Can I have my £10 back please?
I should have known that any excitement of watching new signings would have been marred by a woefully disjointed performance in the early rounds of the League Cup. This is Wolves after all.
Despite his miss, Fabio Silva is the only one to emerge with any credit. When we bothered to supply the 18-year-old with some decent service, his link-up play was more than tidy, which is a must in this side.
But the majority of Wolves’ night was spent moving the ball far too slowly, in too deep an area, with little movement to boot. Nuno’s men simply didn’t have a clue how to play between the lines or move Stoke around.
Perhaps Joao Moutinho’s game management and vision was lacking? Ruben Neves was playing as a fourth centre back, Leander Dendoncker was doing his usual Dave Edwards disappearing act, and Vitinha dropped ever deeper for the ball. That left Fabio leading the line and Adama out on the right. Wolves were unbalanced with little guile.
When we got bored of sideways and backwards passing at a snail’s pace, poor Fabio was left to starve on hopeful hoofs. That’s bread and butter for seasoned Championship defences.
You could see Stoke growing in confidence as the second half progressed. Poor defending combined with John Ruddy’s pathetic attempt of a save rather summed up our night.
There’s two individuals who particularly frustrated.
Ruben Vinagre repeatedly took the wrong option. Weak in defence and little end product in attack. If anything, the 21-year-old has regressed during his time at Molineux, and I’d snap Porto’s hand off at £10 million.
As for Dendoncker, many will disagree, but he’s not cut out to play in midfield at the top level. Anonymous for long periods, when the Belgian bothers to get on the ball, he struggles to make even the simplest of passes. Like with Dangerous, much of the fanbase laud Donk’s marathon man efforts, but why? What does he actually offer apart from leaving gaping gaps?
Tonight was a great opportunity to progress and set up a very winnable tie at home to Gillingham.
Unfortunately, we’re still at a stage as a squad where we’re oh so reliant on our Gun XI. That has to improve if we want to move to the next level.
The last 30 years have been littered with deadly dull 1st round league cup ties for Wolves. It seems to be in our DNA. I remember a Tuesday night tie at Bournemouth away in the late 90’s. Another one at Barnet, where the only good thing was it was a lovely hot August evening and I had 2 days off work and about 10 pints of lager in the beer garden. I didn’t bother watching it tonight as I knew what would unfold. I can’t really comment on the players. Perhaps a missed chance to progress but on to more pressing matters on Monday night. And what happened to Diogo Jota ?
I posted this late last night your time on the previous blog, but no apologies for reposting.
So, after that performance, I fully expect social media to be awash with all the whingers, whiners, moaners, groaners and dumbasses who always stick their heads in the sand, complaining of bad tactics, poor team selection, poor performances and any other old chestnut they can come up with, when the stark truth is staring them in the face.
Greed.
Pure unadulterated greed.
From the powers that be.
With all the bollocks that has happened this year, those bastards in charge, having squished the season ridiculously tight, decided to keep all the competitions intact, and are even talking about some other cup thingy.
Nothing but pure greed.
If ever there was a time to scrap, or at a minimum postpone, this cup, this season was it.
Absolutely no incentive for our lads to bust a gut.
Mickey Mouse Cup has never been more appropriate, especially over the last twenty or so years, when it’s significance has been completely devalued, due in no short thanks to that mother of all greedy competitions, the so called Champions League.
Money, money and more money.
That’s all they think about.
Well, with no crowds for the foreseeable future, a lot of sponsors and advertisers are going to take a long hard look at where they spend their money, and professional sports might take a huge hit, which will obviously affect finances all down the line, starting with the fat cat’s pocket books.
As you can tell, I am not upset in the least that we are out of it, and our boys have less matches in which to get injured, more time between matches in this condensed season, and more time to concentrate on winning the games that are really important, League and FA Cup games.
And, I disagree wholeheartedly with anyone who says we are not going to win the league.
I am of the opinion that we should go out with the intention of winning every match, otherwise why bother turning up in the first place?
Everyone wants to win the Prem, especially Portugal Wanderers, and I guarantee a different mind set on Monday.
We have had four Fosun years, and I had hoped the “typical whining Wolves fan” was a thing of the past.
As usual, I was wrong.
Still, we am all entitled to our opinion, I just happen to be in Stu’s camp on this one.
I would think the incentive to bust a gut would be to win so they can play again. When is the next time Ruddy will play?
When is the next time Fabian Silver will play ahead of Raul?
Athletes don’t need reasons to bust a gut – it is in their DNA.
This speaks more about Nuno’s strategy to break down Stoke and how it didn’t really work. This speaks more about how they let frustration get the best of them and weakened their resolve.
This speaks more about the inexperience of Fabs and how we shouldn’t expect the second coming of Steve Bull just yet.
If any of the players actually couldn’t be bothered, they should be out the door before the window closes.
Agree Tim it’s seems we have grown to big for the League Cup now…..Micky Mouse trophy only its the last one we won its wasn’t Micky Mouse in 1974 and 1980.
Those teams played more games had worse medical care than today Andy Gray used to play with pain killing injections in his toe and Hibbit had the same in his knee.
But aparantly we too big a club now to bother with it…!
Bang on Tim. If you are playing then you should play to win. Even Clive said that. We did not play well at all and I believe we got it completely wrong in all areas including team selection. Bring on Man City.
So we are going to win the Premier League Clive, have you been on the ale is that this season.
I agree with your sentiment Clive but it could be argued the EFL cup or whatever unheard of product it’s currently named after has never been more important.
The EFL is skint! They really really Need the money from this tournament this year especially as the premier league aren’t keen on sharing like good kind bigger siblings.
That said I’m glad to be out of it. What’s in it for us? If we win it we then have to win another Mickey Mouse tournament just to get back into the The Europa league. No thanks!
We were however embarrassing and I’d rather no one got to see us play like that. On the plus side you could argue it might put a few people off chasing Neves Traore et al.
Clive my friend. If you are of the mindset that we should go out and try to win every game then why are you not upset that we did not try last night.
Agree agree agree…
Exit Stage left
I Thankyou……….
Stoke played kinda like we’ve played on many occasions recently against top teams. Solid defending for the first half, then look for the breakaway goal as the second half wears on. It works. And with our side unbalanced by the numerous substitutions, their job became steadily easier.
Absolute dross to watch but I’m sure Stoke fans won’t give a damn.
Very surprised Diogo didn’t play.
I absolutely disagree with the comments regarding Dendonker. To compare him with disappearing Dave is just plain wrong. The guy has performed tremendously in midfield for us on numerous occasions, hard working, reliable and talented. He has rarely let us down.
Yes, he didn`t perform particularly well tonight. But then who did !!!! I absolutely agree with Clive. This plethora of stupid diddly squat cups serves no purpose. For our club, with such a small squad , they surely represent a complete waste of time, other than being able to give playing time to fringe players. Glory, glory, who cares that we are now denied the pleasure of playing the mighty Gillingham in the next round.
If we are serious about breaking into the top echelon then it`s surely time for us to concentrate on the games that really matter.
The comments regarding Vinegre are altogether more appropriate. My take is that perhaps our best move in the transfer market thus far may well have been to sign Marcal to cover for Jonny`s long term absence. Vinegre is clearly not up to that task.
Dendoncker plays for the top-rated men’s team in the world. But he’s not really very good.
Clive and yourself make some valid points, Mike but the plain fact is that last night’s performance simply wasn’t good enough from a team that should have done much, much better. They will obviously be much up for it next Monday but highly paid professionals should be up for it every time they wear the gold and black shirt. No question.
I didn’t watch the match so can’t really pass judgement on the performance.
I CAN pass judgement on the result though.
Poor.
I’m in the ‘We’re out of Europe so let’s try and win any competition we ARE in’ brigade.
Is the (now called) Carabao Cup a ‘Mickey Mouse’ competition?
Bearing in mind it’s the only trophy Wolves have won in the last squillion years and both times we won it were ‘I was there’ moments for thousands of fans, I’m not so sure.
But we are out now. Every team can have an off day.
Hopefully that was ours.
Bring on Manchester City.
It used to have some credibility Doog but those days are long gone.
PS. You didn’t miss much!
The same as Clive, this reply to Paul AD was a late entry.
Paul.
I travelled all round Europe last season and part of this watching the Europa league and despite claims to the contrary seeing the players slowly grind themselves into oblivion. You only have to look at the few games after lockdown to see how spent they all were. A small squad was Nuno’s ace in the hole, but that backfired on him big style, now he’s after a bigger squad.
Right at this minute, we don’t have that, we have the same size squad with out goings and in comings cancelling themselves out.
We had no respite from the closed season, 9 players on International duty and those that stayed home got little rest compared to previous seasons.
So to suddenly be thrust into (IMO) a Mickey mouse cup, where we now play every week in the preliminary rounds to me is bonkers, This is unique times and I wouldn’t be saying this If it was under normal conditions.
Covid has fucked everything up this year, Mr & Mrs Lowes, Jen De Wolf and I were absolutely bolloxed following them all over the place, only missing Pyunik in outer Mongolia or somewhere as far, some obscure place at the end of an 8 hour flight. So I know how hard it must have been for the lads. The final trip was to Athens although we knew it was behind closed doors we still went, the stress with Covid Rearing it’s head was tremendous and draining at that venue, people over there were terrified in case we gave it to them, and made us feel uneasy.
So the Caraboa exit tonight is a secret Santa blessing for our team, we may not win the league, but finishing in the CL spots would be like winning a cup, then the FA cup Is still possible if we get the right players with the right potential.
I want it all like you Paul, but it won’t happen playing Monday Thursday, Monday Thursday and Sunday (West Ham), those guys need a break. No one in the history of British football played as many games as Wolves last season because we got so far, albeit on the smallest squad in the league using the least amount of players. We need to get more players and YES, we need to consolidate, take stock and build a squad that’s big enough to do what we did last year, as well as win the Caraboa cup, the FA cup and the league.
I’m as passionate as you, I want what everyone else wants, Fosun and Nuno want the same, but I’m afraid we have to sacrifice something, speculate to accumulate, divide and conquer, rest and then go on the attack.
I’m in it for the long haul.
?
Spot on Stu and Clive. Personally though I don’t like WWFC to lose any game, as Mrs P will testify I am well grumpy, when we do lose, but am not bothered we are out of the MM Cup. FA cup, now that’s different. 3 points at Citeh is far better. Just my opinion.
Didn’t Hibbit, Gray, Carr, Bradshaw and so on won playing Saturday Tuesday, cheap excuse.
Gray played with injections as did Hibbit they had same squad more games 44 in old First Divison medical back up team was nothing compared to today.
I’m sorry Stu mate it’s just a poor excuse now days we have the squad just not the desire by management and players today.
Paul,
Last season Doc played most of the season on a knee injury.
For the time he’s been here Jimmy has had a cast on his arm and cannot get the time off for an operation to realign it.
Traore incredibly plays every game with a dislocated shoulder And is targeted every game.
No team in history has played that many games in one season.
So that negates your argument.
Don’t forget Paul, I’m on your side, it’s just that we differ in our take on things, don’t take it personal because it’s definitely not personal.
I respect your opinion, but mine just happens to be different.
.
Sorry Stu but you are completely incorrect about most games in a season in history. There are plenty of examples of teams playing well over 60 games and, of course, last season included an enforced break of over 2 months. A small squad might have something to do with it but the strength in depth probably more so.
“ what he said”
That saved me a lot of time Stu .
Come on you wolves
Basically I’m with Clive and Stu. But I have to say that I don’t understand why Boly, Coady and Saiss played against Stoke. They’ve had virtually no preseason, and played themselves into the ground on Monday evening. And isn’t the Carabao Cup supposed to be a chance to play your fringe players? So where were Kilman and Sanderson? We played knackered first teamers,and failed to give our fringe players a chance.
No wonder we lacked energy and fire.
I totally agree The ream selection made little sense
But I must say I was particularly concerned as to the performance of Nevez. For much of the game he seemed to be playing as another central defender But why ? We were after all playing Stoke City, a very average Championship side who themselves were playing a number of fringe players.
Surely Nuno would not have instructed him to play in this role ? Worryingly, it appears that he now seems to want to play far more defensively than in the past. In my opinion, we need to see him in a more advanced position if his huge talent is to be fully realized
Crap cup anyway
Concentrate on fa and league
Hope Jota ok
Alls not well methinks
Weird team selection
Fab fab Fabio not so fab
But that’s ok
Plenty of time for Fab to come good
Just a rude reminder that only the best will do
I suspect that the inner circle will be re examining the playbook ahead of next Monday
Anything less than top notch and we’ll lose
I’ll take the pundits pick of 1-1 rlght now
12 points from first 6 games
Bring it on
OOD CL
Ps so now we can focus on the league….( nah would rather have Gillingham)
Absolute rubbish, I cannot believe Wolves fans can say they are happy to be out of a completion that has given us so much joy in the past that’s a slap in the face to those teams that won it……shame on you.
I have supported Wolves 47 seven years and never come away from a game or watched a game happy that we have lost NO matter what the completion.
Followed Wolves all the way to Wembly in the Sherpa Van fantastic day brilliant don’t care if it was forth fifth rate completion I wanted my team Wolves to win it.
Seems like for some bloggers we are to big a club now for the league cup even some of them moaning yes Clive they are moaning about being dragged round Europe last season yet those same moaners were posting pictures on this blog of what a wonderful time they were having.
Now they just want to move up the League and leave the cups for later, we wouldn’t want to interrupt our rise up the Premier League by God forbib winning a trophy…………no that not why football clubs exist is it to win trophies .
One even thinks we are going to WIN the Premier League…….doesn’t say when though.
Load of bollocks such as I’ve ever heard in my life…..that’s my option….Clive .
It was a proper competition when we won it AD. It’s not the same anymore,
Crap…! I suppose you’ll be saying the same about the F.A Cup the Europa League.
What we just cast them aside in the hope we might finish 4th and then get dragged around Europe.
Pathetic.
I saw the 1st half on hesgoal before the feed vanished & to be fair we were poor. I thought the team out there was good enough to win but I was wrong, I’m glad I didn’t pay £10 to watch it.
Having said that I’m not that bothered that we’re out the competition and the reason is simple. These are not normal times, Covid cases are increasing, lockdowns may follow & we’ve no idea if the season will finish or be crammed into a few weeks again. For that reason I would rather just concentrate on the league while we can. It may be a case of the fewer matches the better, we just don’t know.
I’ve supported Wolves since I was 9 years old, been to matches in all divisions, in all weathers & no I’ve never been happy when we lose. But this time I’ll make an exception, if others decide to say shame on me, well if I’m honest I couldn’t give a stuff what anyone else thinks.
These are not normal times, let’s just hope that we get back to normal by next season.
Not happy about the lack of Jota last night, thought he would start.
On a positive note I’m loving the new 3rd strip. Why didn’t they use that as the 2nd instead of the blue splat?
Onto the next game.
That is a nice kit
I can’t think of a sexier football country to be associated with than Portugal ??
Utw
Thought Nuno picked a sound team for last night’s game. Enough experience in defence to keep us competitive and valuable game time, not just for new signings but the regular bench warmers who could well be called on at a moment’s notice to step in.
Nuno will have known the likely outcome from a disjointed team playing a ‘day in the spotlight’ ‘defend at all costs’ local opponent. Also, containing enough old boys to tip the motivation levels massively in their favour.
Last season may have been physically draining, but the small squad embedded a team spirit and resolution that was powerfully influencing our fortunes right up until the last 5 minutes of our final game of the season. It was a spirit that many of us will remember for as long as we remember anything.
But that was then and this is now. Nuno knew there was a dismantling job to do before a rebuild, and for a while something could get lost in transition.
Last night showed us a few things. Firstly there are three main components in our team, Coady, Joâo and Raul. Remove any one and the current range of replacements don’t deliver the same overall performance.
Secondly some of the go to standbys are not currently up to the job, definitely Ruddy, probably Vinagre, possibly Buur.
Thirdly it’s just possible that Jota and Neves are moving towards the exit. Both physically and mentally. If so that is a major temporary impact on the team dynamics. This may mean moving backwards before going forwards.
Forget the effort argument, just think more in terms of shedding a skin, re-birth, new dynamics. Don’t focus on the Mended factor, focus on Nuno and the need to keep tightly behind him even if fortunes dip.
Sensible stuff, Jacko. For me, Moutinho is the main man. Shame he’s not 23.
Great post Jackomac. Have to take issue with you though about Neves. Not good last night but had a terrific season overall last time out and one game means diddley squat. Diogo however, may well be heading out the door as I speak.
I’m having a bet we beat citeh.
This was all about not showing your hand and getting the lads a bit more game time without knackering them up.
shrug of shoulders… carabao cup … no great shakes and couldn’t give a stuff to be honest.
All this chest beating about never losing a game and always giving your all pees me off.
Nah this was a run out ,nothing more .
We played that lethargically and the stokies still only scraped one goal .
Please everyone don’t take last night as any sort of measure of whats happening at wwfc this was a training game no more than that.
Man citeh now have no idea how we will play on monday and i will put my house on it that its nothing like last night.
Keep the faith Nuno knows best.
So it pees you off that fans expect that players should always give their all does it spikey? I doubt that you were at The Shay on that cold Wednesday night. Some of your points have validity otherwise.