Archives for February 2014

Brentford’s admirable 19 game unbeaten run had led to suggestions that they’d ‘forgotten how to lose’.

By 4.45pm yesterday afternoon, Wolves had dealt them a painful reminder.

And although the lop-sided scoreline might have raised an eyebrow, the result surprised nobody of an old-gold persuasion.

This sort of emphatic, statement-making performance has been bubbling to the surface for well over two months.

The fact that Kenny Jackett’s side were able to deliver it in arguably their greatest challenge to date just makes it all the more impressive.

Only James Henry knows if luck or judgment gave the visitors the lead, as his looping cross shot nestled in the corner of the net with the last kick of the first half.

But from that point on, all the characteristics that have made this Wolves side so successful in recent times strutted confidently to the fore.

They defended ‘stoutly’ (Kenny’s word not mine), broke away at pace and when opportunity presented itself, punished the opposition with ruthless efficiency.

The stability at the back has been there all season of course, ensuring that even when full throttle wasn’t fully engaged, the points were still being steadily accumulated.

But the arrival of Michael Jacobs and the switch to a more open, fluid formation, has added some much needed razzle-dazzle.

Nouha Dicko has been yet another shrewd addition, stretching defences with his powerful runs in behind, which create spaces for the likes of Jacobs, Sako and Henry to exploit.

And boy, are those three filling their boots.

Jacobs will deservedly grab the headlines for a second consecutive weekend, as his two excellent finishes took the game away from the league leaders.

But Bakary Sako was truly imperious, assisting both of those goals with the sort of quality that underlines just how vital it was for Wolves to retain his services.

The third goal in particular, which started with Scott Golbourne juggling the ball on the touchline before an outrageous Sako backheel opened the gates for the full-back to lay a cross into the patch of Jacobs, was a thing of beauty.

Had Barcelona scored it at the Etihad in midweek, it would still be getting dissected by studio hacks this morning.

In that respect, it was disappointing that nobody in the Brentford camp, including manager Mark Warburton, acknowledged the opposition’s performance.

Forgetting how to lose is one thing, forgetting how to be magnanimous in defeat is another.

I remember looking at the table back in September/October time and all but writing Brentford off.

An outside bet for the play-offs I thought, but definitely not going to trouble the automatic places.

I’d wager I’m not the only one with egg on my face though.

Even the most optimistic amongst their own supporters couldn’t have predicted the mind boggling run that’s taken them from middle table also-rans to League One pace setters.

And what a pace they are setting. Not even a tidy five game winning streak from Wolves could usurp them from top spot as their unbeaten run (currently standing at 19) plunders on.

Brentford

When Uwe Rosler left town to take up the vacancy at Wigan, I again thought the wheels would fall off. But with Mark Warburton at the helm, they’ve just kept on rolling.

The Bees have the second best home record in the league (Wolves having taken 2 more points, albeit from 2 more games), notching an intimidating 12 wins at Griffin Park already this season.

There are goals throughout their side with the likes of top scorer Clayton Donaldson (14), Marcello Trotta (11) and Adam Forshaw (7) all getting on the scoresheet regularly.

Donaldson in particular was a real handful for Wolves earlier in the season at Molineux. Anything played diagonally to him in the air caused our defence problems. I expect a similar challenge tomorrow.

Anyone who saw their three long range goals at Crewe last weekend will also know that you can’t stand off them either. These multiple threats are a big part of the reason they’re doing so well.

Wolves

As good as Brentford are, I still believe Wolves have the better players and on their day should be able to enforce their game on the league leaders. I expect the same starting XI as last weekend:

Lots of chances are being created and I think we’re all just waiting for an afternoon when everything clicks and the goals start flying in. We’ll have to be more ruthless tomorrow than we’ve been in recent weeks.

Getting the likes of Sako and Jacobs into the game can be trickier away from Molineux, but if the supply line to them is decent I can’t believe we won’t score at least once.

Another cleansheet from our imperious defence would also be welcome. I think a lot of the reason we’ve conceded so few goals isn’t just good defending, it’s because we look after the ball so much better these days and claim a greater share of the possession. Long may that continue.

The odds

For probably the first time this season, Wolves aren’t favourite for the victory. The bookmakers give it to the hosts, who are 6/4. Wolves are just outside at 2/1 and the draw is 12/5.

Marcello Trotta is the likeliest first scorer at 11/2, with Nouha Dicko not far off at 6/1. If you fancy Michael Jacobs to pick up where he left off last week, he’s 10/1 to open the scoring.

All odds can be found here.

The gaffer

Predictions

Well done to all 67 of you who thought Wolves would overcome Notts County last week. 16 also got the 2-0 scoreline correct to double their weekly point intake.

Could go either way this week. The bookies make Brentford slight favourites, which is probably about right with home advantage and the run they’ve been on. But I quietly fancy our chances.

Sitting on the fence though, with a score draw prediction.

2-2

Up The Wolves!