‘There is no game I recall that we changed. That tells a lot about what the players believe. If you change, it doesn’t make sense.’
‘Changes doesn’t mean anything for us; we keep the same style, we keep the same ideas and philosophy and game by game, it doesn’t matter what competition (it is).’
Those were the words of Sir Nuno prior to our Carabao Cup tie versus Leicester City last month, as journalists and pundits alike have queued up in recent weeks to praise the great man’s unwavering belief in sticking to our philosophy and identity.
To the eye, Wolves’ style of play has obviously not changed one bit since last season. In fact, Nuno’s ideas are even more evident on the pitch this term.
I was interested to see what the stats would reveal if we were to compare last season’s first eight games with this campaign’s.
Defence
To say the defence is as efficient and organised as ever would actually be doing them a massive disservice.
This time last season we were making on average 49 defensive actions a match (390 in total), whereas now it’s down to 39 (310). Quite remarkable really when you consider we’ve played both the Manchester clubs.
Breaking this down further, we’ve made 66 fewer clearances (down from 252 to 186), 27 less interceptions (down from 124 to 97) and blocked only 13 more shots (up from 14 to 27).
The improvements don’t stop there; Wolves have made a meagre 214 tackles (down from 277) and the success rate has increased from 40% to 64%. Fouls made has decreased too – 91 compared to 94.
In terms of goals conceded, Rui Patricio has conceded six compared to John Ruddy’s eight in the Championship.
A settled back three of Willy Boly, Conor Coady and Ryan Bennett certainly helps – we lost Boly for two months after five matches last term, while the calamitous Rodders Miranda and fish out of water Danny Batth exposed Coady and the entire defence to more attacks.
The return of Boly and an eager-to-impress Bennett, at Norwich City on Halloween, gave Coady the much-needed support to restore calm at the back.
Patricio and Jonny have of course come in for Ruddy and Barry Douglas, providing that extra bit of quality.
Whilst rare, there were occasions throughout last season when our goal was under siege, it was backs against the wall, and Ruddy was called into action. Thus far in 2018/19, I haven’t had that feeling, with the defence showing supreme organisation, meaning Patricio hasn’t needed to get his hands dirty too often. The decrease in average defensive actions back that up.
Passing
With Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho orchestrating proceedings in midfield, it’s no surprise that the passing stats are similar to last term’s first eight fixtures.
Total passes are marginally down from 3,525 to 3,488, or 4.6 a match, with short passes attempted remaining virtually the same (3060 in 2017/18 and 2996 in 2018/19), as well as long balls (465 in 2017/18 and 492 in 2018/19).
Perhaps the most important aspect is the average passing accuracy, which is down just 2% from last season to 79%.
Whilst average possession has slipped from 53% to 47%, which is to be expected when you have to face United and City, we’ve still managed to carry a threat through our passing game. Contrary to what many think, possession isn’t key to Nuno, it’s control, and we don’t need the lion’s share of play to hurt teams with our incisive passing – the trip to Old Trafford, where we enjoyed just 36% possession, a perfect example. We all know who played the better football that day.
Attack
For all our exciting play this term, we’re only too aware of our wastefulness in front of goal. At this stage in 2017/18, 13 goals had been scored from 82 shots, but 2018/19’s nine goals have been achieved from 110 efforts. With 81 actual chances last season comparing to 80 this, the lack of cutting edge is underlined.
Interestingly, only nine strikes were attempted in the penalty area in 2017/18, whereas this number soars to 57 for this campaign. But six-yard box shots are down from 27 to four.
Nuno knows we need to be more clinical but he will be encouraged that we’re creating plenty of chances in the penalty area, and it’s only a matter of time until we click fully into gear. Besides, Burnley finished seventh, scoring only 36 goals last season, and sixth placed United in 2016/17 only weighed in with 54. I’m not one for making Premier League predictions in October, but that certainly bodes well.
A special mention should go to Raul Jimenez, two goals and three assists since the summer, he’s been involved in 56% of our goals. Raul’s link up play is a joy to behold, and is the perfect Nuno number nine.
Dribbling
Adama Traore has certainly made an impact with 19 successful dribbles, second only in the Premier League to Eden Hazard, and just seven unsuccessful. This has helped Wolves’ dribbles total 123 – it was 106 last year. However, the success rate was much higher (70% compared to this season’s 50%).
This is largely down to both Helder Costa and Diogo Jota committing over 50% unsuccessful dribbles. During the entire course of 2017/18, Costa was only 41% unsuccessful and Jota 36%.
The 2018/19 numbers don’t come as a surprise to me, as I’ve been frustrated by the duo’s reluctance to take on their man or when they do, a heavy touch or indecision has cost them. They’re so much better than that.
Despite the shots and dribbling stats throwing up a couple of curveballs, there’s no denying that the defensive and passing numbers prove Nuno is sticking to his beliefs. Wherever this journey with Fosun takes us – on the pitch Nuno is always going to do it his way.
Thanks to the brilliant WhoScored.com and Squawka for all the stats.
Great post mate.
The defence is the big one for me. Amazing to think we’ve conceded fewer goals this season in the Premier League than last year. Long may that continue.
I suspect the drop in clearances / blocks / defensive actions is partly down to the fact teams don’t load the ball into the area from deep so often in the Prem, preferring to build up from deep.
But having a completely settled defence and upgrading in two areas with Patricio and Jonny has obviously tightened things up nicely.
I was worried after the first few games, as you can’t concede two goals per game and expect to get a result anywhere. But only 2 conceded in the six games since tells it’s own story about the rapid improvement in shape and discipline of the whole side.
If the attack really started to fire, which I don’t think it has yet, it’s exciting to think what sort of performance levels and results we might see.
Cheers mate.
I couldn’t quite believe the defence stats, especially the drop in average actions.
I think you’re right about the more patient build up play in the Prem. Even Palace played some really nice stuff, which surprised me. In the Champ, even though certain teams are limited, if they lump the ball into the box enough, you’re forced to defend.
You sense the greater emphasis on passing in the Prem will play into our organised defence hands’, as we’re so watertight. Even v City we didn’t that many clearcut chances.
Also, Boly, Coady and Bennett having a pre-season together would have given them more time as a unit to improve further, which is quite scary when you think how good they already were last term.
Attack is slightly frustrating. Costa and certainly Jota need to take on their man more and make better decisions on the ball. Costa is starting to step up and just hope Jota will too.
But what can we say about Jimenez? His link up play is sublime – such an intelligent player. He may only get 10 goals at most this season but I’m pretty confident he won’t do a Bonatini and fizzle out.
Very interesting and factual blog. I can’t wait till we meet the so-called top London sides plus l/pool to confirm our right to a top 6/8 slot!
When the attack finally starts firing on all cylinders who knows what could happen.
The massive influence of the coaches and backroom staff in keeping everyone fit and healthy must be acknowledged too…a far cry from the Tony Daley era!
Long may Nuno continue working his magic!??
Cheers pal.
Completely agree on the coaching and backroom staff.
The cosy squad extended to the likes of Daley and that’s why we were going nowhere. We were settling for mediocrity.
To their detriment, Zenga and Lambert were happy to keep the majority of the coaching and backroom staff. Admittedly, Zenga didn’t have much time, but Lambert had the chance to put his stamp on things and make sweeping changes.
Our injury record has been quite sensational since Nuno joined. He’s left no stone unturned when it’s come to assembling his coaching/fitness team.
NUNO MANAGER OF THE MONTH!!
Sorry for shouting but I think it deserves bawling from the rooftops of Wolverhampton.
And Melksham.
Bloody marvellous and bloody well deserved.
Stick with Jota he will come good. Not quite there but he has not been as bad as many make out. His goal against Watford will get him going
Got a gut feeling you may be right about Diogo and Watford.
Unfortunately I am on holiday in Cyprus so will have to watch the game in the bar!
Back for spurs though.
Great blog Paddy.. keep it up
All the stats point to one thing : FUCKING GOOD AY WE………………. And I ay including next door neighbours cat,
Cheesie,
Re “that cat!” Ows e doin?
Rick. The cat just does a runner when he sees me. I throw his shit back over the fence. Talking of Shit. Apparently a second world war bomb landed on West Bromwich in 1941 and caused £6 million pounds worth of improvements.
I used to have a t shirt wot said:
If you can’t find your cat, look under my tyres.
I also had a t shirt with a picture of a dog, spread eagled on its back, with a tyre track right across its chest,
Lassie Doesn’t Come Home
Sick or what, but
Wolves Aye We!!
As mentioned, our defense is just so impressive. Rock solid performances from Jonny, Doc’, Bennett, Boly and Coady have held strong until the seemingly inevitable breakthrough from the forwards, then held the lead to the final whistle. Special mention must be made to Patricio too who looked absolutely delighted with the Palace win, as he was well entitled to.
I watched the game against Woy’s Boys last week and come the half time whistle, I realised a big, stupid grin had plastered itself across my ugly mug!
You see, Palace had thrown the sink at us that half and not scored. They’d closed down and harried us…and still not scored. In fact, we had the best opportunity imo.
In other words, it felt to me like game over for them; they’d had their chance; something I think their crowd knew also, cos all I heard from then on was the racket made by 3000 odd mentalist Wolves fans!
These are heady days indeed people! Make sure you bathe in the glow cast from Molineux for as long as this lasts. It’s bloody manna for the soul I tells ya!
UTW
Paddy,
Great blog, keep asking myself how good are we?
Confirmation of just how good we are, see below picture.
If we took the top five European leagues & matched all teams over the last 6 games, WWFC would be 7th
& whilst I completely buy into “the project” and how good we are, I’m really struggling to believe my club could achieve this.
Q Good time to be a wolves fan? I should fekin co-co – it’s fehookin marvellous darling
Thanks RickRack.
Love those WhoScored stats. Quite frightening the company we’re keeping there.
I can’t believe it either. I keep thinking is it only five years ago that we were in League One? It’s all a bit of a dream still. The exciting thing is that this is just the start!
Genuinely think we’ll be challenging the top 4 every year in the next couple of seasons.
Great blog as ever Thomas.
Not even half a season in the prem. But keep this up and the wolves will make this league look like championship ‘1’ ….
This set up is almost perfect and some of the smaller sides like many u and Chelsea will want a piece …
But we’re the wolves !
Getting back where we belong.
One stat Thomas that you missed-getting a ticket..a symptom of our incredible rise!
But I’m OK with that Mr nuno.
Thanks for the post, Paddy. Great stats.
Conor Coady is on Sky’s Soccer AM as I write this and he is saying the same about retaining the same style of play as last year.
I was pleased to see the new bulked up Costa at the start of the season as it seemed to show a statement of intent. I feel that is now starting to come good again – and Jota will pick it up again. Fingers crossed that both come back unscathed from international duty.
Cheers Exiled.
Yes, I saw that. The nice thing is that our organisation and shape at the back is starting to be praised, as well as our obvious quality in attack. It’s often overlooked the importance Nuno places on defence.
I hope I wasn’t too critical of Costa and Jota; I just know that they’re capable of so much more. And with Traore making an impact off the bench and Cav looking strong on his return, they need to perform to their best to warrant their place.
Agreed on Costa starting to come good again. He’s running at defenders more and they don’t like it. Costa’s looking less lightweight after a summer of gym work.
Jota just looks short of confidence. For every positive run he makes, he undoes that good work with indecision or a poor touch/pass. Some players take longer to adjust to the Prem, however, and I’m confident Jota has the quality to come good.
Jurgen Klopp flies to Baghdad to watch a young Iraqi play
football, is suitably impressed and arranges for him to come over.
Two weeks later Liverpool are 4-0 down to Chelsea with only 20 minutes left, the manager gives the young Iraqi striker the nod and on he goes.
The lad is a sensation, scores 5 goals in 20 minutes and wins the game for Liverpool . The fans are delighted, the players and coaches are delighted
and the media love the new star.
When the player comes off the pitch he phones his mum to tell her about his first day in English football.
‘Hello mum, guess what?’ he says ‘I played for 20 minutes today, we were 4-0 down but I scored 5 and we won. Everybody loves me, the fans, the media,
they all love me.’
‘Wonderful,’ says his mum, ‘Let me tell you about my day. Your father got shot in the street and robbed, your sister and I were ambushed, gang raped
and beaten up and now your brother has joined a gang of looters, and all while you were having such great time.’
The young lad is very upset. ‘What can I say mum, but I’m really sorry..’
‘Sorry?!!! Sorry?!!!’ says his mum,
‘It’s your f*!%#ng fault we came to Liverpool in the first place!
MacManaman is going to love that Stu
Can he read????
Of course I can read, don’t be nasty. 🙂
I think he meant MacManaman.
He knew that Timbo, but you just confirmed that you do not understand his SOH.
Oh. OK. I get it.
Say no more.
Patricio left the Portuguese team with some kind of muscle problem. Might be just cautionary.
Congratulations to the Wolves backroom staff and Nathan Judah in taking part in the Birmingham Cure leukaemia race today. I went to watch my grandson’s footy and that was terrible weather to stand around in, so these guys deserve our upmost respect. Well done all.
??????????????
There’s only one Helda Costa
Traditionally Wolves players always score on debut against Scotland….https://youtu.be/W4yKu84r-Zs
Get in!! Costa baby ?
Sorry Stu ? it’s only a friendly.
Why does my smiley faces show as question marks ?
You have to press the 2 dots
The minus sign
Then the smile shaped bracket.
This blog doesn’t accept e-moji’s
In answer to your friendly remark 🙁 🙁 🙁
Its good to learn something new every day, Cheers Stu. (..-)
Not both brackets just the one, and the two dots are one on top of the other.
Two dots, the eyes
Minus, the nose
One closing bracket for smiley or sad mouth, you choose.
🙂
You mean a colon : two dots pmsl.
🙂
GOOD INNIT!
Oh Jonny Jonny. . What’s happening? Maybe Nuno should teach Spain how to defend.
It’s coming home
Ireland v Wales. A bit like watching Hull v Wigan in the second division,
Wolves fans Abroad…….
I hope you don’t mind me putting this link, but it looks like Wolves fc are trying to get as many of you guys linked up to the club from all around the World. I am on the fans Parliament and you guys abroad are thought very highly of by both the fans at Molineux and the club for your commitment.
???
As Nuno said, “The strength is in the Pack”
https://www.wolves.co.uk/news/club/20181016-worldwide-wolves-official-launch/
Thanks Stu. I’m puzzled by some of the entries – e.g. Telford and Daventry – on the Wolves directory.
I’ll be won of these fans next week, proudly wearing my Wolves shirt in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Bali. First off, it’s Molineux on Saturday, where thermals might be the order of the day.
Great article Paddy with all those stats. If I did a statistical analysis of how many stats you’ve used per line you would be top of the Stats League. Well, at least 99.99% of the time…
Your stats are a good reflection of where we are on the journey back to the top again. As your stats show, the defence has been outstanding. When Nuno took over he was criticised for the more defensive type of incoming player. Nuno wanted to build from the back, and the fruits of that policy are there for all to see now. I believe Nuno will now place equal emphasis on attack when new signings are looked at in January. What has been revolutionary is the root and branch shake up of the whole backroom, coaching and medical staff. And surprise, surprise, we’re broken the PL record for fielding an unchanged side this season.
I pretty much agree with your critique of individual players, except maybe for Costa. I think he’s adapting well to the PL and his extra physicality has obviously been worked at in the gym. Like you, I think Joto has a way to go yet but he will get there.