a good look at the goals from last Sunday and you will see Doherty being screamed at by Bennett to get back in position.
He was exposed by his wing back and made to look like the culprit .
No way should Nuno change his side as i am pretty certain the failures of last week will be ironed out in house.
Dendonker will get his chance when there is an injury as i simply dont see any of that back 3 going through a bad spell..
I am not saying Doherty isn’t up to it because he has had a cracking start to the season but against the better sides its probably better to do a bit more defending and a bit less attacking.
I feel the best we can hope for at arsenal is a draw and i think we should go there to spoil the game and maybe get a break late on.
But the most important thing is to stop them scoring at any cost because if we open ourselves up we will be slaughtered.
Go for the draw Nuno.
Totally agree with you Spikey about Bennett – too many people made him the Spurs’ scapegoat when all of the defence were guilty of errors at crucial times. Anyhow fingers crossed that we can frustrate them and get something to take into the international break. COMBs!
For me it’s distribution where Bennett falls down not his defending. Too many moves break down when he is put under pressure and not able to simply lay the ball off.In this day and age all players need to be comfortable on the ball or they get found out and targeted. Pep won’t even have a goalkeeper who can’t control the ball and pass.
forgot my prediction ranting on
Can’t ever remember beating arsenal, this is one I’d love to see us win
Their unbeaten in ages, we have lost 3 on the bounce but football is a funny old game so a wolves win it is then
Utw
Wolves will win 2-1.
They have to focus on defense and not become unglued if they give up a goal. Two quick goals is a death sentence.
We beat an undefeated Man U a few years back with a much less talented team and I think if we win or tie going into the international break, our mood will be euphoric for a couple of weeks.
Agreed on Dendoncker coming in for Bennett.
I love how Bennett has flourished and improved immensely under Nuno’s coaching, but I think a prolonged spell in a PL side is a step too far.
Very occasionally in the Championship Bennett’s quality on the ball was questioned, but not exposed. Already in the PL, he’s looking flustered and rushed in possession, and v Spurs this saw the ball aimlessly hoofed forward, inviting Spurs to attack.
Dendoncker has clearly been brought in to start. After three questionable performances from Bennett, I feel this is the time to do it. Admittedly, I’ve only seen Dendoncker v Leicester, but I was impressed with his distribution and calmness on the ball.
At the end of the day, Nuno wants all his defenders to play out from the back, and Dendoncker is better suited to do that.
When Bennett is starting to make defensive errors, too, you have to worry.
I wouldn’t change anything else. Apart from his horrific miss, Costa looked menacing in the second half, much more like his old self. Hopefully he kicks on and settles into a run of form.
Yes, there are slight concerns over Neves/Moutinho being too similar – and MGW’s introduction saw Neves step up and dictate proceedings – but it’s way too early to write the partnership off.
I’m going for a 1-1. Both attacks will present the defences problems, and I fancy us to nick a goal.
I made a £20 bet with a gooner mate that we take more points off them than they take off us this season. We shook hands when Wenger was still the boss, and I’ve already told him that it’s not gentlemanly conduct to change managers just to avoid paying out on a bet.
With that in mind, we need at least a point from this game, so I’m going for a hard-earned 2-2 draw, and then we’ll have to do them at Molineux for me to get paid.
I lived in London for a few years, and cycled past the ground every day for 2 years on my commute, regularly taking the opportunity to shout ‘You’re just a bus stop in London’ at anyone who looked like they deserved it.
For anyone going to the game: there’s a great little off licence on Mountgrove Road, with the biggest selection of beers I’ve ever seen in a single shop. The awning is Old Gold, which bodes well, and it’s called Handy Mini Market. You’re welcome.
UTW
It’s definitely Bennet for me and if anything has to change I would go for both wingbacks. Tough game for us but like others have said we’re better off on the front foot and playing for a win, it seems to be Nuno’s way and he ain’t doing to badly is he.
Doherty vs Bellerin…hmmmm
Lacazette vs Coady…
This could get tricky
I’ve placed a bet with an Arsenal mate who lives walking distance from the Emirates( what a crap name for a ground) that I win if we get closer than 2 goals
I also win a second bet if we’re within 9 places at end of season
Hoping to break even…somehow
If you match us player to player Marin there can be only one winner, and it ain’t us. But the same could be said of Man Citeh, and we showed them a thing or two. It’s a team game.
I agree Wolfstroker..we will also need to match the intensity of Arsenal’s midfield.. for the full 90+ minutes
I have everything crossed!
I love bets like that. I reckon you’ll win both of those mate.
Optimism after the last 2 performances have led me to conclude that a weak defensive outfit with an arrogant belief of ability after such an admirable run will be vulnerable to counter attacking football ….we can win this one with some better finishing .
I’m afraid I cannot see anything in this one for us – I only hope the team can prove me wrong.
another good piece from Mr Bedford Wolf again this week , will check out the wall whilst down there this Sunday
Defence needs a shake up so will go with team selection , hopefully we get a point at least
Could the Gunners treat this match with a little complacency ? Thinking that the win is already in the bag ? I wonder . I agree that there are difficult choices to be made with who starts etc but in Nuno we trust . Good to see that Jota’s back for selection.
Very touching article Bedford Wolf . Will be a very emotional day I’m sure.
COYW……..FOWB
I’ve got a sneaky feeling in my plumbing that this could be a coupon buster, if we can produce in 90 minutes what we produced in the 2nd 45 last week, Arsenal are in for a rough ride……..
I feel like Helder Costa. Last week I let my heart rule my head and predicted we would beat Spurs – two points dropped.He missed a sitter – or should be for a £13 million pound player – that probably cost us two points.
Not this time. I cannot see any good times on Sunday. Early lunch as I will not be a happy bunny by 6pm ish.
Roll on Huddersfield!
Maybe we should all adopt Nuno’s philosophy that it doesn’t matter if we win, tie or lose, as long as we try.
I don’t think our losing streak will end against Arsenal. Sorry about swear word in photograph but that’s how I am beginning to feel week after week. COYW.
Miracles can happen and I am going for a ‘Clive’ on this game. Can still see Waggy cutting in from the right wing and hitting an unstoppable left foot shot into the corner to signify an unbelievable second half fight back resulting in 5.1. That was the snowy November afternoon in the 70’s. Must play Jota if fit and Costa , defending and pressing from the front. Jonny and Moutinho first half and get Vinigre and MGW on to get on the front foot second half. I sense another memorable victory.
A nice piece of writing by young Bedders at the top of this thread.
Brought back some memories, not least about the half time entertainment.
In all the hype about the new Wolves and our style of play, the pre-match and half time Molineux ‘entertainment’ has not been mentioned much.
Recently it’s always been a bit of a ‘let’s bugger off for a pee or a pie’ time, but this season it’s really plumbed the depths of rubbishness (is that a word? Well it is now).
Before the match, some young floozy goes round the half empty stands trying to find who can sing ‘Hi Ho Wolverhampton’ the loudest and then at half time two unfit fans ‘race’ across the pitch and see who can put on the most t shirts in 60 seconds.
I’m falling asleep just writing this.
There’s got to be something better surely.
Maybe a ‘watching paint dry’ competition.
Or, hang on, I’ve had an idea. Why not get a brass band to play some traditional marching music? There’s got to be some local band who would jump (or march) at the chance.
I’m surprised that nobody else in the history of League and Cup football has ever thought of it.
No, it would never catch on. Better stick with the fat lads.
As far as the match is concerned, I would keep Bennett, start with Cav and give the side another chance to get over this bad run of results.
MG-W and AT to come on after 70 minutes or so.
And the result?
Well, I had a dream that we’d win 4-0 so I’ve got to go with that.
With you DOOG re embarrassing match ‘entertainment’ especially the young women trying to establish which stand can be the loudest in the style of a second rate panto or Seventies kid’s TV
Totally with you on this, Mark. We’ve recently touched upon the abysmal halftime ‘entertainment’.
I’m not up to speed on the Fans’ Parliament but I think that it merits being raised on that platform. What we have at present does nothing to enhance the match experience.
There can be some positives at half-time …. for example the only place I’ve ever seen the Dagenham Girl Pipers was at the Mol – not once but twice!!! Where else would you go?
I remember a match report in the Observer by Clement Freud. The match was so dire that he only mentioned the score (0-0 I think) and devoted the rest of his column to a description of the pre-match and half-time band, how they were dressed, what they played and who was the outstanding player.
Never liked Arsenal. Not sure why – maybe stories about how they fiddled staying in the top tier at the end of WW1 – or maybe their smugness and expectation that they have a right to be at the top.
Also especially under Wenger hypocritically claiming the morale high ground as the exponents of the beautiful game whilst all other teams were cloggers. In reality they were the masters of the sneaky foul. A mantle Man City are beginning to wear.
OK rant over. Because I can never predict against Wolves and because I genuinely believe we have a chance I’m going for a win.
Going with my heart for a three two win; mad, I know! Will be there with one of my sons, but in the home section. ..
I can’t stand Arsenal
Wolves to win and cause an upset.
It’s going to very tough to get a result as Arsenal look right up for it at the moment. I can’t go for a Wolves loss though, and I think we will create some chances on the counter that we must take.
2-2
Prediction is not easy. Heart says it’s a draw or win but head says it a loss. Hope my head is wrong
We need to hold our nerve.
I can’t see anything other than an Arsenal win, but will go to London full of hope that we can get something from the game.
I think 4pm on a Sunday is an awful time, especially on Remembrance Sunday.
I think we will see Jota return to the starting 11. I would keep the defence as it is, for now.
UTW
Going for a hard earned 0-0
Well Bedders,
Lovely piece, written from the heart, brilliant that your dad is remembered on the wall, I shall say hello to him on Sunday and ask his forgiveness, because like Doogs dream the other night I have a sneaky feeling we will win this one. (Sorry Bedder’s dad)
I have fond memories of Arsenal, as a kid they were my second team and I loved attending Highbury with Wolves watching the police band, feckin class stuff, (white gloves and the smartest uniforms in the World). Our stuff at halftime drives folk to the bar FFS.
Anyway, I will be shouting the Old Gold & Black on from the 12th man area, hoping to catch a glimpse of Bedders and BOG jumping up and down in the home end when the goals go in, tired legs for Arsenal and a rejuvenated Wolves should provide good entertainment, a win would be great but I will put up with 90 minutes of great footy.
Let’s all remember too that it’s 100 years since the end of WW1 I hope Arsenal do it aswell as Wolves did on Saturday night.
Arsenal 1
Wolves 2
Come on me Bambinos.
I had planned on attending my local Church at 1000hrs on Sunday, followed by a wreath laying ceremony at the obelisk at 1100hrs. Then I received your phone call.
Of course I can take Jenny’s ticket as she is not well, I said. Of course I can take Jenny’s seat on coach No 2, I said. Of course I can get to the North Bank car park by 1030 hrs I said.
Thanks Stu. See you Sunday. As for remembering the fallen … I will never forget and stand proud. Lest we Forget.
Not seen that many medals since Lance Corporal Jack Jones on Dad’s Army. Mind you he had more hair than you. ?
Hope to run into you and Stu at the ground – will ring you as we arrive. I’m in the Wolves bit with Tom from Bedford whilst BOG is in the home seats.
Don’t panic, we will win – they don’t like it up ‘em!
OODCL
These are the games we have been looking forward to for a long time. We are capable of doing them and I have a feeling that we will.
🙂
Onward’s and Upwards
This week end sees a Big test of character and steeliness by us against what, on paper, is a good Arsenal team.
In fact the build up has a lot in common to that snowy day back in the 70’s…. Wolves a growing team then and Arsenal rolling up as league and cup double winners (I think).
I was there along with other bloggers to witness what must have been the greatest ever triumph over that star studded Arsenal team …. and how nice to see Bob Wilson picking the ball out of the net 5 times.
On Sunday it’s 11 v 11 (Or 11 v 12 if you factor in Stuart Attwell) so let’s hope that old Red card stays in his grubby pocket on Sunday… still no forgiveness for sending off Milijas or Neves last season.
Sunday I’m sure, will see us play a more cat and mouse game where not conceding first is paramount. This will then give us the impetus for a famous ‘smash and grab’ … and that would be awesome to take into the international break and end the possibility of growing tension creeping in.
So let’s get some perspective about how far we’ve come…. a win on Sunday will send out a great message to Huddersfield in two weeks time.
I don’t think that there will be any team changes to start with, giving the under pressure lads another chance.. and why not.
Have a great day to the 12th man…
Raul and Boly on the scoresheet…
We can’t lose to two of my least favourite opponents in following weeks!
I contemplated a draw but to hell with it…victory to the Wanderers!
Stop being overawed by the goo ners bloggers, we’ll embarrass them and win .I can feel it.
Certain moments of the season- ‘do you remember when we beat arsenal’ is In my reckoning..
It doesn’t matter in this case that we need a striker ……mr mendes
At least one penalty to us..
Don’t get to go to as many Wolves games as I would like nowadays – but I do recall going to Highbury on Boxing Day 2003. My daughter was married to a Gunners supporter at the time (divorced now) and he got the tickets so I was sitting in the middle of Gunners supporters. Recollection is of being pretty hammered – 3-0 to the Gunners was probably kind to Wolves. This time I am hoping for a closer game and a true fighting spirit – but I still struggle to see us getting anything out of the game.
Recently I have been optimistic in the prediction league – and suffered because of it although I did really enjoy the fight back last weekend!
This time I’ll let the head rule the heart. Gunners great recent success against Wolves disappointing run means a Gunners victory – unfortunately!
Oh, right, you’ve freshened my memory, it was the Highbury game that was on Boxing Day. I went with an old Arsenal workmate who had bought a seat in some shareholder deal and we there was supposed to be some kind of breakfast brunch available, but it wasn’t available as it was Boxing Day, and as you remember Dr Phil, we were beaten easily.
I’m sure we’ll at least try harder tomorrow !
Didn’t think we started that badly against Spurs but then bang we are 2-0 down, admittedly the goals we conceded where poor and i thought we lacked energy at times in the middle of the park. Another tough game Sunday but even if we do get the predicted defeat its still no need for panic. After the international break we have on paper an easier run of fixtures. As for the team i would consider bringing in Dendoncker for Bennett but Vinagre and Gibbs-White can’t be far away from a start either
I hate Arsenal,but they’re a good footballing side at the mo.
They always seem to beat us no matter where we play them.
Their coach has got them playing good footy after a shaky start and their strikers are on fire at the moment.with us we are playing some good stuff also but with no end product, and some dodgy defending.
Hopefully all will come right Sunday and we can at least get a point.
Regarding Bennett,I would
Drop him and put dendonker in because he can play football, and that’s what top premiership footballers do.
As for Gibbs -White imo he’s not ready to start yet especially at The Arsenal, but like last week he could come on as a impact player.
UTW FOWB
As this will be my first time at the Emirates, and because it is Remembrance Day, I have to predict a win.
Being an overseas wolves supporter arsenal we’re my TV (or rather dodgy stream) team during the wilderness years when wolves matches were hard to come bymon the interwebs. This season though this is the match I’ve been waiting for, this is the match that’ll tell us how good we currently are, and win loose or draw, I’m confident that we’ll be better when we play them at home. Loving watching the wolves.week in week out.
Sadly can not see anything other than another defeat on Sunday, just hope Doherty remembers that he has to defend as well as attack.
Oh how wonderful it would be to get a positive result here ! My brother (in Malta) is a lifelong Arsenal fan and has been harping on since the schedule was published how they are going to marmalise Wolves on the 11th Nov. I don’t think it will be that bad, but I don’t think we will get any points out of it either. Hopefully the team will perform well, but can’t see us stopping them getting 3 points.
Can’t be at the Emirants this wikend as I’m on mi jollies in Cape Verde ??
Travelled by TUI a Fosun company & the Island was under Portuguese rule until 1974, so a number of tenuous connections to the Ode Gold….
Starting 11 I’ll leave to Nuno, plan b, c – ditto
We’re gonna be playing a good side but not a great side, I’d rather face Arsenil than Cithe
Expect nil points, anything else will be a bonus & as said above, this one really is a free hit.
We do seem to up our game against top teams so if we get the rub of the green, could be a handsome win. Just hope the ref (noooo not fekin Thick Soup – sorry Stu- Attwell) & Lino don’t get the headlines.
As I’ve seen several Arsenil fans over here, please Wolves let me have a Smuggy McSmugface for the following week.
Anyone in Cape Verde ?? on Sunday I’ll be taking my father-in-law (a Villa supporter) to watch a Premier League game in the Sports Bar in Santa Maria – I’ll be the fat, bald chap in a Wolves home shirt, would love to celebrate with anyone other than my F-I-L.
PS Bedders, great write up and sparked many memories of my old man who fought in WW2 and this will be the first year I’m not up the crem on Armathist Day – I’ll be raising a glass to him on Sunday
Prediction:
Arse nil : Wolves 2
COYW FOwb & Arsenil
Always stay with the trend is fine betting and trading advice. All of which means I’m going for a 3-0 win for Arsenal here I’m afraid.
I would love to be proved wrong of course
Ever hopeful.
(Apparently the above comment was too short. Sorry, that’s life at the moment. Past results, particularly those from way back, are not a sound basis for current predictions. I’m hoping for a surprising win but will settle for a draw. I would like to see Dendoncker, Gibbs-White and Traore get a proper run-in at some point. )
Like many on here I’m fortunate to be able to recall times when we beat Arsenal with ease. However, based purely on the relative ability of the current teams to put the ball in the net from open play I can’t see this going any other way. Unfortunately……
On Nov 11, 100 years ago the guns went silent. On Nov 11 2018, the Gunners will go silent!! If we take our chances I believe we can actually win! Should be an entertaining game.
The prediction league is serious stuff and although it pains me to say so I can’t see us getting anything out of this. Will be delighted to be proven wrong.
Arsenal have been much better than us when we have played them in recent years as the stats show, but I remember going down there under Nick’s reign and we were holding them to 0-0.
Last few minutes on came Bendtner (first game back after injury) who nodded one in in stoppage time. That was a very very long miserable drive home!
That was then, now is now, and I fancy us to snatch 3 points from them in a hard fought match. Tight, but I think we can win this 1.0.
The journey back home will certainly be a lot brighter!
As for selection, whoever the Nuno picks is fine by me, he has rarely got it wrong in my eyes since day one.
Jolly good shout old bean.
Glad you like it RickRack, thank the author with a pint!!
What better way to spend a Saturday morning than with a cup of tea and catching up on the Blog? Bedders’ post at the start of this thread made particularly good reading.
It’s been way too long for a Wolves win in this fixture. I wasn’t there for that 1979 win but I do remember a creditable draw there a few years earlier, with the Doog playing.
I have mixed views on whether or not there should be changes at the back in that I’d hate anyone to be made a scapegoat. Then again, maybe Dendoncker has earned his chance? Over to you Nuno.
On another note, I tried to post a tweet on 6th November in recognition of St Nuno’s feast day (a Portuguese religious observance) but it got lost in the ether. Maybe a belated celebration tomorrow?
You and me both Exiled. Nice cuppa, woodburner flaming away, hail hammering on the window and so many great posts on today’s blog. Especially Bedders, of course, whose post has set standards few of us could even aspire to, let alone achieve.
Bubble and Squeak for lunch. How Saturday is that? 🙂
Exiled & WS,
Is it really that cold at home?
30 degs by the pool today, hope the air-con is on in the Santa Maria sports bar tomoz.
So my Smuggy McSmugface has started early hope by 5.30 local time I can keep it up in front of these Arsenil fans.
UTW
Enjoy RR. It was 30 degrees in Bali last week. The only downside was that the game v Spurs kicked off at 3.45 in the morning…..and my plane home was later that evening. Still, I made it through the day.
Dougie,
Call me on 07710-449440 ref:- Cardiff.
Stu
They are on a good run at the mo’, but that must come to an end sooner or later. We are suffering a poor run, results wise, but our performances, Watford aside, remain full of promise. When we click up front, and the goals begin to flow, we can match anyone.
Will this be the game?
It could well be. Arsenal fans will be expecting their team to be dominant and will drive them forward. This could give our forwards that bit of space they need to make their pace tell and give our midfielders something to aim at with telling through balls.
Could be a busy day for the back 3 though and they’ll need to be completely switched on throughout if we are to emerge unscathed.
Great game in prospect.
Arsenal are flying at the moment and I don’t think it’ll be any disgrace if they get the three points this time around.
I have just learned, through my Facebook page that young Thomas has recently been the birthday boy.
You kept THAT quiet mate!
However, please accept the PMDG’ers and my best wishes for the 8th.
Let’s hope the lads give you a special birthday present tomorrow.
Thanks mate. I’ll let you buy me a pint the next time we’re in the Park View. I’m still paying off the mortgage I had to take out on the last round I bought in there:)
I’m a bit concerned about persistent striker rumours linking us with Adam Reach of Sheff Wed. No reason why a striker from the lower leagues can’t break through in the PL, and Callum Wilson is a great example. Many Wolves fans wanted to sign Wilson instead of his team mate Leon Clarke. OK, Adam Reach could be one for the future, but we badly need an additional striker in January, with top level experience from either here or abroad. I reckon we make enough chances to average another goal a game with a fox in the box. Mind you, I think we’ll bag two on Sunday.
Dances,how about Bradley Dack of Blackburn if we’re looking at The Championship
Head or heart?
In this case the head must rule for the sake of the prediction league.
I thought we stood no chance with City or Utd, but …
Let’s rediscover that form!
Go Wolves!
I’m going to go with the form book even though my heart is saying not to
Welcome to the old farts club, Thomas, yet another 85th birthday blogger!!
And thank you Brompto, for all you do.
I think this will be another high scoring game with Arsenal just nicking it. I suspect their passing will carve through our defense. However in defense they’ve looked poor so we should have some opportunities. Should be another exciting game nevertheless!
Sad to say but I think another defeat is on the cards against Arsenal.
Particularly in recent games, good periods of play by Wolves have been interspersed with careless costly errors both defensively and in front of goal. Arsenal away will be a difficult match to judge if these problems have yet been resolved.
Up until the last International break we were doing brilliantly. I hope that after the next upcoming break our good fortunes will return. The Huddersfield fixture could become quite crucial and should we not pick up points in that match, I think our confidence will be affected and pressure will start to mount.
These are the kind of games we need to win to change our image into one of a top team and not just a newly promoted team.
Win this and we will be right back in the fight for a European place.
I’ve ad lots of beer so I will say this ‘fuck off Arsenal. You are fuckin shit and Wolves am gonna giv ya a massive thrashing. BOLLOCKS TO IAN WRIGHT WRIGHT WRIGHT.
Off to the Emirates on the 10:05 train from Wolvo in the morning and really looking forward to my first visit to this stadium.
Does anyone know any decent/safe boozers in the area where away fans are welcome??
Should we get close to the ground or stick to pubs nearer to Highbury?
Any advise will be much appreciated.
I expect us to lose but – based on our current form in London- I will hope for a draw.
The tide could be about to turn. When you have such a well drilled team like the Wolves, at some stage those so close goals are going into the back of the net, which hopefully will be today. They have already proved this season that they can take on the bigger names in the Premier division.
Another good performance without adding points to the bank
Another of those head /heart games for me.
Dendoncker has to start at some time, maybe today who knows. Whatever Nuno decides is ok as far as I am concerned.
Think I will sit on the fence and hope I don’t fall off too hard.
Well I’ve done all i can to influence the result. With Lacazette, Aubameyang and Ozil in my fantasy league and Lacazette as captain that usually guarantees a dramatic loss of form, minimal points, a missed penalty, an injury and a sending off. Up to you now lads.
Always hated playing Arsenal in past prem league sessions, they seemed to expose our sweat of the brow shift work more than any other team, with Ramsey playing a blinder. Then if we did try to play football the ref would step in and send off Milijas for no reason.
Hope we really display our new footballing pedigree today.
Well I’ve done all i can go influence the result. With Lacazette, Aubameyang and Ozil in my fantasy league and Lacazette as captain that usually guarantees a dramatic loss of form, minimal points, a missed penalty, an injury and a sending off. Up to you now lads.
Always hated playing Arsenal in past prem league sessions, they seemed to expose our sweat of the brow shift work more than any other team, with Ramsey playing a blinder. Then if we did try to play football the ref would step in and send off Milijas for no reason.
Hope we really display our new footballing pedigree today.
Nailed 1-1 for me.
Can’t see a win so I’ll hope for a draw.
COYW
Never seem to get a good result against Arsenal but don’t want to predict a defeat so going for a draw. COMB!
Bedford Wolf’s moving contribution made me realise how well blessed I’d been to be able to enjoy my own dad’s companionship as a wolves fan for so long – much longer than BW. I started by going along with him to home matches, but before long we were taking in a good number of away games as well. From where we lived most of the Div 1 grounds were reasonable to get to in those pre -motorway days. We never made it to the North-East and it was only when my training took me to some 30 miles from London for part of each year that I got to visit the London clubs.
I had to check the details to find out that I went to Highbury on 22 April 1961 when we notched up what we now call a Clive – Arsenal 1 Wolves 5. No segregation in those days so I had a geat time amongst their fans.
It was interesting to see some of the other results from that season, I saw most of the games. In London we drew 3-3 with Chelsea, beat Fulham 3-1, lost 5-0 to West Ham. Away from London we did the double over both Manchesters and put another 5 past Arsenal at Molineux – those were the days.
So in a spirit of remembrance (and enthusuasm) of the good old days – if not of logic!! – I’m going for a Wolves win. COYW
BTW a bit brassed off to find no TV or radio coverage – at least none I can get – of the game. Why then is it on at 4.30 Sunday, it must mess up things for a lot of fans.
Just in time for a prediction . . . . . . .
Wolves to nick it! 1 – 0
For the first time this year, I genuinely don’t think we’ll get anything out of a game. Arsenal on form and could unfortunately see us getting a bit of a lesson
It’s ironic how the little bits of luck that were going our way earlier are now going against us.
But a brilliant performance by our boys.
I thought I couldn’t be more proud of them but I ‘ve found that I can.
I hear you, Doog – just commented on FB to my Arsenal supporting mates that that Boly goal vs City has bitten us in the back two weeks on a row.
“Brilliant” and “proud” – fully agreed!
Next year we’d be able to put such games to bed. Don’t moan about that 19:45 start last week – that’s when Champions league games are starting on, get used to it 🙂
Bedford Wolf – tip to my hat to you, that was probably the best post on this blog ever written!
Listen premier league we are wolves we are here and we are not going anywhere but up !
Match of the day should be goooooooooooooooooooood
MAGNIFICENT. MAY THE FUCKIN DOUBTERS SHUT THEIR GOBS.40 YEARS. THE MOST MAGNIFICENT FOOTBALL I HAVE EVER SEEN. LAP IT UP. STOP MOANING.