What impressed me at Peterborough last week was the same thing that impressed me today – control.
Yes, it was only one goal and in truth not much else created aside.
But when you use the ball so intelligently and control the rhythm and tempo of the game for such long periods, one goal is often all it takes.
For all the champagne football we saw under McCarthy in the Championship winning campaign, I don’t remember many comfortable 1-0’s.
But as narrow victories go, Wolves made this look pretty straightforward.
The second half became a procession as we strangled the life out of the opposition, reducing them to a handful of breakaways and long balls into the box.
However, the first 45 was anything but a stroll. As they have been too often, Wolves were slow out of the blocks and very nearly punished. Wednesday created openings and had a decent shout for a penalty. On another day we would have been chasing the game.
But the longer it went on, the more authority Wolves exerted and after taking the lead, they rarely looked troubled.
It was another fierce strike and telling contribution from the languid Sako who can seemingly go from ‘unbothered’ to ‘unplayable’ in seconds. I’m enjoying his performances.
Doumbia and Henry can consider this another midfield battle won. Their dominance was probably the main factor that swung it our way.
A third consecutive clean sheet in the league and a first of the season at home was pleasing. Ikeme didn’t have a save to make all game.
Berra and Johnson weren’t asked many questions either, whilst Foley and Ward were untroubled after that lacklustre start.
Foley in particular impressed, using all his composure and intelligence. Perhaps more than anyone else, the full back is benefiting from Solbakken’s preference for neat possession football.
Doyle too continued his resurgence, albeit still without a goal. Equally, Ebanks-Blake didn’t get a sniff throughout to add to his 3 league goals. He’ll enjoy better days.
Peszko impressed me today after coming on early for the unfortunate Boukari. The Pole was heavily involved throughout and always causing the opposition headaches.
He occupied those pockets of space behind the forwards well and made intelligent runs. After a few anonymous outings, it was pleasing to see him have an influence.
But as this new Wolves team continues to strengthen and rack up the points in the process, it’s clear that the biggest influence of all is coming from one place only.
The dugout.
Great write up. It was a comfortable win and we cannot have enough clean sheet. Ståle’s transformation of a losing team is firmly underway.
To me, Foley was immense. He often looked like a frightened little schoolboy among the big boys in the Prem but now he is full of confidence. I even saw him take a man on when he had the ball at right back!
Also I feel Ikeme deserves a mention. He looks like he owns the box. When he goes for high ball you can see that he will get it. He gives confidence to the defence – an area of the game that I feel Hennessey is missing to some degree. I don’t see it as granted that Henners will be the no 1 when he gets back from injury.
My only worry is the lack of goals. We never looked like conceding but I would like to see us kill the game off earlier. Doyler played well but he doesn’t score and I would really like us to have more outlets for chances than Sako although he looks like he will be good for 10-15 goals this season from free kicks alone. Peszko looks like he is still adapting to the English game.
Saw the extended highlights on the football league show and it looked like we were very lucky to get away with Ward’s challenge in the box; he was certainly nowhere near the ball anyway.
Doyle looks a much better player again and imo Foley is, and always has been, our best right back. He has been mucked about for too long and is no midfield player.
Agree with you Thomas that Ståle is having a big effect. Good to hear about the control of the match too, something you can’t tell from highlights.
Travelling up to see my first home match for a year on Tuesday. Another clean sheet and 3 more points please lads!
Oh and real bad luck for big G. Sounds a horrific injury.
It was never a pen in a million years. Ward may have been nowhere near the ball, but neither was he near the opponent’s legs. On another day, the attacker could have got booked for a dive. It was one call the ref got right, considering he had a mixed day.
Thinking about it you’re probably right. Too slow to get the ball or the player!
Just read that Big george has fractured and dislocated his ankle. Shocking injury. Get better soon george.
All hail SS! As much anger was pointed to Moxey and Morgan for having no replacements for Mick in the middle of the season (all deserved) I feel we definitely have the right manager in place for right now. The style being put in, and players being brought in, have been nothing but a success at this point. Hope the team form continues. Can’t wait to see Wayne (Ikeme has been superb) and O’hara back healthy so the club adds real quality depth. Already looking towards January to see what areas Stale wants to improve, as well as, players sold that he doesn’t feel match the style/quality he is looking for.
As a Norwegian, I would like to point out that Ståle is known for playing the long game. Even if it doesnt lead to instant success he keeps on plodding on and has the results to show for it. Hope he gets a few years to form the team properly, even if injuries/lack of form should hinder an instant return to the PL. At least he should be used to the mediapressure after his year in Germany…
Great report mate. You texted me the Sako goal alert just as my dad was giving his father of the bride speech. Great timing…settled the old boy’s nerves!
If Stale’s vision is emphasis on possession and narrowing space then it looks like its coming together.
Looking forward to Tuesday!
Oh, hope whoever had my ticket had a good time!
That is good timing. I’m sure he brought the house down. Hope it was a great day mate.
Yeah, George who had your ticket was a top bloke.
Had a quick chat with him before and after the game. He may comment himself, but he was very grateful for the opportunity. Came down on the train especially.
I’ve got your ticket back by the way. Should have mentioned.
It was a great day out and a nice view to boot. Thing’s always seem better when they’re free.
I thought Foley was his intelligent self, Doyle ran around with his head on and Sako was always available to receive the ball. The rest of the team also performed well.
Thanks for a top day out. Joint top of league too.
Great summary.
Found a very good ‘stream’ of the 2nd half and was able to watch it all.
We were in total control.
Sako and Foley stood out. They both oozed ‘class’.
I always thought our players were better than the performances MM got out of them.
To me, from what I have seen this season, Johnson, Berra, Doyle & Henry have improved 10%-15% at least and will continue improving.
However, taking off my rose tinted glasses, we’d need to invest a lot of money to survive, if we went up.
What was the stream mate?
http://atdhenet.tv/index.html
Best one, usually can get everything on it.
Will be watching the Ryder Cup later!
Nice one, thanks.
I’ve recently used thefirstrow.eu…..Never had a problem, quality stream usually.
Great result, and for the first time with such a slim lead, I didn’t feel that “hanging-on” vibe and nervousness that it could change at any time like with previous games. As Thomas said, we seemed in total control and never really under pressure or on the back foot like the Derby match.
Agree that Ikeme has been superb, and think that Henessey has his job cut out after his recovery to reclaim the No.1 spot.
Up the Wolves!
I should be careful posting stream links up on here, you’ll get Thomas and Ben into trouble!
I like the way the team’s looking at the moment. We have to hope we don’t suffer injuries between now and the window (esp in defence). Despite the detractors Berra and Johnson are looking solid. Quality professional players don’t become crap overnight, and they’re doing a good job for us at the moment. The Johnson situation reminds me a bit of the Butler meltdown in the season prior to our getting promoted. Remember that? He was deeply unpopular after the shit went up at our expense but then came back incredibly strong in the season we went up.
We should be in the top 6 come Christmas and I suspect we’ll bring 2-3 more players in then, such is our financial strength (incl. a left back to finally replace Ward). Moxey and Morgan took a gamble with Stale, but I think it’s paying off.
BEST SITE FOR LIVESTREAMS IS WIZIWIG.EU the choice is endless and good quality !! fwaw !
Agree about Foley who I thought was man of the match. He is calm under pressure rarely misses a tackle and is thoughtful when passing the ball. I do miss the sight of Zubar storming down the wing but Foley’s defending is better for my coronary health. I thought Peszko worked well with Foley down the right but Peszko needs to improve his final ball and finishing- a shot or cross in the second half ended up as a throw in on the other side of the pitch. Doyle must be made of titanium and have Duracell batteries as he just keeps going despite the physical charms of Taylor and Gardner but needs to score more. Doumbia is a creative force in the midfield and this may be encouraging Henry to try to do more with the ball with mixed results. The free kick was a farcical way to win the game but as Brian Rix says points win prizes.
Can’t say I’m worried about “a lack of goals” at all, what pleases me beyond measure is the clean sheets. The key to promoted sides prospering in the Premier League is to have a defence that expects not to concede. As we know last season we never started a game without thinking that we must score at least two to win – the defence was a shambles.
It is a myth that teams playing “open attacking football” prosper – a myth propogated by the imbecilic TV commentators whose job it is, not to understand or provide a commentary for the sport, but, like a barker at an old style fair, to drum up the tv ratings so that the advertisers are satisfied. Consequently their talk is all juvenile “Roy Race and Melchester Rovers” idiocy.
If Wolves were going to turn things around the essential thing was to build the bedrock of a frim defence. And it looks as though we are moving in the right direction. Who could have predicted that we would be able to do so around Johnson and Berra – so often the whipping boys of last year’s shambles? Foley returning to full-back is yet another boost.
Mind you, one of the biggest plaudits must be reserved for Carl Ikeme, who, thrown in at the deep end has risen to the challenge admirably. Third choice last year he has had to perform from the off behind a back four that was used to conceding goals and lots of them. His excellent performances have been a considerable factor in our much improved defence. Wayne Hennessey is going to have his work cut out to get back into the team.
I can’t let yesterday go without mentioning my Wolves man-of-the-match which I thought was Karl Henry. I really do think that our final league position this season rests upon Henry avoiding injury (and suspension, no cheap or stupid cards please – cut out the kamikaze dives at opponents and the brainless retaliations). We all know Henry isn’t the most technically-gifted of players but our midfield looks far more controlled and effective when he plays.
The other encouraging sign is the passing. Yesterday we saw Wolves retain the ball and move it around, sometimes without going forward or creating a chance.
IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT US FANS DO NOT GET FRUSTRATED OR IMPATIENT WHEN THEY DO SO.
Retaining possession builds confidence, frustrates the opposition and although it may not provide the thrills and spills of “lumping it into the mixer” over a season if wins matches.
When Wolves get promoted back to the Premiership (and I think this season would be too soon, but watch me change my mind if we’re still third after Christmas) then we need to go back in with a team of players who know how to retain the ball, to create space and a range of options for the man in possession by moving fluidly off the ball, to maintain defensive concentration and discipline when counter-attacking.
In other words we need to go back into the Premiership playing Premiership Quality Football not on a gung-ho tide of swamping Championship opposition by peppering the opposing penalty area with crosses and a bullish attitude. The latter only gets you relegated straight back down.
Give me a season of controlled thoughtful 1-0 wins not the dazzling fireworks of a 5-2 victories. Then I will know that the Wolves are back on the right track and fit to rejoin the Big Boys.
Great post but disagree with a couple of points:
1) Alan Hansen
2) we’re joint 1st
I’m still concerned over fitness though. Retaining the ball is best done with a accuracy and speed. Doing it at walking pace, which is all we managed in the last fiftenn minutes of the game, only encourages the opposition.
If I’m thinking “Christ, we look knackered” after 75 minutes, what are the opposition thinking?
Im expecting Ståle thinks more or less the same.
Agree with Kevin. You could sense some fans getting agitated in the second half as we passed it around despite the fact we were winning. I hope this doesn’t become an issue as it is clear that Stale is content to wait for the mistakes from opponents – which in this division is a good policy.
A word for Foley. So good to see him back and getting on the ball. He got caught out a few times last season but if Stearman is a better bet than him then the game is a joke – he is the one Wolves player who always plays the right pass.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/wolves-bidding-to-sign-sunderland-striker-1351556#.UGgFtGSOlzY.twitter
Could Frazier Campbell be the answer to opening up more defenses? Possibly yes. I think Sunderland owe us a favor for getting Fletcher on the cheap. Ilkeme looks quality in goal along with Foley in that RB position. But i was impressed with Doumbia in the middle of the park. He seems to have time on the ball and always looking at options around him. Agree with the comment on crowd getting slightly restless yesterday , but like the manager said its work in progress. Campbell and possibly 1 or 2 other signings will help complete that work in progress.
WE don’t need another striker – SEB, Siggy, Doyle all good for us, Nouble I’m not sure but I think Jake Cassidy might be able to do well for us too if he can get into the team – he’s doing brilliantly at Tranmere!
A major question I found myself asking yesterday was:
Does Ohara have a role in this team? Doumbia and Henry are the best CMs by a mile and I can’t see Ohara on the wing at all
Thanks Robin for the link…one that I use when I am out in the Middle East and it tends to work very well is http://www.thefirstrow.eu/
The only problem is that because we are in the lower div now they don’t tend to have many games televised.
I watched the whole of the game on Norwegian local TV yesterday and one thing that struck me was I didn’t feel nervous with being only one goal up. MM days I would always feel nervous if we were two up but there is definite control for the first time in many years.
Ikeme was outstanding and I think more commanding in coming for balls than both Hennessey and Murray. I cannot see him being dislodged on current form.
Foley played some lovely touches and one take down in particular oozed class. Wonderful seeing him in his natural position and Stears should not get a look in if Foley is fit
I think Stale has played a blinder getting the turnaround in Johnson and also the way he primed the fans into giving the guy another chance…that is pure man and fan management.
Berra was solid and seems to be dropping the Shirt Pulling more and more which has always been a concern in the past
Henry was pivotal alongside Doumbia in bossing most of the midfield
Doyle again tireless and the goals will come
SEB always busy
Sako is by far the best deliverer of a ball from set pieces we have had in years and for consitency I would say since the Wag although not as good in open play delivery but here’s hoping
Peszko concerns me a little…no doubting his industry and that he will cause problems for defences but he tends to go a bit headless chicken when in a position to pull the trigger, hope it is just nerves until he bags his first goal
All in all a very good 3 points…remember the 17 1-0 wins that took a certain team not far away from the Mol up into the Prem one season, I for one would be more than happy for a percentage of that
The most important factor of the whole game for me though is the change in the dugout. I always liked MM but the new guy seems to have a certain composure and exudes the confidence of someone who has more in his locker than just throwing players on without really utilising them in the most effective way to counter problems in the game. I would gladly settle for next season in this league as well if it means that when we get back to the promised land we arrive there with a team that can keep hold of the ball and when they lose it have the composure to get the thing back without being scared of their shadows
Onwards and onwards
We played well and deserved the 3 points.
Although I would be happier if we could had finished the game off with another goal.
We sat back again 2nd half and against better opposition Could have been punished.
Sako played well but was knackered at 70 minutes, walking pace on the wing when he should have been bombing into their box.
Still I’m happy with the way things are going if these results carry on we have no cause for complaint.
Well done Wolves, onto the next one..
Looking forward to wearing my favourite combination tomorrow: a wolves shirt and a smile!
From the second I googled STS after we signed him I knew we had a real football manager, and the more he settles in the angrier I get at the memory of the ‘football’ we endured under MM.
I worry that failure to go up this time may see us lose Sako and Doumbia, who are clearly pivotal to any chance of progression.
Doyle makes me so happy I could cry. If I had a wife I’d be more than happy for him to shag her.
Interesting question on O’Hara and whether he will get back in the team. He played so well when he wanted a contract, hopefully we’ll get that player back and not the one who couldn’t be arsed last season.
Sober (hungover) now, but still think we can win the league…
UTW, and (for today only) come on villa!
O hara needs a second chance to show what he can do under our new manager, just like the others have had.
Marked improvements all round, except Ward….hole in the arse scenario……..so we need the same chance to be given to O Hara.
We might be pleasantly surprised, again.
Saw the highlights of yesterdays match on the sanitized site, and they seemed to have more chances than us, and that was the official Wolves edited edition!!!
Still, 3 points is 3 points, and winning, like losing, can become a habit, and smiley faces on fans is better than miserable ones!
Can Villa and the shit both lose today???
FOwb
The Stale project has won me over. The only problem now is it’s got me thinking this might not be just a transitional season after all. Slightly concerned about the lack of chances being created from open play, but as is rightly said, when you control a game with such ease and strangle the life out of the opposition, that doesn’t really matter. Also, this is still very much work in progress, and we’ve won four on the spin without actually playing that well. Henry and Doumbia are immense and a joy to watch at times. Even the defence seems steely enough at present. That’s right, I’m happy as a Wolves fan, which is always dangerous.
It may be a false dawn, we may get a ruck of injuries, but it was nineteen bow and arrow when we last won four on the bounce, so let’s fuckin’ enjoy it while it lasts.
Some of today’s fans still think a lot of clean sheets is hotel terminology.
Bring on the Palace!!
Not the kind of hotels I go to.
A win 3 points, all to be said. Everything on plan. Way to go SS.
What I am liking is that I think SS knows his players and best team and enters each game with a plan. Someting I dodnt think MM and TC every really did. SS does not not tinker MM did.
Another win!
Can anyone tell me about Ståles tactics of defence in Wolverhampton. Does he play with a zone-defence? Do Berra and Johnson double when the full-backs are in trouble on their sides?
Sorry to hear that players are in lack of fitness.
When Wolves lost Kightly, Jarvis and Fletcher, Ståle had to get hold of players like Sako, Boukari and Doumbia. Here in Norway it is said that Sako is better than Steward Dowing in Liverpool, so I am surprised that Ståle was able to buy him for only 3,4 mill £ .
Great to see us playing like a team that wants to be on friendly terms with the ball and not hoof it away to the opposition.
Looking at the way we’re set up and the accuracy of Sako’s delivery it is just such a shame that Fletcher has gone. He would have had a field day in this league. Do you think if we offer a couple of million O’Neill will let us have him back?
Fat chance, he’s the only one keeping them out of the drop zone!
I’m on this message board and there’s few Sunderland fans there. They were pretty much skeptical about him when he first signed, the price and all. Told them he’s class and to chill. Bragging right secured, ha.
great summaries, really enjoy all the comments and ideas.
Did anyone else notice that ‘wrack’ should be ‘rack’ – up the points -which I’m sure we’ll be doing – roll on Tuesday ! UTW
Great post, cheers!
Four consecutive wins and joint first – happy days! What’s even more important and encouraging is that, judging by the recent blogs and comments, the team is playing on the floor, long it may continue. There’s only this much I could take of the last year’s hopeless hoofing around.
I’ve been positive to Stale ever since the news of him coming over were revealed. MM was at one time known for his recruitment of “hungry” players, now I think we’ve got both “hungry” manager and players. And what could be possibly more dangerous that a pack of hungry Wolves? Let the opposition tremble.
It’s Peter Knowles’ birthday today; probably Wolves’ finest ever player. Billy Bragg called him God’s Footballer.
Belated happy Birthday Peter (Give it to ) Knowles (we want Goals). Such a sad sad event for us but you had your faith.
All the talent, creativity and I could not wait to see you play to see what came next.
Solbakken is a real scoop. As a FC Copenhagen fan I followed his work here and it was nothing but impressive. Every year while he was manager here FC Copenhagen played european football, two times Champion League, ones in 1/8 CL final, beating teams like Ajax, Manchester United…playing 1:1 against Barcelona with Messi & comp., and all this with a team which was not better than Wolves are today. He is passionate and honest. Forget the episode with FC Cologne. FC Cologne financialy collapsed, he had no substitutes for injured and red-carded players, and everone interfeared in his job. No manager would have had success there. You are going to see many 1:0 games, but not many defeats.
Well said Zeljko Vukman. Nice to hear from fans of other clubs with unbiased views.
Many 1-0 games will be fine if we play entertaining football and the ‘1’ is scored up the other end!
I think I’ll be happy with any number of 1 – 0 wins even if they are not too entertaining. Rather be boring winners than entertaining losers. Perhaps we can manage both!
That was meant to mean being entertaining and winning 🙂
Very happy with progress so far. Although I hope not there will be stumbles, but lets remember this is a work in progress, and in fairness SS was not too sure who would be around after the window closed.
Looking forward to Jan to see which positions he strengthens, I suspect there will be money available if we are still in positive territory. Please Santa at least a left back.
Someone above mentioned how comfortable they felt even at 1-0 compared with MMs teams. So true, last three years I always felt the opposition could score everytime they got the ball. This control of the ball is what great teams are built around.
Spot on blog, a very comfortable 1-0 win, if there is such a thing.
However as usual Ward was caught for lack of pace, and that penalty decision could have gone against us. If it had where would a goal have come from. Doyle is play ing on top of his game, but for me EB just isn`t cutting the mustard, and hasn`t got that yard of pace to create space to shoot. The lack of physicality may be a problem as the season goes on, and we are not scoring enough goals, in a topsy turvy division where anybody can beat anyone, goal difference may count.
Saying that our keeper didn`t have a saveto make, and shows far better judgement in coming for and collecting crosses than Hennessey. We are very well covered in the goalkeeping dep.
Equal first already, things can only get better !!
Totally changing the subject, and the sport, I gotta tell y’all about the wonderful US sports commentators and journalists.
At one point, during the Olympic individual women’s gymnastics final, the commentator on NBC proudly bragged that a certain US gymnast was the most odds on favorite to win a gold medal, out of any sport at this years Olympics.
Imagine my hoots of derision and howls of laughter when she promptly fell on her arse and didnt win the gold.
So to my point, and The Ryder Cup.
Sunday morning’s local rag was full of how well the US team had played, had a virtually unassailable lead, and always played their best golf on the last day, the individual matches.
Yes, wonderful stuff from the European team, and a right, royal “fuck you” to those arrogant US journalists for counting their chickens before the gift horse was put in the cart.
I love it when loud mouthed mofo’s get their come uppance.
Back to the Wolves.
I think Palace are going to be no pushovers, and if we beat them, it will be a big scalp.
Once again, I’ll be listening illegally on the Wolves player. So far, 4 for 4.
Which reminds me that Scooped and I used to laff at the ideal Scottish football score:
Four for Forfar, Five for East Fife.
FOwb
With you all the way with the Ryder Cup. In fact, I put my money where my mouth is and slapped £25 on Europe to win on Saturday night at odds of 19-1. Those are silly odds and it had to be done. So the drinks are on me!!
British Airways fly once a day to Houston.
I’ll pick you up at the Intergalactic Airport, and you can buy me a beer, or seven, now you can afford it.
I’ll even invite Houston Lobo to join us.
Fair enough but Houston Lobo (sounds like a cheesy 70s singer) can buy his own drinks!