That was tough to watch.
Not because of anything that occurred on the pitch (though Ryan Bennett’s own goal was an eyesore) but because of what was going on across the terraces of Seaview.
I would have loved to have been one of the crowd in Belfast, but dog-sitting duties put that dream to bed.
Though I doubt that Premier Sport’s perfectly adequate coverage did the night justice, it was clear to see that a fantastic day had been had by our travelling contingent.
Whether that’ll still be the case in the morning is unclear, unlike a scoreline which was about as definitive as we could have hoped for.
The aforementioned opener thankfully only served as a heart-in-mouth moment, Raul quickly marking his first start of the season with a smartly taken equaliser.
From there it became clear that this was not going to be a repeat of our toils against Shrewsbury.
Bennett redeemed himself with a thunderous header from Moutinho’s deft corner, and Raul once again showed his class with an excellent second.
Like everyone else, I was troubled to see the best in the world hobble off shortly into the second half but would assume the substitution was merely a precautionary measure.
It’s clear to see that even when facing far inferior opposition, Raul still makes us tick. We’ll need to keep him fit again if we’re to build on last season’s heroics, though I’m sure having Patrick Cutrone around will help ease his load.
The second half was very much a damp squib, as Wolves recycled possession with relative ease.
An own goal to better the game’s first added even more gloss to the scoreline, wrapping up an easy-on-the-eye aggregate score.
Up next is a gruelling trip to Armenia, a European night that festival duties will deprive me of. Logistics alone may mean it proves trickier than this tie, but we should prevail all the same.
I’ll have my eyes peeled on the draw for the final qualifier though and hope to finally get a taste of a Wolves European away day.
From what I saw tonight, it looks like quite the experience.
‘Get the ball to Raul and he will score’ has never been more apt than last night.
A note of praise for Jota in the link-up play for both, but the finishes were exquisite. We saw that ability to dig out a shot from under his feet against Spurs and Utd last season – it’s an incredible and underrated skill.
If he’s injured for any amount of time that’s a major loss. Did just look like a kick though so will hopefully calm down in the week.
Unpopular opinion but I would take a shadow squad to Armenia and attempt to get a result that keeps us in the second leg at Molineux. Would love to be proven wrong but I think the chances of going over there with our first team and then the same group of players getting a result at Leicester are pretty slim.
Wolves could use some of our Young player’s, lads need to get a result against Leicester city the following Sunday.
Spot on Thomas
My thoughts exactly on the away leg
With the second leg at home we can pull the tie back , for me , if we are not right on it at Leicester, then that is a game that we could lose and with the mancs up next …
as ever, in Nuno we trust
Utw
Spot on re the awful Premier Sports coverage Ben. You just knew they’d slip in a reference about Mendes and us spending gazillions!
Anyway, job done. I was purring over Raul’s impact last night; I didn’t expect him to get back into his stride that quickly! After Raul’s exploits last season and in the Gold Cup, I think things have just clicked and he’s realised what a bloody good player he is. A word too for Jota, who has been brilliant thus far in pre-season, but stepped it up another notch back alongside Raul. What a joy that are to watch together, totally in-sync.
Slightly frustrating that we struggled with Crusaders’ physical approach early on, and their appetite for lumping the ball into the box. That led to our passing game going awry (admittedly on a bobbly pitch) and us losing control of proceedings. Everything becomes a bit rushed when we’re under pressure.
But it was the perfect response from Raul and it was a professional performance from there on in.
How does he do that?
Not seen a turn like that since my one and only visit to the ballet. Darsey Bushel kept into the air off one tip toe, did a 360 spin and landed on her other tip toe.
Raul topped that though, he got a shot in half way through!
One of the coaches must be a choreographer.
Gotta say, I will be glad when Doc is back.
Traore has had two games against a pub team, and has huffed and puffed but totally failed to impress.
He might be quick and tricky, but until he can produce a decent pass or cross at the end, he will never blow the house down.
Jury very much still out on him.
Otherwise, solid performance, but I wish our Doctor had used a couple of the kids as second half subs, when the tie was safe.
Having said that, four pre season games, four victories.
Cannot ask for more.
Twelve more sleeps until I get to annoy you lot in person!
FOwb
I think Traore will come good Clive. Give him more time. I may be wrong but I do see there’s something special in the lad. I think once he clicks, he’ll be unstoppable. Personally I’m rooting for him to fulfill his potential.
We are supporters . That means the guys that Nuno picks get our support , Traore is doing his best at the moment and Nuno thinks he can make him better.
Physically there isn’t a defender on the planet who can live with his strength and pace but he’s got to learn how best to use it , when to use it and where on the pitch.
Here’s a good tip Adama….when there’s a big space behind the left back…..go for it, then have a quick look up to check for Jota or Jimenez, then pass it and they will score. Simples!
FYI
https://totalfootballanalysis.com/match-analysis/tactical-preview/wolves-201920-season-preview-scout-report-tactical-analysis-tactics
With all of the new top players Wolves are signing for their U23s, I can see now why Nuno has confidence that they can back up the senior team.
Job done, and you have to say, we looked pretty good in doing it. Yes, yes, you have to take account of the opposition, I hear you say, but notwithstanding that, we still showed some impressive touches and teamwork.
Raul and Diogo were in blistering form considering it is, basically, still pre-season. And there was a commitment to the cause which bodes well for the much stiffer Europa challenges to come.
All good stuff. Anyone off to Yerevan???
Is there a better finisher than Raul at the moment?
Quite possibly, but could whoever is a better finisher have slotted those two goals away with such aplomb?
Almost certainly not.
Pray that his injury is not serious. I’ve seen a few metatarsals go pop in that sort of situation.
Otherwise a professional performance by the lads, with the exception of Adama, who was back to his frustrating worst. Falling over when challenged and not getting up to chase back, and hitting some God awful crosses after getting past his full back.
I have to agree with Clive that we need the Doc back ASAP!
Armenia here we come!
…PS. Where the Sam Hill IS Armenia?
Between Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan ( at war ) and Iran.
Awesome place to visit.
Mrs Mutt1eigh is Armenian – we met in Yerevan 😉
Does that mean there’s going to be a conflict of interests in the family?
More to the point, are you going to the away game?
It’ll give you a chance to see the ma-in-law.
No conflict; Mrs M is supporting Wolves. Her reasoning is that Pyunik don’t stand a chance – she hates losing.
We’d normally be in Yerevan around this time of year but regrettably made other plans this Summer and have recently returned from Montenegro which is another fab place to visit. I did get back in time to see the Home game v Crusaders at Molineux.
I’ll post some travel tips nearer the time for anyone adventurous enough to consider the trip. They won’t regret it !
Signed a couple of young kids from right under Benfica’s nose. Pedro Neto and Bruno Jordao from Lazio.
“…Neto is a 19-year-old right-sided winger who only made five appearances for Lazio this season, all from the bench.
Meanwhile, 20-year-old central midfielder Jordao was substituted in on three occasions…”
Substituted in on???
English your second language?
It was copied from somewhere else, hence the quotation marks. Is that something you didn’t learn is school over there?
And let’s not get started about some of your English.
It doesn’t say “Substituted in on”, it says “Substituted in” “on three occasions”.
Try to learn to read yourself, Clive.
And why do these stupid comments always get posted at a time that many of you will be drinking?
Try to learn to hold your alcohol.
Timmy Baby
First off, you assume it is me wot ridicules you all the time, and you know wot they say about the word assume, I assume.
Second off, I will have you no that my grammer, and spelin, is perfick, and also I dont not drink alcohol, witch is the devils brue.
And it does say substituted in on, lern to reed yerself, like.
And I can hold my alcohol, I got opposable thumbs, like most monkeys of my ilk.
Or is it elk?
Don’t no, have to axe a Canadian expert, eh?
I always preferred Biggles flies upside down but they’re both good
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sportsnews/article-7314555/Sporting-Lisbons-ex-president-charged-kidnapping-terrorism.html
Classic by Someone Other Than Clive: sums up the whole silly exchange!
In my opinion: Dr Phil’s remarks were out of order.
1) Tim is right—the two lines were in quotation marks;
2) the original writer was correct. “. . . substituted in on . . . .” is fine. “substituted on three occasions” would imply he was substituted out. There’s nothing wrong with ‘he was substituted in’ and then adding to that ‘on three occasions.’ Good English! I think!
I would like to remind ‘All those people here present’ that this blog is exactly what it says on the tin:-
‘It’s a blog. About the Wolves.’
It’s not an English Language examination paper.
PS. I hope that I’ve correctly used quotation marks and apostrophes.
Or have I just split an infinitive?
Tim started it, by posting lol.
Infamous mass murderer receives his Wolves Season Ticket!
On Wednesday morning I picked up Mr & Mrs Lowves with my Grandson Seb and Jen de Wolf en route to Dumfries for a night in the Premier Inn there, great trip up, with Wolvo banter en route.
Next day a short trip of 76 miles to get the ferry to Belfast, arriving 3-30pm where we went straight to the Belfast Hilton to pick up our match tickets.
I have been all over with my beloved Wolves during my 58 years supporting the Old Gold & Black but this experience was the best ever.
The Belfast people made us so welcome and couldn’t have be more helpful, even come over introducing themselves and offering help without us asking. At the ground the Crusader fans were all coming up and chatting to all Wolves fans, the police, officials and their team were really amazing people.
We were given 421 tickets, there were over 3000 Wolves fans in and around Belfast all enjoying the Sunshine and great banter with everyone. At the ground we had half the ground, Wolves fans were in all areas of the ground, hundreds more watched it on the tv in the bars in Belfast. We sang from start to finish, the Crusader fans, (we heard them a couple of times) were completely out sung and they chatted with Wolves fans all game, no segregation possible as so many Wolves fans had got tickets all over the ground.
Afterwards, Boly had spotted a young Wolves fan in the Crusader end when he went over to give him his shirt, he was applauded bythe Crusader fans all around him.
After the match they announced, “buses had been laid on to transport All Wolves fans back to the centre of Belfast, (feckin class) they received a standing ovation from the Wolves fans for this. I heard from a mate, somewhere in the ground Wolves fans were given a free Buffet as well, I don’t doubt it’s true such was the hospitality.
In the town Wolves fans drank to the wee small hours alongside Crusaders fans absolutely trouble free.
The next day on the way to the ferry, we were stopped by a friendly doorman in the top hotel in Belfast, who introduced us to the Irish Europa referee official who them emptied his goodie bag he received from the game and gave my Grandson all his stuff including an official pennant they exchange at the handshake at kick off.
What an amazing 3 days, it will live long in our memory box, we are all hoping Wolves repay the most amazing hospitality from our hosts with a pre-season friendly to boost their coffers.
The players, officials, fans and media have been so complimentary towards our guys and fans, something should be done tho thank them.
Football played in the best spirit of the game.
There is hope.
Anyone who missed the game…
Sky free sports is repeating the match at 4pm Sunday.
It’s saying 3pm for the Wolves game on Sky, just check.
It wouldn’t be too much to ask for Nuno to drop into Edgbaston for a quick pep talk would it
We’ve got Stuart broad
Super Stuart Broad
I just don’t think you understand
Come on England
Utw
You know, this idea that we are going to struggle and not finish high enough to be in Europe next year is also having an effect on Wolves recruitment.
Many players probably think that if they sign for us, they won’t be playing in either the Champions League or the Europa League in 20-21 because of what the pundits are saying.
So Nuno has to manage perception, as well as reality. He, and the team, have to aggressively refute the idea that Europe will have a major impact on our league standings.
I don’t think he really sees that. It is his job to sell our club as a European mainstay so players who can be choosy, pick us to come to.
Who the heck in this world ever believes what the pundits say anyway. Don’t specifically know who you are talking about Tim but most pundits I’m aware of are failed managers or coaches and there is no chance of them being listened to by potential signings who most likely wouldn’t understand the lingo anyway. Might be worth you making more productive use of your time, Tim, such as engaging in cross border banter with you know who.
Printed off my ticket v FC Pyunik. See you there bloggers.
Home or away, Brompters?
Careful Clive Timothy was the dog!!!
Reminds me of my two fave books from my childhood:
Five Go A Wifeswapping
Biggles Flies Undone
I always preferred Biggles
Flies Upside Down but they’re both good
TIMMY ….If you read my post you will see it says v Pyunik not Pyunik v.
The Stuwolf’s and Lowves’s will be breaking our journey back from Newcastle at Brompton Towers again this year, Mrs Brompton better start baking again!!
She’s been told ………. well, asked really!
I will be there, along with Lord Twix of Stafford, Sir Mark of Nottingham, Captain Bedders, and any other bloggers who can make it.
Is North Bank Bar a good place to meet??
Absolutely shite Clive, one bar tender per one hundred fans, try the Leaping Wolf, across the road from the NBB.
Just a suggestion, Shaun and I will catch up with you where ever you decide. Be great to see you all. ????
Sounds good to moi
From what I read and hear it would seem Leicester are the new media darlings, much like Fulham pre-season last year. We all know how that ended.
However I have great respect for Leicester and I do see them as close rivals. Come the kick-off we’ll have a clear indication of how our season might proceed.
They seemed to end well with Rodgers as their manager so I am a bit concerned about them.
Wolves vs Armenia live on Wolves tv for £5, also made available for UK viewers.
Yahoooo
I don’t think Yahoo has anything to do with it. 🙂
Is there a Wolves Blog Fantasy Football League this year??
Some info that maybe of use based on my experiences in Yerevan for anyone planning to travel for Thursday’s game ?
It will be warm ! 40 degrees centigrade is quite normal at this time of year but not too humid. Don’t bother taking a coat or jumper.
Armenia is landlocked surrounded by Turkey, Azerbaijan ( with whom they are at war over the contested area Artsakh ), Georgia and Iran.
It’s a small country with a population of 3 million – there are over 6 million Armenians in the diaspora around the world.
The Armenian genocide perpetrated by the Ottoman Turks saw over 1 million Armenians killed. Every Armenian has descendants who were lost. It is absolutely part of their identity.
Armenia was the first Christian country.
All Armenian surnames end in “ian” or “yan” eg Kim Kardashian.
They have their own alphabet (39 letters), and language. Being a former Soviet bloc country until ‘91 most Armenians speak Russian as a second language.
It is not a rich country – the currency is dram – there are around 610 to £1 Sterling- US dollars are also commonly used.
Armenians are incredibly hospitable and proud.
Cigarettes such as Marlboro can be found everywhere for just over £1 yes £1 per pack as well as local tobacco at a similar price.
Yerevan is the capital city with a population of approximately 1m.
Taxis are incredibly cheap – although many may have seen better days, the standard charge for 5km is 700 dram – just over £1 ! When taking a taxi from the airport to Yerevan you should not pay more than 5000 dram maximum. £8-9
Food/drink and eating out – there are large very well stocked supermarkets such as Yerevan City where most things are cheaper than the UK unless it’s a branded import like Kellogg’s or Heinz. Also SAS – open 24/7- think Tesco express. There are no McDonalds but you can find the odd Pizza Hut or KFC but you’ll be missing out on the wonderful local cuisine. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes – my favourite restaurants are Yerevan Pandock ( there are several and we had our wedding reception at one ). A meal for 2 including wine/beer ( local stuff is very good Alexandropol beer and Vernashan sweet red wine or Karas ), compote ( local fruit juice different flavours ) salads, shashlik ( awesome grilled meat, try the pork !) bread ( lavash flat bread ) and dessert less than £20 !
Vodka – can be very cheap – £1/2 a bottle. £10will buy you a really good vodka – the local home brew apricot vodka is only for the brave as it’s 70% plus alcohol.
Clubs and bars – many good ones on Pushkin Street. The Calumet is one of my favourites. Again very cheap – sometimes live music.
Best cafes include The Green Bean and Louis Chardon – also there are a few Jazzve cafes again very reasonably priced. There are a lot of cafes around the National Opera House.
Republic Square is where most Armenian Government ministries are based but also where many Armenians go particularly in the evening to see the light and music show after dark. You will find many Armenian families with their children there at night just taking in the atmosphere and walking around. It’s a very safe place to be. Also the main and modern shopping centre North Avenue and Abovyan Street is very popular in the evening with many restaurants including Italian.
Hotels – there are many including the Marriott at Republic Square and a new Ibis. Use Tripadvisor or Airbnb. There are countless decent apartments for rent.
The stadium is close to the city centre and a £1 taxi away from anywhere near central Yerevan.
Key phrases :-
Barev Hello
Hajo Goodbye
Shnorhakalam Thankyou.
Hashiva Bill.
But even if no one speaks English with a little patience and respect you will make yourself understood.
Go with an open mind, enjoy the game and try not to miss the opportunity to see some of Yerevan and what it has to offer. It’s one of my favourite places – very real and alive.
Feel free to message me if you want any specific advice and I’ll try my best to help.
UTW ?
Now you tell us! (lol).
I don’t think I’ll get there in time for a prematch beer now.
Sounds a fascinating place though mate.
Great post Muttliegh, I now feel I’m missing what could have been a very interesting trip.
If I had read this a week ago, I would have been very tempted.
Any blogger that has gone, would be good to know what you thought of it. COUW.
I’m guessing they will start Vinagre and Traore. And also Cutrone. I hope they wear their new Mexican third shirt.
Traore could not find his passport? Pmsl.
Anyway …… Italy here we come.