Standards and expectations are high at Molineux these days.
A fourth straight league victory to maintain a one hundred per cent start at home will do little to suppress either despite Wolves stuttering over the line with a jittery, uneven performance.
Kenny Jackett himself admitted afterwards that Bolton merited something from the game after dominating a second half in which his own side failed to ignite.
Meanwhile, Dougie Freedman was happy to pin the blame on Owen Garvan for a meek penalty and comical follow up as Carl Ikeme made the smart double save.
Perhaps Jermaine Beckford should have been handed the responsibility for converting the spot kick he himself won after drawing a jaded lunge from the retreating Danny Batth?
The former Everton and Huddersfield striker seems to relish playing at Molineux and scored for both of those clubs in his two previous visits to the ground. Had he been standing over the ball instead of Garvan, I doubt the home team would be celebrating another maximum return.
That said, Wolves should again have been out of sight before the interval after passing Bolton into submission with the sort of classy approach play that’s underpinned their success in 2014.
Time and time again Lee Evans spread the play with scintillating efficiency and our wingers drilled balls into dangerous areas. But time and time again, the visitors cut out the danger.
Fortunately though, just when that uncomfortable sense of deja vu was threatening to cloud another commanding first half display, Nouha Dicko somehow flicked a header underneath the Bolton keeper to break the deadlock.
Scott Golbourne had a far easier headed chance right after the break too, storming in at the back post to meet an inch perfect cross only for the ball to be cleared off the line.
After that, Bolton were in the ascendancy and Wolves, usually so reliable in possession, began to surrender the ball and invite the white Wanderers forward.
Unusually for Kenny Jackett, his substitutions were also questionable. Clarke for Dicko was of course unavoidable, but he did little to enhance his plummeting stock, albeit with very little to feed off with his team mates looking jaded and void of ideas.
But Tommy Rowe for James Henry was a particularly curious change, removing what little forward thrust Wolves had in favour of giving game time to a player whose yet to bed into a new side. And boy did it show.
Still, the gaffer will no doubt feel vindicated as Wolves ultimately saw out the closing stages with a modicum of comfort.
And it certainly feels churlish to sound critical of manager and team while the bandwagon keeps on rolling.
I suppose really, it’s just a sign of the times.
Our second half performance was our worst 45 of the season, are cracks starting to form due to our inability to kill games off. Game should have been won by Half time. A better team than Bolton would have taken 3 points because we are once again not scoring anywhere near enough goals in the League.
I’m a bit surprised Rowe was substituted ahead of La Parra, yes. Rowe has been injured while La Parra started the season bright, then got a dip in form. He’s not been used as a sub during the last couple of games, which is a waste given his enormous potential. Clarke hasn’t produced much as a sub and I expect other players to get a chance: Mcalinden or La Parra.
An accurate summary Thomas.
That was the first time in a while I was genuinely nervous and edgy in the second half of Wolves returning to old habits and throwing away some of the points late on.
Still, as Clive would say, a win is a win, and we won, albeit in a less than commanding manner yesterday.
Evans was brilliant in the first half, very Beckhamesse, the whole team was good, just that killer touch missing be it the killer pass or killer finish,
Second half we never got going, their defender had worked Henry out and our threat was all but gone.
Saville failed to impress for the third time I have seen him, ; Rowe’s first outing so would be unfair to judge. Clarke offers nothing. In hindsight Mclinden and Van LaParra would have been better options.
First half – brilliant football display , thoroughly enjoyable.
UTW
When we scored 1 up and missed the chance to get a second..I was saying to myself that’s it then..we don’t give goals away these days with one of the best defensive records.. then my tip for England one day DB gives away a penalty…
Here we go I thought… the Bolton bogey’s got stuck on the ball ..thank God Ikeme went the right way …it was a weak penalty ….
So what does all this mean..we won because we are destined…..when we buy this most wanted new player eventually then we can all breathe a sigh of relief..I think he could cost serious money..
Dicko is currently an incredibly valuable player for us at the moment ..I just hope he recovers quickly
for Reading..
COYW
I’m not sure I’d agree Bolton were worthy of a point, sure they were on top by the end but it was hardly constant pressure. I’d rather reflect on another glorious first half, like Cardiff, which featured some of the best football I can remember seeing. Kev McDonald can already do no wrong in my book but Lee Evans is also getting better by the game as his confidence grows. Saville too looks like he has a touch of class. Now, just for that goalscorer.
If Dicko had stayed on the pitch we’d have scored more. I’d have preferred to see anyone else brought on as striker than Clarke – how about McCarey ?
Seriously though, Van la Parra was great for several matches, and where’s Eusebio ? I suppose we have to give Saville and Rowe a bit more time – look how Evans has improved under KJ.
I was interested to see that Mancienne is now captaining Notts Forest – I always hoped we’d be able to sign him up after his loan spells here.
Onward and upward.
Ok so we went off the boil second half but we beat Bolton for only the second time since the war it will do me. ( just had a bottle with my lunch thats all folks ! ).
Rowe looked very one-paced when he came on and his inability to hold on to the ball or pass it to another Wolves player led to most of Bolton’s possession and attacking forays. Fortunately, they were a poor team and lacked the ability to capitalise on the opportunities being handed to them. I suspect he needs a bit more time to get “match” fit and I’m sure he’ll be a useful addition very soon.
Clarke’s chances in the team must be coming to an end soon, he just doesn’t seem to have it at the moment and perseverance is denting our scoring chances, which are already not in abundance.
nige nige nige…we played crap second half and still shafted the trotters…even better ! (just opened another).
Feared the worst as Clarke came out for the 2nd half ‘cos his stock is not high in Wolves fans circles. He proved their judgement correct by a pretty lame display of forward play.
You could tell KJ was not best pleased in the aftermatch vid. Ikeme’s double save was raptuously received & what a keeper he is.
Thought Batth was suckered into the penalty by Beckford as he tried to shepherd him rather than challenge him outside the box or push him wide. Thought we deserved the 3 pts on the first half performance, & ,to me, the excellent shout for a penalty Dicko had first half, then the Goldbourne chance start of the 2nd half, Rowe also missed a good opportunity late on.
Both he & Saville didn’t look at the races but I guess they do need game time. The introduction of Clarke & then the substitutions didn’t help the Wolves cause, but onwards & upwards. We’ve made a great start.
Five Live’s Robbie Savage obviously sick of the moaning Arsenal fans & Liverpool fans slating their Managers, called for Wolves fans to phone in. “Great start to the season, 3rd in the league!” He said!
very much a tale of two halves .should have been out of sight at half time .think dicko having to go off dissrupted us a little bit .as for bolton fans comments on web there will always only be one wanderers and it aint bolton .upwards and onwards to reading .WOLVES AY WE .did any one else think the squirrel looked suspiciously offside
No team plays at 100% all the time and I’d rather win playing poor than play well and get naff all. We have had an amazing start and I think it will continue. I was hoping Clarke would step up to the plate but seems he just doesnt have it. We area forward short of being a fantastic team at this level but if I know it and almost everyone on here knows it im sure Jackett knows it. How can you not trust him to get it right after everything he has achieved. Let te 3 points keep rolling in.
The game perfectly summed up our situation. We have a brilliant keeper, an enviably solid defense, and an exciting mid field through which we are able to develop very attractive penetrating football.
But zero cutting edge up front
As is previous games we should have been out of sight by half time, but instead we were just one up, and open to an opposition come back. How long can we expect to win games only by managing to keep a clean sheet ? Better teams than Bolton will surely find us out in the weeks ahead
Now is surely the time for us to find out if Mr. Morgan has real ambition for our club. The signing of a quality striker will enable us to build on the excellent foundation that KJ has put in place. Failure to do so will surely mean that our potential as genuine promotion contenders will not be realised. KJ deserved to receive the support of the owner, not in terms of words, but deeds. Over to you Mr. Morgan
Know what your’e on about in terms of needing a better striker than Clarke currently is, but not the zero threat. Dicko, & Sako are excellent. It was when Dicko did not appear in the 2nd half that we looked lacklustre.
Clarke seemed to want to get behind their defenders when the ball was passed to him rather than attack it & hustle.
The fact that the ball didn’t stay up the front for long meant more pressure on the rest of the team.
My mate said we were about to get an out of contract Swiss striker on loan soon, but I’ve not heard it anywhere else. I would have liked to have seen McAlinden given a go yesterday but KJ is giving Clarke a chance to see if he can star for the club he was so desperate to join.
I think the fact we looked jade was down to 3 games in what 8 days the difference from the s quad Jackett has assembled as apposed to previous managers and players is that wolves wouldn’t have ground out a result like they did yesterday and that for me encourages me that this squad of players has the potenial to go all the way now I’m not getting carried away I said potenial not will go all the way.
In years past Wolves teams would have folded under the pressure Bolton applied in the secound half yesterday.
Don’t they say the sign of champions is to win ugly and win even when your having an off day.
Who mentioned champions…..remeber POTENIAL TO BE..!
Clarke is a big topic for debate. I think he had very few chances in second half, but at same time his position on the pitch and movement were not good! He did not give other players the chance to pass to him because of his bad positioning!
KJ should note this and discuss then maybe we may see an improvement if not too late!
Dear Mr Morgan
As a Wolves fan of long standing I have been really enjoying the performances of the team over the last season or so.
I think yours, and Mr Moxey’s, idea of employing that nice Mr Jackett was a brilliant one.
And thank you for letting Mr Thelwell bring in those young players who are really showing their worth in the first team and hardly cost anything.
I notice also that you have managed to get rid of some of the players who let us down so badly when we were relegated twice in two seasons. It must be a great relief to no longer have to pay their unfeasibly large salaries.
All things considered, the future looks very bright for our beloved club.
One thing though.
I notice that recently, Mr Jackett has been mentioning that we might need another man who can score lots of goals for us.
Perhaps the only criticism of our team is the lack of goals.
This could possibly make a big difference at the end of the season.
I think a new striker would make Mr Jackett (and the fans) very happy.
Do you think that you could see it in your heart to let him have his wish?
Please?
…..Pretty please?
Mark,
I hope you did not send that. Here is the one I sent yesterday:
Dear Mr Morgan
As a Wolves fan of long standing I have been really enjoying the performances of the team over the last season or so.
I think yours, and Mr Moxey’s, idea of employing that nice Mr Jackett was a brilliant one.
And thank you for letting Mr Thelwell bring in those young players who are really showing their worth in the first team and hardly cost anything.
I notice also that you have managed to get rid of some of the players who let us down so badly when we were relegated twice in two seasons. It must be a great relief to no longer have to pay their unfeasibly large salaries.
All things considered, the future looks very bright for our beloved club.
One thing though.
I notice that recently, Mr Jackett has been mentioning that we might need another man who can score lots of goals for us.
Perhaps the only criticism of our team is the lack of goals.
This could possibly make a big difference at the end of the season.
I think a new striker would make Mr Jackett (and the fans) very happy.
So get that fat miserley twat of yours who calls himself a fekin CEO to release some dosh and buy us what we need.
Not now, feking RIGHT NOW!!!
That should do it!
By the way, how IS your application to the Diplomatic Corps going?
Didn’t get an interview mate. Don’t know why though!!!
Loved the match. Brilliant first half and a nail biting second. Oh, by the way, Sat sends her regards to you both. I love that place, beer is amazing. It has become my local prior to a game now! My mate from Preston (Bob) came down with me, he bought himself a T shirt with some Wolves on the front and back – quite tasteful, and he purchased a wolves cap from the club shop. Looks like we now have another Wolves follower – Going to try to get him on here under the name “Preston Wolf”.
Thomas’ blog is a fair assessment, but we are entitled to not play well sometimes. I thought that even in the 1st half that our passing was not as slick as it has been ll season, though near perfection every game is asking too much of even KJ and his crew. Evans was great, McDonald was maybe not as good as his sublime norm. But once again, Ikeme saved us the 2 points Sako was also not as deadley as he can be.
If Clarke must come on(???), as Dicko had a knock (can’t knacker him at any cost), then why not bring on Leon and Macca together in 442 (worked well at MK last season when Dicko went off). Even I am starting to think that Leon is not up to the job, but with someone alonside him, there is hope. Why not try Van the Man, he’s tall, fast and keen.
Saville looked OK, but a bit nervous, Like Thomas, I question why sub Henry. Where is Michael Jacobs ? I’m not suggesting play him up front, but he’s a sub for Dangerous Dave. I am worried that Henry and Jacobs will lose out: I know that KJ doesn’t do sentiment, but those two deserve to be in the mix.
Yes, Wenger is for instance very keen on reforming pacey wingers. Van the man has also played as a forward in the past, so that could be an interesting project. I mean, the coaches could give him a run – and coach him – in the u-21’s.
Blacpool.
Wolves players off the ball disjointed, out of sorts, having a bad hair day, not really there for parts of the game, being kicked off the park by crude tackling, but an away draw. I’ll take that thank you.
Charlton.
Another away game bit lacking in the usual New Wolves sparkle fairy dust blowing off a little. BANG a cracking goal from Charlton let’s be fair, however they got it, it was a cracker. And they’d won every game at home this season. After that, lights on everyone home Wolves were back sat up took notice and played theirhearts out away draw. I’ll take that one too thank you.
Bolton at home,
Normal service restored, off the blocks commanding the game lacking that clinical finisher that will only serve to compliment the others that are capable of scoring, what a first half, Bolton looked like a sunday team. Second half after the Dicko goal we seemed to run out of ideas and in the words of Mr McDonald last year we looked feckin bored out of our tree, splaying passes where normally the passing is spot on,losing the ball to what I saw was still a poor Bolton side. King Kenny was being very pleasant and diplomatic in saying they deserved something. Well yes they did, they deserved to get beat, that is a fact, they were not worth sympathy.
Scott Goldbourbe was epic, he ran his socks off and was just a treat to watch, he runs just under the radar every game and does not I feel get the plaudits that he truly dererves.
Iv’ejust heard on the grapevine, Leon has used up all his nine lives and at Reading next week the squirrel is in. Niffy footwork, evades the tackles, slips into the gaps and he’s got a desire to win.
🙂
Footnote……..
Mr Morgan, please read Doogooders message, it’s the glorious 30th next weektime to get that 90 day loan started.
Cracking first half mate, and brilliant thrre points at the end. Sorry to have missed you. Did not get to the hotel until 1.20 – traffic was horrendous. Likewise for my return home – two road blocks saw me get home gone 10 pm lol.
Hope to see you next time I am down.
We won it may not of been convincing but we won! Where were we last season and how were we performing??? Well let’s not dwell in the past it’s to happy!! We won end of its 3 points, now let’s get that’s striker and wrap up this league because that is all we need. In Kenny we trust COYW
A fair result in my mind,especially after the first half possession we had.
But we must start to punish teams when we are on top.
Like most wolves fans who attended the match I for one was very nervous in the second period
the way we allowed them to dictate the play, ok we had Dicko off injured and that’s where we seemed to break down because Clarke ain’t gonna score the goals we need IF Dicko gets injured or later on in January when he and Sako goes to the African cup.
I think KJ is culpable for the subs, don’t know why he put Rowe on for Henry,my choice would have been the flying Dutchman Van para but he knows best.
I know we’re looking for a striker but I think we need 2 and sharpish before the window closes.
so comeon morgan get the chequebook out and give KJ MONEY.UTW.
This not a moan,but still happy for the win..
Santa…please….we need a striker …and fast.
Great report Thomas .. as you say it’s not easy maintaining such high standards.. BUT the history books will show 1-0 win to Wolves. For sure Dicko going off didn’t help and sadly Clarke isn’t mobile enough to the lone striker in a 4:5:1 or 4:2:3:1 . Bolton also only played 3 at the back and at times deployed 3 high up to prevent us playing out of defence. This system stifled us totally in the second half.
As has been said above .. I’ll take an average 2nd half and glean 3 points than play fantastic and draw/lose.
What is more than clear though is the URGENT need to strengthen the striker dept. ..Here’s hoping Dicko’s hamstring is ok for Sunday.
Come on Mr Morgan read your mail from Mr DOOGooder….
It was about the only Champ game not covered by WiziWig on-line. Bum ! So I had to revert to Sky Soccer Saturday and a blow by blow account via http://www.pakistantribune.com.pk/21442/wolves-vs-bolton-live-championship-scores-free-online-streaming.html? – no streaming of the match though.
Anyway, enough of me rabbiting on. We won, I am happy, though from what KJ said Notlob deserved something out of the game – tough shite!
Hoping Dicko is fit for next Sunday away to Reading – It’s local for me so I have tickets for my son and I. So looking forward to it.
Well done the Wolves, well done KJ.
Upwards and onwards or is that Onwards and Upwards?
🙂
Sevloe
Be fair matey,
Would you want to cover that Bolton team?
They were a poor side at best.
Inwards & outwards????
I remain very optimistic i dont think Kenny and this team have gone through all the gears yet and we are just one point off the top. Half a dozen young players are showing development that suggests they could eventually step up to the premier league. For me as owners of football clubs go Steve Morgan is one of the better and wealthier ones i am sure he will stump up the money when the right striker is identified.
I wasn’t happy with the second half, but I am not gonna moan about this team or the manager. I love them both. KJ is most definitely moving the team in the right direction with progressive play. We just need to sustain it and that will come with confidence. Four home games and 1 goal conceded. That was a penalty. I am enjoying the feeling of ‘fortress molinuex’ at the moment. It is significant that the supporters are right behind the team and this helps fuel the atmosphere. In years gone by Molinuex may have been a negative effect on the players, but all that is gone now. KJ has done everything right so far. He has galvanised the fans and the team. 17 points from 8 games is magnificent. A similar return from the next 35 will see us in the EPL. Well we can dream… WOLVES AY WE !!!
Stats… These stats “will” have a telling part as the season progresses.
Forest – 16 Yellow
Norwich – 17 Yellow & 1 Red
Us – 7 Yellow
On this course, we will have very few suspensions this season compared to the others above us.
The passing game has us keeping the ball, therefore keeping control and ultimately keeping the hefty tackles from us to the bare minimum, so cards should be very few and far between.
Losing players to suspension puts added pressure onto a good squad, KJ has instilled a level of control into the team to try and not get silly bookings. I can just imagine him saying… “You get dropped for suspension, you will find it hard to get back into the team as your fill in plays to keep the shirt.”
The downside to inviting tackles is of course injuries could be a plague. However going in hard can also lead to injury for the tackler… So maybe keeping the ball may just be the way to keep the team injury “free/minimal”.
Oh and take on board that this is a very young team that you’d expect the exuberance of youth to warrant a fair few hot headed moments, however we are not seeing anything like this, such is the control from KJ in implementing his style.
Shrews.
Further proof for the conspiracy theory.
Charlton Tuesday, corner comes over and Stearman gets blocked off, Bikey buries his screamer and Stears throws his arms up in the air and screams blue murder. Almost as quickly as he does he shuts up turns around and gets on with it.
Wolves of old would have chased the ref and tried to do what, change the refs mind. Not a chance, Kenny understands this and you can see the results no more prima donna chases every time some defender tries to kick a chunk out of the Wolves players, they just get up dust themselves off and go and win the ball back.
“I’m lovin it” McDonald(s)
🙂
Spot on StuWolf… You prove I’m not going insane in my middle age!
Je l’adore as our French connection would say. (Well it did have loads of different writings on the maccies box.) so just keeping it p.c.
I also think that if you constantly piss refs off game after game, refs will get and their just rewards next time they officiate. Refs are not morons, they watch other games and talk to their colleagues. I reckon they stick together and if you create a bad name for yourself, they will punish you further down the line.
It’s all under the radar stuff… Stealth… Like a hunting wolf!
I nearly forgot.
The latest in the list of ‘Places wot I have flown the Wolves Flag at’.
Festival No6, Portmeirion.
Me doing my highly convincing (According to the present Mrs DG’er) Gumby impersonation.
Nice T Shirt, I have one similar!!
Here’s another groupof Gumby impersonators, and may I add like the Wolves they too are in a league of their own. Maybe us “Old School” chappies should get T Shirts with them on.
????
Yes there is a photo, just not attached.
Doh????????????
Oh dear.
Looks like the new Apple IOS 8 update is playing silly beggars with our blog.
Nice name change Stu. I got the Wolves Blogger T shirts made for Mark and me for our 3rd May gathering prior the Cardiff game. I think we “Bloggers” should all have one for when we next meet up prior to the Millwall game on 2nd May to celebrate our promotion to the Prem!
Bugga, hadn’t spotted that one. Updated apple last night and it’s playing havoc with all the ipad’s settings.
Yes we should all get the official Wolves Bloggists Merchandise, would look cool when we “Celebrate our Title”
🙂
Tell you what folks – let’s just enjoy a win over Bolton, a team who’ve left their scars on me for over 50 years! Beaten in the cup at Burnden Park in ’57 and again at home in ’58 courtesy of a dubious Nat Lofthouse penalty – the gloom lifted briefly in ’77 when we secured promotion at Burnden Park (despite Sam Allardyce’s best efforts). Don’t even start me on John Bloody McGinlay!! Let’s just enjoy 3 points for a few days, and save our vitriol for the post-Reading analysis – 0-0 draw anyone? :0)
Well done wolves … Bit strange from king kenny though . Went to charlton , where we started with the team that played second half against Bolton . We got battered , then we put the team on second half that played the first half against Bolton And absolutely leathered charlton , that same team tore Bolton to shreds first half ..the introduction of Rowe and Saville weakened the side and put us under pressure . Just being honest !
Initially I was quite disappointed we only beat Bolton by the singular gol but then my friend reminded me how Bolton are our bogey club. Oh, how I had forgotten all those miserable Premier League losses! I hope they’re stuck in the Football League forever.
Without having seen the match, I’ll say that I like the idea of getting Rowe some run – especially after it had looked in previous weeks like he was a long way from the XI. Maybe it wasn’t the most appropriate moment and maybe the wrong guy was subbed off but as usual, King Kenny had the right idea.
Got talking to an old English guy on the beach on Sunday.
He said” where’s thah fruhm” in a Lancashire accent
I said ” wolveramptun”
He said ” ah buggah, Ahm frum Bolton”
So I laffed, said “one nil” and carried on down the beach, to be at one with the pelicans, ospreys and dolphins!!
Paradise has its perks!
See all at the weekend when normal service will be resumed by the bronze bodied, Brad Pittesque physiqued SuperClive