I shudder to think how bad that performance would have been without Adama Traore.
He was the spark, the ignition, the only race car at a drab Sunday motor show.
One superb assist for Willian Jose and what should have been another for the fumbling Fabio represented a good evening’s work for our oiled up powerhouse.
There are two years left on his contract and even if he doesn’t want to sign a new one, squeezing at least another season out of him would be wise.
Neto’s out for six months and Podence is regressing with each passing performance, so to lose Mr Muscle now would feel catastrophic.
He’s won us the last two games despite the team around him stinking out the place with an entirely defence-minded approach to proceedings.
I’m not going to moan about that because the job needed doing, but simply turning up in tight formation and frustrating the opposition can’t always be Plan A.
Championship-bound Sheff Utd dominated long spells of this game and had it not been for wasteful finishing, would have been ahead before falling behind.
Nuno would point to a textbook example of counter-attacking football and it’s hard to argue when he gets the result.
Fabio and Adama could even have added gloss to the scoreline, but I don’t think a goal or two more late on would have saved this performance from criticism.
You can’t question the organisation and solidity of that back three. However, the clueless nature of our attempts to transport the ball beyond the center circle is infuriating.
We’re clearly a body short in attack at all times and our wingbacks offer no creativity or thrust.
Both Semedo and Ait-Nouri sauntered into good positions tonight but the final ball, as it has been for most of the season, was terrible.
Creativity in wide areas and mobility through the middle are essential items for the summer shopping list to prevent performances like this remaining the norm.
And of course, retaining Adama at all costs.
Clean sheet,
We scored.
We won.
No more positives to report I’m afraid.
Traore is back to his last season’s old self. Got an assist and could have scored a couple of goals. Linked well up with Fabio Silva again. Fabio’s role as box opener, playing through players like Traore, was apparent again. I would like to watch him play behind the strikers in a central attacking midfielder role if Wolves revert to 4-2-1-3 again.
I am going to be controversial and say even during the stella first two seasons we were at times dour and drab on a number of occasions. I had a friendly exchange with Sudden Coldfield wolf earlier. I admitted to him that this season has not really lived up to expectations. I know my glass is always half full but even i can see there have been failings in scoring goals and how we approach games. But I am also a pragmatist and despite my disappointment overall I am realistic enough to put this season down as one to learn from. Both in terms of signing new personnel going forward and lessons learned looking back. I will also say that acquiring 41 points from 32 games despite major disruption to the squad is in itself a good achievement. There is a possibility to achieve 50 points. Season one 57. Season two 59. Getting to 50 would be great given how things have unfolded. So. My summary of tonight. I knew it would be a attritional. I am pleased the 3 points . Still six to go. Sandwell Town on the horizon.
I agree with all this Cheese, but particularly your comment about drab performances in previous seasons.
The way some people go on you’d think we were Barcelona when in reality the majority of games, particularly after promotion were based on being solid and tough to beat, albeit punctuated with more frequent moments of quality in the final third.
We’re missing the quality because Raul and Jota are no longer there and those replacing them aren’t as good. Doherty has also been a huge loss in terms of attacking output.
I don’t think we’re going to suddenly start playing expansive football under Nuno so aesthetic improvements will only come with better personnel.
So why then does a club with declared ambitions of “reach for the sky” break up a winning formula and fail for a miserable £55 million (much of which went to Mendes) and splash out on inadequate “ones for the future”.
Maybe we should just accept this is the way it is under Nuno. First halves have always been slow. It’s been the same since he got here. Its the way we play. Why is it suddenly a problem ? Wasn’t during the first 2 seasons .
Thanks Thomas. Really appreciate your comments.
Whenever I bemoan the luxury of having Traore, he puts in a top rate performance. I have no problem with that. But ….. why oh why, when fouled, does he sit on his arse with his arms raised. I expect him to get up and help his team mates …. so frustrating.
That said, his assist once class, as was Jose’s finish.
Nothing else was worth commenting on though, except us sitting safely on 41 points. Bring on next season.
Brompton, you have to remember that Traore is working hard on his PHD on soil science and this requires extensive fieldwork. The outstretched arms with the plaintive look towards the referee is merely an imitation of The Angel of The North.
Just one thing mystifies me and apologies if it has been addressed on here previously.
Traore to most teams would be a more than obvious “out ball” when we are defending a corner and yet he is always to be found in the 6 yard box helping out the defence. Why so ?
Admittedly, his rapidly improving heading ability is rarely remarked upon by the commentary team but it is surely no match for what he can offer waiting for a loose ball on the edge of our box.
My heart is in my mouth whenever Traore collects the ball in the Wolves’
half because he attempts to dribble out of trouble, often to our cost.
He is at his best when receiving passes to run on to from wide
He then has the choice to run at central defenders and win free kicks, or
deliver sublime passes to the likes of the on rushing Dendonker against Brighton,
or the the excellent pass to Jose against Sheffield. If he receives the ball in a stationary position he spends far to long on it, giving the opposition time to
block his route. Of course , he is fast enough to get into dangerous positions too
if only our midfield players could show more creativity in going forward.
Actually Kendal, that is a very good point. He does attempt the unorthodox a little too often in our own half and then lose us possession.
He sure is no fan of the easy pass…
Sorry! Fulham, not Brighton!
Poor. Very.
Boring. Dry. Boring. Lacking interest.
Boring. Dull. Boring. Monotonous. That was a hard watch. We’ve found a way to win against the worst team in the league. Just.
Willian José was in the box once, but he scored, so it’s hard to moan about that one. He spent most of the game faffing about out wide and deep, offering no real goal threat, and getting in the way of DanPod and Adama. Granted, it was a good cross on the deck from Adama, and, to be fair, a tidy finish off of W J.
What was upsetting was that there was nothing from midfield again, and the wing backs served no purpose at all. Ait-Nouri I think tried his best tonight, and Semedo was decent, but they are runners rather than play makers and I’m not 100% sure that they suit the system. Vinagre would probably be a better long term shout given that he at least speaks Portuguese and can communicate with the rest of the team. I think Ait Nouri is a cracking player, but I also think he needs a more attacking outlook around him so that he can move into the positions he naturally wants.
We are a striker and an attacking midfielder short of a useful team, and whilst I think Semedo is probably good enough to fit into our system eventually (he played for Barcelona!) I think we are struggling without Jonny, Neto, Moutinho from two years ago and Raúl, as well as Boly being in and out of the team.
We look poor. I’ve had a drink or three… Mainly to get through the match, and hopefully the three points feels better in the morning.
All we can do now is stuff the Albion and keep the squad together, then sign some good players, Guedes, Tapsoba and Mir (back) would be a start.
Come on the wolves, wake up and show us what we’re missing next year!
Won 4 drawn 3 lost 1 against Sheff Utd, Fulham Newcastle, Brighton. 15 points from 8 games.
A word about Jose. Last week he ‘ scored ‘ with a great header at Fulham only for the goal to be ridiculously disallowed. Today his finishing from Traore`s cross was excellently executed. The guy is being very harshly judged.
My take is that if he had half decent service he has the ability to provide the end result. The fact is that he has nothing of note coming from midfield. How can a striker prosper when he has such abysmal support ?
No matter who we sign in the summer — if anyone — there will be no better result unless and until we resolve our huge midfield problems. Over to you Nuno.
Agreed, people act like he has been like Harewood or Sagbo levels.
I think there is a decent player there, but he won’t show that in Wolves system, if played in a system that let’s him stay much closer to the box, the way a player that Glenn Murray was able to, I think you would see more of his disallowed goal and yesterday’s finish, which was very confidently taken.
However, he is never going to be allowed to play that way in this particular Wolves system, and grateful as I am that he arrived he obviously doesn’t look like someone we should make a permanent deal for.
Tough watch yesterday, but will always take playing poorly and winning over playing poorly and losing.
BMB. But isn`t that the point ? The system that we play will always limit us. It`s succeeded so far only because we`ve had such a phenomenal striker as Raul.
The reality is that probably eighty per cent of all goals scored originate from within the penalty box. Toe pokes. Deflections. etc etc., including goals such as Hose scored yesterday. Very few goals are wonder strikes from distance. This requires men inside the box to pressurize defenders and the Keeper. All goals count the same no matter how the ball arrives in the net !
But that`s not us. We are far too reliant on the spectacular. We rarely put serious pressure upon defenders inside their own box through numbers. The number of goals we score from open play is derisory – probably the worst in the League !!
In this context no striker can prosper, no matter how great his natural talent. So in my view, if we`re to move to the next stage and really challenge at the top of the table , it`s the system that has to change. Surely, we must adapt so that we emphasize the potential to score, rather than being totally consumed by the need to keep clean sheets !!
Is Nuno able to contemplate such a change in priorities ? Time will tell, but failure to do so will almost certainly result in more boring seasons very similar to this one.
Agree 100%.
While he’s not the best striker in the world he looks a decent all round player and capable of scoring goals (much in the mould of Raul, but obviously not comparable quality). Also given the total lack midfield creativity at present it’s probably not fair to judge Favio’s current performances for the same reason.
Big rethink needed this summer. And please return Ait-Noor ad Vitinha to their clubs and spend the £40 million elsewhere. Perhaps even recall Vinagre and Mir if we don’t receive decent offers for them.
PJB. I agree fully with your comment ref Ait and Vitinha. From what we`ve seen neither is nearly good enough for an ambitious Premiership team, with their suggested transfer prices being hugely over stated.
But I would go beyond that. This would surely be a good time to oust all marginal performers. Podens and MGW come immediately to mind.
Agreed Mike, frankly We would have been better keeping Costa and Cav than a lot of the present crew.
Yes we won but that was awful, no linked play or threat in final third. Podence
well off the pace ! Silva again showed why he is no where near ! Will be a though
season coming up unless real quality is added and our recruitment to date does
not suggest this will happen !
To quote PJB
Clean sheet,
We scored.
We won.
No more positives to report I’m afraid.
Nuff sed.
Well apart from the win that was embarrassing to say the least struggling to beat the worst team in the league. What has happened to Wolves this season I know we have had injuries but to regress that far is unbelievable it is so bad. If Nuno wanted to go for a back 4 then this was the game to do it especially with Bolly back but no went with a back five it was a hard watch.
On the positive side, we lost to the worst team in the league twice just recently so we are improving.
In 2020 everyone (not meaning anyone on this blog per se, but in general) was saying how they couldn’t wait for the year to be over and bring on 2021. But 2020 passed, 2021 came along, and as it unfurled, it really wasn’t much different. The only difference between March 2020 and March 2021 was the availability of toilet paper. (2020 was a shitty year.) The virus was still there, and the problem with 2020 wasn’t the year itself, but the underlying pandemic. The hope going forward is not 2021 as a year, but a vaccine to end the pandemic.
I’m not trying to be deep and philosophical here. I think you all see where I’m going with this. This season has been horrible, ravaged by injuries and misfortune. Everyone is counting the days for this season to end and hoping for a better season next year. But will it be? Will the underlying “virus” that also contributed to our horrific season be eradicated and addressed, or will it run rampant into next season. I’m talking about the “virus” of bad decisions that has brought us to this situation.
I understand and sympathize that what happened to Raul was horrific and shocking and unlucky, and I hope I will never witness anything like it again. We are all relieved he is ok. But having no backup for him when he did get injured was totally preventable. It’s called building a squad. Selling Jota was a terrible mistake. I’m not moaning that he’s gone. I’m merely pointing out the poor decision which I hope won’t be repeated by selling Adama this summer. I understand that Boly was unlucky to get injured twice; but not having another experienced center half of the same caliber to replace him was totally preventable. I needn’t go on.
Point is that next season will only get better if Fosun and Nuno admit and learn from their mistakes. I’m worried that many are taking it for granted that once this season is over, everything is going to magically fix itself with a good pre-season and players recovering from injury. I think it’s going to take a lot more than that. It’s going to take Fosun and Nuno getting it right, which they haven’t for the past year or so.
Do they have a “vaccine” lined up for summer to deliver a better season come August? Or will the difference between the two seasons come down to just toilet paper?
All we can do for now is wait and see, and continue to get behind the team as they rack up the points any way they can, with what they have.
Once again, spot on GW. Some well reasoned points and like you say, if we fail to learn from this season we will have exactly the same scenario. We could end up like the Blades if the status quo is not broken.
GW
You have hit all the main points on the head.
Dreadful recruitment, plus sale of Jota without replacement was crass.
Injuries are no excuse when you choose to go with a small AND inexperienced squad.
The “ones for the future” (Neto excepted) strategy has been an abject failure.
Attempted back up for Raul has proved inept – £65 million spent on Cuitrone, Campana, Bonatini, Silva yet the now prolific.Mir has spent 3 seasons out on loan,
With hindsight it all looks to have fallen apart since the time of Laurie Dalrymple’s departure.
As you say it now depends on what Fosun want (or are allowed) to do.
Fingers crossed.
I would like to know if there’s a statistition out there who knows how many times we pass the ball backwards and sideways. Because when the commentator says something like how many times the ball goes backwards or sideways . Which is true Wolves might have 50% of the play but most of it is in are own half between the back 5.
Given the injuries and no Neves, that was Nuno’s best 11. We needed the 3 points to make sure we are safe, so he was never going to take risks. But with six games to go, we can change things around and bring in those on the bench. However none of them have had much game time, so it’s a risky strategy. But the guys on the bench have to be given an opportunity now or they may as well leave in the summer.
Sandwich Wolf? Is this a reference to your location? If so, then we live in the same town. If this is the case, then a drink and a sharing of opinions is called for perchance?
Yes I am in Sandwich. Let’s have a drink
OK, sounds good. Do you have a favourite venue? I live in the town.
Awful performance today! Beer this week? I can do any night. I’m happy to meet anywhere.
How’s about this Thursday evening at the Bell. Say 6.15 – 7.15/30? My name is Pete and I have Sandy coloured hair.
Pete. Great. 6:15 at the bell hotel Thursday is fine. I’ll wear a wolves shirt! I’m David.
Brilliant! I’ll see you then. I reckon the chances of there being anybody else wearing a Wolves shirt in our neck of the woods are remote!
I’m almost pleading for us to keep Traore as I said before with the Klopp comment ‘unplayable ..’
If you think about it he’s the only one worth looking at currently ..
My delight was that at least Nuno played him down the right and not out of position.
He always gets chopped down because he can beat even the best players at will.
Another win due to him.
Great 3 points ..huge investment needed though.
This season please finish give or take one main fixture to go…with WBA.
The reality appears to be from everything I read that Fosun are only going to spend what they can raise from their current assets .I think we need to keep Adama as he is the only one who creates anything these days even if he is frustrating .However unless they can raise money from other sales like Mir or MGW they will have to sell him .
I share those views expressed above that whilst I wish this season over is next going to be better without investment and with Neto and Jonny out till November at least and nobody knowing what Raul will be like on his return .
Maybe I am just in a dark mood but I fear the joyful three year run is over and Nuno will not be able to take us to those heights again .I very much hope I am wrong .
Now I have to watch to see if Southampton make the FA cup final.That tram selection still makes me mad .
No way to paper over the cracks by winning, that was absolutely awful !! Really awful, against a team that has already lost close to 30 games!
The rumors are to sell before we buy, which is a major concern. We’d better loan about 5 players then.
Watching Wolves over many years has been something of an emotional roller coaster. Sometimes I’m thrilled. Sometimes excited. Sometimes disappointed. Sometimes downright angry. But I’m never, ever bored. I care far too much for that.
Spot on WS- when you have black and gold in the blood, and have supported the team since you could walk you care not who wears the shirt, only that they give 100%. We have seen the ups and downs over the years and I reckon to have seen many more dull games than the exciting wins which tend to be restricted to a handful per season. What I can say is that we are blessed to have Adama with us- what better sight at a rocking Molineux than Traore running a defence with speed and skill? I can’t remember any other player who could consistently get the Billy Wright stand octogenarians out of their seats so quickly – other than a PA announcement of free pies. We must always remember where we’ve come from and be thankful for what we have.
Too right WW. One of the very few who excite just by getting the ball. Adama and Newcastle’s St Maximin. When they get it, you know something special could happen. Not that it always does but both players have it within them. Can’t be bored by that.
Two thirds of the way through this latest ‘That’s95minutesI’llnevergetbackfest’ I had decided to resign from being a Wolves fan, Wolves Blogger and general football watcher, until the start of next season, when what passes for normality might hopefully return.
I know that watching football can cause a great deal of shouting.
But it should be of the:-
“Oh! Well played sir. Good goal. Hooray!”…. “Super tackle!”…. with the occasional… “We all dislike The Throstles quite intensely!” … variety.
Not:-
“What the f***?”…. “How many times can Podence give the ball away in ten seconds?”…. “Pass the f*****ing ball forwards for God’s sake!”…… “This is just awful”…. and “Pour me another Remy, Sue before I lose the will to live!”.
Adama’s run and Jose’s goal made me think again for a moment, but that was about the only high spot of the entire match.
That, and Big Willy’s assured performance… and maybe Semedo’s continued improvement…. and Traore’s better body language and general commitment to the cause… and Rui Patricio’s command of his six yard box… and three points that will now see us safely ensconsed in the Prem for another season.
Not forgetting the extra glass of Remy which improved my mood no end.
Will I continue to sit through the remaining games, and write more rubbish on the Blog?
I haven’t decided yet.
Oh! Go on then. If you insist.
Dodgy woogy
3 weeks into the seasons end and you’ll be chomping at the bit once again.
Promise…
This season has been a lot like needing to sand and varnish your roof joists.
I imagine that the owners know by now just how poorly their investment has repaid them and hopefully want to correct it.
Anyway its the Wolves and its part of the joy of following them.
Never easy but always easy to correct everything over a beer in the pub(eventually)
A chat over a beer in the pub can’t come soon enough for me mate.
It IS your round isn’t it?
Doog. You can rant and rave. You can be bored shitless. You can profess never to watch the Wolves again. But you know as well as me it’s in the blood and there is nothing you can do about it. Everytime the old gold and black is on the pitch you know its absolutely impossible to switch off. You can’t ignore it. It’s like a drug. Even in the darkest days it was the same. And Shed is right. When this shit is all over a few beers will be consumed as the Pack returns. Cor wait!
Footsteps can be heard running away in the distance……
Tumbleweed floats across the stage..curtains come down
Lol
Greetings, fan club members,
Every team is going to want a game changing speed merchant, watching St Maxima for the ‘Toon, or our own ‘Greased Lightening’ this weekend. Good to see both Jose and Silva crowding that 6 yard spot (where Jimi used to be) when they see Adama hurtling to the touchline.
Having had a few ‘discussions’ with the BBC (Bramhall Blades Crew) over the years, it was good to see Nuno looking humble at having confined SheffU to the Championship cauldron next year. Shades of ‘there, but for the grace of Jah, go I’. Nobody mentioned ‘Parachute payments’ this year, even as an afterthought.
Feckless performance of the w/e must go to Man City, truly dire and a reminder of where ‘investment’ sometimes gets you. Perhaps Raul has a large family of Mexican Bandeleros clamouring for a move to the Jewel of the Midlands?
‘Greased lightning’ ha ha excellent!
Never thought I would say this, but, upon reflection, Prince Phillip’s funeral helped me.
Because it caused the kick off change, and because U.S. tv companies rarly change their schedules, I could not watch the game on regular tv, and had to revert to hesgoal, where the coverage had no sound.
This had the huge advantage of letting me stay asleep through pretty much the whole game, when my adled brain realized it was Fulham part two, and gave me some much needed sleep catch up.
As you all know, I am not Traore’s biggest fan, and yes he has produced the goods two games running, but why only once per game?
I agree with Brompto, he should get off his arse when knocked over, instead of screaming for his toys to be put back in his pram.
And I also agree with the GoWolves comments about pre season, fixability etc.
To be untypically blunt, there are at least half a dozen of our first team squad who are just not good enough, and need to be relegated to back up status, or got rid of completely.
There is always talk of a “good pre season”, but if our lot haven’t had time over the past eight or nine months to gel, especially with the recent, bizarre three week break, perhaps they never will.
Yes, some were off on Country type jollies, but our training staff must have had some to work with.
Vast improvements needed in all departments, lest we become next year’s Sheffield.
As an aside, my personal view of next season is that if fans are not let back in as normal, then there should not be a season.
This total loss of all passion, feeling and support cannot be sustainable.
How do you know Traore produced the goods only once per game if you were asleep? Do you just count assists and ignore beautiful passes that should be assists if the striker didn’t fall on his backside when he attempted to kick the ball?
Another good result against a team from the bottom 3, Didn’t that used to be a problem?
Delighted for Jose to get another goal. Dendoncker did well in the middle, looking sharper and we also saw fine performances from RAN and Somedo.
We have more tight fixtures coming up. Let’s hope Nuno can keep the guys feet on the ground and grind out another 3 wins against Burnley, Albion and Brighton. Happy days.
Oops I forgot the mention Traore. We are so lucky to have him. What a wonderful talent he has, very few can do what he does. Ahh well, let’s call him lazy because he dares to take the odd breather when he lands on his arse, or head. Where’ve I heard that before..
Well said sir!
All of you people criticizing Adama, just remember, he’s better than that guy who played for Wolves in the 1980s in the 4th division.
Which particular one?
And he wouldn’t be ahead of many of them for effort.
Many comments on Traore and the debate rages.on.
My thoughts –
A one trick pony wit no football brain.
Can only perform to optimum when someone as good as Raul can make his crosses look effective.
Thinks he belongs in the starting line up in one of Europe’s super clubs.
Rarely uses his main asset, speed, to chase back and cover.
As posted above spends much of every match staying down on his ar$e with his arm in the air.
And whilst his 2 match winning moments at Fulham and last night were very welcome they are far from being enough to make up for 15 months being AWOL.
Sell him for what we can get – he’ll either become a megastar or fade into obscurity, but my money is on the latter.
I’d rather have him at Wolves entertaining us and frustrating us at the same time. Unless we can get a huge amount for him. This £30 million that is being suggested on some sites is just not anywhere near enough.
Tim
He has only turned up for 2 matches (for 2 moments) since this time last year and then against 2 of the bottom 3.
How do you justify that?
There are more games than that! What about Leeds 0-1, Traore’s shot cannoned off the Leeds keeper into the net off the bar?
It’s hard to recall them all but we were losing to Chelski and Adama came off the bench, we won! His presence disturbs the opposition, without him we would look pretty pale and insipid. Even more than we looked yesterday. He’s crossed on a number of occasions only for the player on the other end to fluff his lines. His stats are not great this season, but it’s more than bald stats.
He can be frustrating but I’m glad we’ve got him. I don’t want to see him leave, but if Fosun want to raise cash to strengthen the team overall then I’m sure he’ll go, and at a healthy profit to Wolves. Another plus point! Just don’t understand the doubters genuinely don’t!
Allen
You have hit on a very important point.
Traore does have qualities but they almost certainly aren’t as a 90 minute player so now we may be facing a situation where we have to choose which of our (small)squad options we have to sacrifice to buy new players.
If this is indeed the case then it’s a very long leap from Fosun’s proclamations of only 3 years ago (Champions League qualification etc).to being self financing in terms of recruitment.
And the old allegation of moneybags Wolves is also a fable – under Nuno WWFC total NET spend on players in 4 years is well under £200 million.
Perhaps it begs the question how serious they were in the first place.
This summer should provide some answers.
Only £200m in four years? Shocking.
Maybe someone should approach Morgan to see if he’s interested in taking over the reins again…
I share your concerns over self financing etc. But even Liverpool are going to have to sell to buy, from what I have read.
But we have to celebrate the present, we’re in the Prem ready to go again. Hopefully with Traore and some back up.
But you can’t predict the future. Personally I hope some of the youngsters come through next season.
Will they sell Jota back to us?
Asking for a friend in Bedford.
Bloody hope so, but won’t they need him now for the PL Saturday team if he can’t make the Super League XI.
With due respect PJB, you really are talking out of your WBA. The principal reason why my assist count is low this season is that no- one gets in the box for me to assist to. Maybe you spend the match asleep like Clive.
Luxury player ….. end of.
Without Traore we’d have had a maximum of 2 points from our last two games. We got 6. I’d like more luxury players like him.
Easy, HS. He wants Dave Edwards back!
Without whom this season w’ed more than likely be playing the Baggies next season!
You need your luxury players when they score match winning goals!
I remember the match against Man city, when Adama as a wing back had Sterling in his pocket :=)))
There is talk elsewhere about Neves being sold. Are we going to be happy if Neves and or Traore get sold so Nuno can “freshen things up”?
Add to that the fact that Nuno claims that he doesn’t know why the first halves tend to be so poor and the obvious, intelligent decision is to get rid of the coach and bring someone in who does know. These slow starts have cost us European football and a run at the Champions League spots.
Why don’t you apply for the job?
You give the impression you know everything there is to know about everything.
Are you Dog in disguise?
I don’t have my badges.
Maybe you should try out for right-wing on the team.
I always played left back,
In the changing room.
Maybe we should just accept this is the way it is under Nuno. First halves have always been slow. It’s been the same since he got here. Its the way we play. Why is it suddenly a problem ? Wasn’t during the first 2 seasons .
Good question. It wasn’t such a problem when we were beating the BIG clubs, playing counter attacking football and finishing 7th.
This season is not so good and it is simply unacceptable that just about EVERY game we play we are slow out of the blocks, often concede the first goal and rarely score in the first half.
It just gives the opposition a head start and hands them the advantage. The frustrating thing is we all know it, the players and managers all know it, have spoken about it needing to be overcome, and yet it still happens.
Appreciate the comments mate. This Blog is all about opinions. It’s great everyone feels passionate enough about our great club that we make the effort. Stay safe chap.
Seems to be a lot of discontent in the ranks.
I have no problem with the differing opinions its all part of supporting a football team.
Perhaps attitudes will change when we can start attending matches again and people can make their views known direct from the terraces.
Has anyone noticed how the Wolves women no 19 looks a lot like Daniel Pondence it’s significant that Wolves men and women never play at the same time, just saying.
3 more points against a team on there way down, another 3 to 5 points and I think that should make us mathematically safe.
The performance was like the majority of performances this season apart from not conceding in the first half for a change dull.
I just hope now Nuno opens up a bit givesthe fringe players and those on loan with the view to buying are given a chance to show what they can do……don’t want to make the mistake of letting them go without having a decent look at them only for them to come good and come back and haunt us……the……..why didn’t we buy then scenario.
Wow there’s a lot of discontent out there! Am I the only one to detect a change in tune on this blog.
A lot of newish names (maybe old time bloggers in disguise?) with very strong opinions – not always well expressed.
Whilst all opinions are welcome can we get back to some balance?
Let’s be clear Wolves have no greater claim to success than any other club. Indeed those of us who went through decades, at best, of dreary mediocrity are loving everything that Fosun and Nuno have brought us. Which includes a fourth year in the top tier for the first time since 1975.
Get real people: just love what we’ve been given and hope there may be more!
Yes we should. Looking at our results since 1st February. WON 5 DRAWN 3 LOST 3 = 18 points in 11 games. There is no fluke in that run. It is not papering over any cracks. It’s just a solid premier league team. No frills. Well organised. Playing to our strengths with the return to 3-4-3. Let’s not forget at one stage we had 23 points from 22 games. We were in danger of being dragged in to the relegation mire. I don’t think you would expect cavalier football in that predicament. We haven’t had any. What we have done is accumulate points , safety first, to move away from danger. Imagine the absolute meltdown had we just lost 1-0 to both Fulham and Sheffield Utd. Perspective……..
Hey Cheesey!
Have you caught the Guy Garvey ‘From the vaults’ from yesterday on Sky Arts?
If not, you must!
1977 – some real classic performances.
Yes Doog. I did see it. I always look out for TV like that. I think it is something that jolts each generation. When I was a kid going in to secondary school most of the kids were in to punk because when you have snotty oiks telling authority to f**k off on telly it does strike a chord. Some great footage of Clash, Stranglers, Penetration Generation X., Buzzcocks. And Guy Garvey paying homage. I like Elbow. Great band. Cheers mate.
With this Super League, what is the idea here?
Is it that these teams remain in the Premier League but refuse to play in the Champions League or Europa League and instead play in this league on Wednesdays?
Is the intent that they will get their own TV contract which will be shared by just these teams and that the Champions League TV contract will become smaller because the teams are not as “glamourous”?
It seems to me that this is a way for 6 more teams to make extra TV money through the Champions League and Europa League and will allow them to buy better players and be more competitive.
It would be silly if this Super League had teams in it that were in 10th place in their domestic league, which would be very possible if you look at Arsenal this season and the ascent of teams like Leicester and West Ham.
First of all, the Premier League and the FA and whatever organizations refuse to recognize the new league.
Then the Premier League changes the rules, if need be so that games can be scheduled for any day of the week and then reschedule games so they are playing games on two consecutive days. Or the same day.
Just F them around with the schedule.
Problem solved. Your welcome.
Can you translate your last two posts into English English, please?
Other than roughly £2m more in merit payments for each position higher we finish the league in, there’s really little tangible to play for in these last handful of games. It would be prudent to see those games, with little pressure and no supporters, utilised for blooding some of the less experienced players.
Let’s see Fabio starting, Otasowie, Vitinha, Corbeanu, Hoever, MGW ( a decision needs to be made with him ), Kiliman, Sondergaard.
Not all at once, but there’s little to lose and much to learn. There’s no risk of losing momentum – we’re coming to the end of the season.
On Traore, I’ve been a staunch supporter since his arrival from Middlesbrough and was delighted to see his form improve dramatically in the 2019 pre-season. However, we may need to prepare ourselves for his departure this Summer – there are always rumours, and currently Wolves will accept a cut price £30m is one of the latest, but based on his performance over this season, and the end of last season, not the last 3 games, 2 assists and a goal is not a good enough return for a 25 year old.
I’m not calling for him to be cast off, but if it does come to pass, how those funds are used is key. There’s the crux. This Summer is so important in terms of recruitment. It will tell us a lot about the clubs intentions, and a successful transfer window will consign this season to the memory as a less than sparkling campaign and a blip. Get this Summer wrong and the project is in danger of coming off the rails.
Pivotal.
UTW
Super League, I find it a bit rich The Premier League complaining now the tables have turned on them they did the dirty on the Football League 20 or more years ago to create the Premier League just goes to show what goes around comes around.
IMO let them go……the so called six…..they will soon get fed up of playing each other 4 times a season…..when they are flying all over Europe……the rest of the league would be better of more competitive……I find it ironic the Premier League in there statement were claiming they have created the best and most competitive league in the world……yeah really with there FFP rules…..!
Mr AD67. I completely agree with you !
Yes, ironic isn’t it. Spot on AD67, spot on.
If the armchair fans don’t pay for the subscription and the sponsors see their name tarnished by association then there is no cash left to swill around the tlnew super league trough.
I know we benefit from football on TV, at the moment, but I for one think Sky did a lot to ruin our game with all the money they splashed around.
The days of ‘being a fan’ and looking forward to Saturday have been overtaken by the arm chair army in my opinion.
Agree Marnie……100%.
It seems that the 6 clubs involved have the audacity to think that they can carry on playing in the Premier League! Hopefully, the voting system enables them to be thrown out but I bet their lawyers have advised they’ll have that covered. By the way, FFP is a UEFA directive which all affiliated leagues have to adhere to (in theory!).
True your point about FFP but as you said the Premier League agree to it to keep the ” greedy six ” happy……well it didn’t work..!
I suspect it won’t happen and UEFA will give into what ever is really behind this which is more more for those clubs.
Interesting the top German clubs have come out against it as have Paris St Germain.
Investors in the top Germany clubs may wish to join the so called super league but the current situation/rule is that ‘fans’ must have a majority stakeholding in their clubs. Looks like they had some foresight.
Isn’t there a crucial difference between the creation of the Premiership (as it was called then) 30 years ago, and the situation now? The pyramid principles were retained, with normal promotion and relegation. A club could could still rise from non-league right up to the highest echelons of football in this country.
The latest proposals are simply the Kerry Packer World Series of cricket reimagined. That was a league of mercenaries, just like the latest proposals.
Absolutely correct.
And that is the inherent difference – no promotion / relegation -= closed shop / cartel.
Premier League,super shiny league, a league of gentleman…blahdy blah
Who cares … everything will continue and no one who’s team isn’t in the greedy bastard league won’t give a toss.
Just another sad sign that all that matters is money.
Utw
To me I think it would be a good thing if the Greedy six f..k.. Off it wouldn’t last more than 5 seasons then they would be back with there tails between there legs and have to beg to be allowed back into the Premier League .
if the Premier League/UEFA don’t stand up to these greedy bar stewards this will rumble on as it has for the last 20 years or more.
I’d like to see it too mate, I’d like the premier league to grow a big pair of cahooners and act now though, if the snakes are prepared to announce this during the season then it would be great to deduct them all 10 points immediately.
Imagine how good this season end would be ,
Leicester would have a chance of winning the league
Everton- west ham get champions league
We could get European football and arsenal could get relegated,
The best season ever
If it wasn’t for that fact that I’ve supported WWFC all my life, I probably would have lost interest in football 10-15 years ago…and now the inevitable talk of a European Super League has finally happened. It will be interesting to see if this actually goes ahead or if these twelve clubs are just using it as leverage to get more money out of the current revamp UEFA are doing of the Champions League format.
If it does go ahead then I really hope that the PL, FA, UEFA & FIFA have the balls to kick these clubs out of all their competitions and leave them stuck on the outside. Probably not, there will be some deal where “solidarity payments” are made to the rest of the leagues while the “greedy six” just get more money to spend on players salaries and agent’s fees while getting into deeper debt. What a joke!
The moral high ground of the PL makes me laugh as this is exactly how this competition was formed – a group of breakaway clubs, greed, TV money. Only this was ratified by the FA who wanted to get one over on the Football League who they didn’t have a good relationship with. There are some excellent books by Tom Bower and David Conn that go into great detail about the money, greed and corruption that have blighted our game.
Apparently three more clubs have also joined, just waiting for them to announce it.
Paul mentioned German clubs, I think they have a rule that their clubs need to be 51% owned by supporters groups so doubt if they would want to be a part of this, but we shall see.
The special one has finally been sacked.
It is understood that first-team coaches Ryan Mason and Chris Powell will take charge for the remainder of the campaign.
So Spurm will be looking for a new coach during the close season mmmmmmm.
No, Dr. Nuno will not be interested in joining a lesser club.
He is a man of principle, will honor his contract, and see his mission through to completion.
Why would he want to go manage a bunch of has beens, wanna bes and never weres?
Love him or not, he is Wolves thru and thru, just loike wot we am, ay we?
Can you translate your last post into English English, please?
No need for translation Cloive….
Those what was born in the Block Country spake and understond it great….
Yow cor beat it….
Ar bostin ay it Lord!
It’s our heritage Marnhull ….
Youm dead right …
Calling a league super doesn’t make it super. If this seasons also rans Spurs, Arsenal and Juventus are in it then it will be the average league. If nobody outside of Asia watch it it will be the invisible league. TV audiences will slump, so no contracts and no income except for shirts sold in Thailand.
Billionaire owners in the US lose money. Will club members in Barcelona and Madrid accept this. Bayern’s won’t. Liverpool and Manchester supporters should tell their board no chance. Ultimately they have the power.
Did everyone notice this season’s most maligned players all played a part in Wolves goal.
Semedo blocked SU shot
Semedo passed to Podence
Podence passes to Dendonker
Dendonker advances through midfield
Dendonker plays perfectly weighted pass into Traore’s stride
Traore accelerates forward and passes to Jose
Jose scores.
And MGW watched from the bench!
Does any cricket fan of my vintage or earlier remember the breakaway Kerry Packer World Series of Cricket? Similar principles of greed to the atrocious proposals just revealed for a so-called breakaway European “super” football league.
Kerry Packer’s league of mercenaries didn’t last long. After all, who is interested in a series of exhibition matches instead of genuine competition.
Tennis players. Golfers.
Totally beside the point Tim. Tennis players and golfers do not play for the equivalent of Liverpool, Chelsea, Man U etc.
I remember dances
Well I remember all the protests tbh , not too much about the actual games?
Let them go I say, anyway how can anything including arsenal and Spurs be called super?
Regarding this super league thing, can’t the various bodies change the rules for ffp to exclude income from non-sanctioned events?
Just harass them out of the league.
Also, I’m not sure how much these teams will earn each year for being a part of this new league but if the broadcasters want, they can “not show” these teams’ games and reduce their income from the games being shown and the facility fees.
Whether or not they are willing to would be questionable.
They probably have a broadcaster signed up, Tim.
Some of these clubs have their own TV channels which they would presumably use to show their matches – at a cost, of course.
Got to respect the Liverpool fans protesting outside Anfield
They definitely speak for me
On the bright side: with the “Big Six” being thrown out of the Prem, we could qualify for Europe next season :0)
GREEDY
ARROGANT
SELF CENTRED
GREEDY
SELFISH
ARROGANT
…DID I SAY GREEDY?
BASTARDS!
Who am I talking about?
I think we all know.
I’m pretty sure that the Premier League don’t have the balls to do it, but here’s my suggestion:-
European Super League? Fine! All ‘BIG’ Six of you can sod off and enjoy the extra kudos and income that you think is your God given right.
Sod right off and we will carry on The English Premier League without you.
There are plenty of ‘BIG’ Clubs with a shed load of history and large fan bases in the lower divisions that can fill your boots easily.
And when your fans get sick and tired of playing the European big boys and are looking forward to a decent local derby or a game against one of the founding members of The Football League…..
BLOODY TOUGH!!!!!
GOOD RIDDANCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Or…..
Could be REALLY controversial this one..
How about sod the Premierleague off and go back to 1st 2nd 3rd 4th divisions
One where teams like walls all, Bradford, Northampton Town get a proper chance instead of same old same old
Just a few of me thoughts whilst sitting in me shed.
To quote Kevin Keegan,
‘I’d love it, just love it, to see the likes of Carlisle or Swansea on top of the League again, even if only for a week’.
Wouldn’t that be great
Fans who never expected to see any glory but still following their teams
Hear hear DOOG, well said. Let them sod off. However Sky and the Prem won’t have the balls. Even the proposed UEFA shake up of the CL, is a nonsense.
? Ståle Solbakken (Norway Manager):
“In recent years [Juventus] have been knocked out by Lyon, Porto and Ajax in the Champions League. Why the f*ck should they be in such a tournament then? Tottenham and Arsenal are currently, probably not, among the 20-30 best teams in Europe”
Arsenal currently 12th; Tottenham 28th
https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/global-club-soccer-rankings/
That’s why they want the “Super League “. It will stop upstart clubs from taking their rightful places in Europe. That’s how the arrogant bastards think!
Whoever compiles that must be a Brighon fan!
I was surprised too but (read the rubric) it’s not just based on results.
Stolen unashamedly from somewhere else.
BREAKING NEWS
WBA to Launch their own League.
WBA have decided not participate in the New Euro Super League.
Instead they are starting their own break away League with just themselves.
The bookies currently have them second favourites to win it.
Nah. They’ll be relegated.
Firstly, I can’t see this exclusive club actually happening. Or at least, if the authorities and fans want to stop it, they can.
FIFA and UEFA need to ban participating players from all other competitions run by them. For life. If a player chooses to sign for a ‘Super’ league club, and it doesn’t work out, they should know that there’s no road back to acceptance by civilised society. The national leagues, ie Prem, La Liga, Serie A, The FA etc should unceremoniously boot them out of all domestic competitions.
Fans of these so called ‘Big twelve’ must boycott the games completely. No fans equals no atmosphere, even on the telly, as we all know only too well.
We all must boycott the media giants who are the main funders of these greedy pigs. Bear in mind that the proposed midweek Wednesday evening matches will be live in the middle of the night in Asia and early afternoon in the States. So perhaps not so much revenue there.
The effect on clubs like Wolves cannot be underestimated. What wealthy owner/investor (a la Fosun) will put money into a mid-range club if the pathway to the very top has been closed off and any chance of the glory achieved by Leicester, Blackburn and the like is gone. Fosun themselves would understandably think very hard about further investment in Wolves if their aims should be so unfairly stymied.
It’s time for all fans to come together, especially those of the ‘Big Twelve’, and shove these proposals back up the dark stinky arse they emanated from in the first place.
Another spot on post Wolf. BT need to get broadband working correctly in our village, not wasted millions on football too.
Heres another though though
Would our owners want to enter the polished turd league?
Just putting it out there
Want to or not, we can’t.
Thank goodness wolfstroker.
It feels somewhat like 6 clubs needing their egos massaged.
Its unnecessary and not needed .
But, if it does happen then I hope that the powers that be don’t allow them to return.
A lot of this will have to do with the players’ reaction to the new league and will they sacrifice some earnings to play on a team that might make the Champions League.
We can only hope that the top players and some of the non-six big-money owners combine to keep the very best players out of that league.
What if that Haagland guy says he doesn’t want to play in the breakaway league and prefers to play in the Champions League?
Or what if some of the current players null and void their contracts because they want Champions League play?
So they do a Rui and sign with one of the other teams and these teams start losing players or the players just don’t resign.
French and German players might feel this way because the teams of those leagues seem to be refusing to participate.
Tell you what. I would rather watch a nasty derby Scunthorpe v Grimsby or Torquay v Exeter than watch that sterile boring Euro shite. With all the psychophantic ‘experts’ having a gigantic wank over the ‘top’ players. They can f**k right off.
Nice touch from Grimsby town.
https://www.grimsby-townfc.co.uk/news/2021/april/big-six-shirt-amnesty-launched/
What a damnably good idea.
Awesome Bard. Awesome.
Never thought I’d agree with Gary Neville but he’s got it spot on . The ESL is an embarassing idea and wants our so called big six punished with points deductions or relegations. As he rightly says, the owners of those clubs just won’t understand why their own fans and the rest of us are so bloody annoyed.
Further to earlier posts about our team, cast your minds back to Nuno’s early days when we were being educated with our new “identity”, we were conceding territory at Molineux and waiting for the opportunity to launch a devastatingly quick counter attack and we loved the fact that it worked so well. Over time we understood that at times it was dull but we learned to be patient because we knew that within ten seconds of winning possession we could score.(Like we’ve done in the last two games)
Times change, personnel change, other teams latch on and copy, David Luiz commits a crime on our top man and our belief wobbled with our performances.
Get real folks, it’s not been as good as we hoped after being third in October but we’re safe with six to go ,look at the clubs below us and be glad .
So if the league kicked them out for signing to play in an unauthorized league and their league isn’t going to start for a couple of years, what would they do for income and what would the players feel like not playing meaningful games?
Does anyone really give a shit?
Clive stop winding up Tim
I think it’s more like the other way round. He swallows Tim’s bait every time. Good job he wasn’t born a fish, I’d say! Clive,LaTrucha suena genial.
Si
Another thought of ye day
From the shed of wonder
Could all the talk about ‘The league of superiority’
Just be a smokescreen.
Maybe .. just maybe it’s a way of untying all the players on stupidly high wages.
I reckon that. There are an awful lot of clubs, especially in Europe that are on the verge of bancupcy and if fans don’t return for a long time …’puff’
They disappear.
There is so much more we are not being told
Just a thought ?
Doesn’t it take a 75% vote by the PL clubs to expel a team from the Premier League? 75% of 20 equals 15 clubs. Take away the “super 6” and there’s not enough to vote to expel. It’s breathtaking and shameful that these negotiations have taken place in such secrecy and presented as a fait accompli. The super 6 want to have their cake and eat in. Stay in the PL and have a great little earner in the midweek European super league! The mind boggles. Sure, they won’t be in the various national cups and the watered down Champions League, but what a mess they will have created.
My comment does not concern either this game or the Super League. My thoughts are about our U23 squad. They are currently vying for a play-off position.
Some regular players have been elevated to train with the first team – and some even featuring on the bench as reserves. Might it be a good idea (now that we are safe from relegation) to give some thought about letting the likes of Hoever, Otasowie, Vitinha and any other highly rated U23 to gain some game time in the remaining U23 fixtures and see if we can achieve promotion. The top side (Leeds) has already won the league, and they regularly used first team players who were not required for the day or returning from injury.
Yesterday they drew against WBA, with the baggies scoring in the last 3 mins from the penalty spot. With the likes of Giles, Shabani, Sanderson out on loan, all the best U23 players are not available for selection. Pity.