‘Just because we’re a Premiership club, doesn’t make us a Premiership side,’ Mick McCarthy would utter a season or so ago.
As Mick’s clichés would go, this one always offered more longevity and sense than the many others he’d come out with.
Until now.
The comprehensive ease of our 2-0 win might only count for three points in the Premier League, but to every Wolves fan who saw this masterclass, it meant a whole lot more.
It told us all, if not the rest of this ruthless league, that we unmistakably belong in it.
Wins over Manchester United, City and Chelsea last season were justifiably euphoric to every single one of us.
But while this dominant display over Fulham won’t command the same headlines on the back pages, it felt more satisfying.
Far from a perceived flash in the pan – featuring stoic, sinew stretching defiance – to upset the odds, this was a performance that said in bold and simple terms: ‘We are a Premier League side.’
On today’s showing, we look a bloody good one at that, with any traces of naivety replaced by chest puffing confidence that bordered on a swagger.
Underneath our ‘breathable, sweat reversing, technologically advanced’ Burrda shirts, was a skin that every player looked comfortable to be in.
Our ever commendable levels of effort and endeavour were almost contradictory to the end result, as we won without breaking sweat.
No grand analysis needed to an objective onlooker, other than to say that a quality top flight outfit was superior in every single department to another (not withstanding their Thursday exertions)
And how good does that feel?
Explaining this overall picture should be difficult, considering Roger Johnson is the only new face to a team that lost so memorably in our last home match in May.
But it really isn’t. Stephen Hunt and Jamie O’Hara look even better players than last season, oozing ‘Premier League class’ that peak match sharpness had previously hampered.
And while Johnson’s measured, assured presence can not be underestimated, it was the performances of three more familiar faces that painted a Premiership picture.
Wayne Hennessey was utterly commanding from the first whistle to the last, Christophe Berra was first to every single tackle and header in a display to outshine his partner, while Stephen Ward was, well…
…Phenomenal.
His heroic, goal defying block on Clint Dempsey while already injured was enough to preserve a clean sheet – if not Mick’s boxer shorts – as he danced around the technical area with two fists pumping.
His overall performance was even more memorable, warranting an ear splitting ode from the South Bank as they sung his name for the first time.
With Karl Henry looking head and shoulders above Danny Murphy, Clint Dempsey and latterly Steve Sidwell, the balance of the side looked better than ever.
Coupling that with the raw pace and threat of Matt Jarvis and we look some proposition, not least when Steven Fletcher and Kevin Doyle are up front together.
The pair were selfless, speedy and superior throughout, causing all number of headaches for Fulham’s back line when they weren’t defending from the front.
Doyle deserved his opener after missing a glorious chance minutes earlier – which only he could have created for himself – paving the way for a second when the brilliant Hunt conjured another.
His cross too difficult to defend and flicked onto the post by Johnson, only to fall at Jarvis’s feet who gleefully smashed home.
The second half entertainment was no less enjoyable, with Richard Stearman in particular catching the eye.
In many ways, we were like the great Frank Munro, who would have beamed a big infectious smile from his spiritual vantage point.
Magnificent on the ball, classy, assured and unassumingly superior.
Now if that doesn’t make us a Premier League side, then I don’t know what does.
You’ve said it all mate. Nice one.
Any other business?
Cheers mate.
Only that I am not used to being this happy! To think Zubar (who was one of the first names on my teamsheet in the summer) is 3rd choice right back speaks volumes about what Mick has out on the field.
Not only does it say to any injured lads that they are going to have to be bloody good to get back in, but it tells me that any final bit of transfer activity will have to involve a real talent, as the team out there looked very good. And in it for eachother. Looks like a great team spirit.
Nice summary Ben. I was watching on the net and could not believe how we bossed it, the possession stats in the first half day it all really. Wards tackle was sublime and I was chuffed for him to silence his critics today. After Doyles chance I wad fearing the worst but he made up for the miss spectacularly with a great finish. Johnsons presence in the box at both ends is simply a pleasure for us fans. He was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet and it was great for jarvis to get his seasons tally first. Great performances all over the place. Second in the league until man utd play tomorrow. Good times.
Definitely said it all. Hunt was fantastic today. Truly deserved his standing ovation.
Great day at molineux for the gold and black horde 😉
Managed to catch the second half after work and was amazed at the transformation from last season. Slick passing and mostly solid defending. Looks like somethings going right for us after all! And at the moment I, like many others I assume, am eating my words about Ward! Fantastic last minute tackle. O’hara was the one that really caught my eye though. Looked fantastic out there today
Great blog.
Fantastic display today and yes, we looked rock solid at the back. The signing of Johnson could look like the bargain of the century. He makes everyone around him better!
But Hunt was MoM – his energy and persistence is simply fantastic. Here in Copenhagen, Denmark I am certainly having a good one.
But, as a Wolves fan, I relegation, or the avoidance of it, is still on my mind.
UTW
Still haven’t seen the game, but from all accounts Ward played well again.
So, in the hopes that he has been reading my blogs for the last 3 years, and taking note of the criticism, and indeed improving vastly because of it, I intend to keep saying he’ crap, hope he keeps proving me wrong, and we keep winning!!!!!!
Beats praying to a mythical being in the sky, don’t it??!!
COME ON ME BABBIES!!!!!!
never mind wardy, what happened to FOMM?
OOPs, sorry, I’m slipping.
FOMM
Not a big fan of Ward right now, actually…he cost me two points in the Prediction League! 😛
Seriously though – great posting! We have reason to be optimistic about the rest of the season! 🙂
One of the most important things to come out of today is not only did I predict the correct score but the scorers in the right order. Im not usually one to gloat but this may be the only time i get it it right.
I think today 3 players who usually come in for some stick were excellent, Ward, Berra and Henry who looked a much better player than last season even trying his luck with a strike early on in the game. The addition of Johnson seems to not only be a singular improvement but those playing in defence alongside him looked better for him being there. Out wide we always looked like creating and with Fletcher and Doyle both looking good I see good times ahead. I felt Fulham had much more joy down our right hand side today and was suprised Foley didnt start. Overall its been an excellent start and apart from Spurs which is a tough fixture all the games at home up till the chelsea game look like they could be 3 pointers and if thats the case i see a healthy mid table finish ahead.
Mesmeric article mate. Perfectly sums up the euphoria of a polished home win.
Many brilliant performances but can’t help but purr over Johnson.
I lost count of the number of towering headers he won often sending the ball from his own half deep into the opposition’s.
A few sloppy passes aside, he oozed quality and made us look ten times more assured, albeit against a muted Fulham attack.
Villa is a big test but I don’t see any reason we shouldn’t go there expecting, not hoping, for a result.
Like a number of those posting here, I agree that Stephen Hunt was fantastic today. His commitment, energy, skill and desire were there for all to see. MoM without a doubt.
That said, the work that the whole team put in today was commendable, showing that they wanted it more than a talented Fulham side, comprehensively outplaying them as a result.
Bring on the Villa!
I’m loving Stephen Hunt at the moment. It’s like having Alex Rae back in the team. We’ve missed that type of player since him and Ince.
I agree Hnt is just all over the place, love the way he just pops up at the right time for a tackle or pass!
We appear to have matured as a team. M.M. ‘s perseverance with Ward looks like paying dividends. A fully fit Hunt & O’Hara, plus the blending of Doyle and Fletcher, seems to have transformed us. It seems Johnson’s oozes influence and unlike last season, never felt the defence would concede a goal. Above all there seems to be a cohesion about the squad. Can we get 9 points from our first three games? – It’s looking possible.
Great write up – only point I’d take slight issue with is Hennessey’s performance. Far improved from last week in terms of bossing the six yard area and claiming crosses, but his kicking was rather erratic.
Still, that’s an insignificant point. Excellent performance by everyone in old gold today.
And phenomenal is just the word for Wardy. According to the fantasy football website he’s the league’s second best defender, although I can’t imagine anyone else committing themselves to that goal-saving tackle while half-crocked like he did. A perfect afternoon!
Eat that! Eat that! For the first time ever I get to give my ex’s brother (Gunners fan) some stick! I’m buzzing off this season already. I’m tempted to put a framed photo of Stephen Ward on my desk at work.
I have to say Stephen Ward’s one man crusade to make Clive look a total mug is pleasing me no end.
Great read Ben, thanks! One thing that I think is worth drawing attention to today was Jarvis left and Hunt right. I’ve always preferred Jarvo on the left and thought Hunt’s inclusion was going to mean he’d be mostly employed down the right – but swapping them over today really worked. Hunt is never going to beat a man down the line and whip a ball in as hes not quick enough, so allowing him to drive in from the right really suits him and allows Jarvo to take up that left wing berth. Hunt has significantly improved from last season, hes like a new player, brilliant. Also credit where credit is due, I thought my least favourite players, Berra, Ward and Henry all played well today. Great team performance. Please just go and buy Scott Dann now Jez and we’re nearly there!
What a performance, what a team, what a manager. These truly are the days my friends. And to top it all off we’re the best cricket team in the world too. It’s actually quite nice supporting successful teams. I could get used to this…
One little gripe about Stephen Ward. There were a fair few instances when he looked for a pass that just wasn’t there to Jarvis when it would have been hell of a lot simpler to just cross the ball. Frustrating.
But I must comment how much everyone impressed today. In particular Hunt who looked an absolute world beater.
Way to get a cheeky 2 comments in Hallam.
It was late, alright. Forgot what I had to say 😉
Watched the game last night – delighted at the result! You’re right, we look like a team who should be in the Premiership and I hope that this is a sign of things to come this season.
If we can start doing well against teams like this on a regular basis then we won’t need to worry about getting results against the very big boys too (and if we DO as well…Europe?).
The confidence is palpable which is great – well played by all positions!
Thanks Ben, nice write up. Fantastic result. I know we’re only 2 games in but I can’t stop looking at the beautiful league table.
Great article. Not hearing any complaints about Ward, what a performance!
Distribution from defence with the long ball in the first half was a bit of a worry. A quality defensive midfielder who can tackle as good as henry and give him some competition for his place would be nice. Its almost the same team as last year but with Hunt fully fit, the additions of Johnson and O Hara & Fletcher fully fit the jigsaw is fitting at long last. And to have the likes of Ebanks, Kightly and Milijas on the bench sums up our strength in depth. If Kightly comes good its like another quality signing for free. One happy wolf!
UTW.
One more thing, whos gonna get the goals, well…
Ward our defensive striker.
Jarvis and Hunt our super wingers.
O Haras cannon foot.
Johnsons super headers.
And if that doesnt work, weve always got Doyle and Flecher, they are a good back up!
+ a quality bench.
We have got players all over the field who can score.
And our 12th man is coming soon, fans close to the pitch and the away fans hidden in a corner.
Oh happy days.
Quality article Ben. Like our football team, this blog is premier class.
That was by far the most impressive Wolves performance i’ve seen for a very long time. You couldn’t fault a single player. Johnson, Doyle, O’Hara all immense but MOM, Hunt for me. I also like the new look Berra as well, bouffant hairstyle and no more dirty white T shirt, gorgeous!
Some words on Ward – defended brilliantly, as everyone has already highlighted – that stop in the second half when the ball came away from Hennessy under pressure was just breathtaking! It was nice to hear the south bank sing for Ward. He’s had a fairly tough time since his arrival at Molineux (I know I’ve been critical in the past), not helped by being constantly shifted around the pitch. However; he’s now proving to be a fairly solid left back and I think he is far less error prone than big George.
A superb team performance and a well deserved win. Lets hope we can keep this level of performance going.
Just because you have 11 players on the park that doesn’t mean you have a team playing and that for me was the difference. We were a team in which the whole was greater than the sum of the parts. Yes there were moments of individual brilliance but what was more inspiring was the way players complemented and combined with each other. This is not something you can buy off the shelf. So congratulations MM and congratulations Ben, great blog.
And based on the photo on p47 of the programme it might be worth a bet on Ireland to beat England in the ODI on Thursday.
Ward looks like a different player so far this season – hats off to you and long may it continue!
Am I the only person sad enough to have a photo (ok two just to be safe) of teletext on my phone showing Wolves top of the Premier league for 90 glorious minutes? Probably the only time it will happen in my lifetime so priceless.
I always backed Hunt when we signed him and couldn’t understand what happened last season (thought he might be over the hill after his injury). Looks like he will be a massive player this time round.
I have that picture too, as do most of my mates after I sent it to all them!
My best mate has a season ticket at Anfield – so it was the main reason I took it!!!! Shame I dont have any mates that support the Albi*n – but that is through choice if I’m honest!
Hunt, Jarvis and O’Hara were brilliant as were the rest. Great win! Off to Villa now, weaker without Young and Downing, to go back to the top of the league!
Hi Rich, thought you might be interested to hear that my mate bumped into the Wolves squad in Birmingham Airport prior to the season starting and was listening in to their conversations. He said Kightly’s attitude was spot on about “having to make an impression this season as the gaffa has forgotten what I can do”.
He said that Keogh was only interested in talking about music and girls. F**k off to Leeds then!
That’s good to hear SW but at the moment with Jarvo and Hunt in fine form, as well as Hammill waiting in the wings, it’s gonna take a lot for him to get back in the side. I guess he’ll play midweek at Northampton though.
“Magnificent on the ball, classy, assured and unassumingly superior.
Now if that doesn’t make us a Premier League side, then I don’t know what does.”
Mate, I can think of several “Premier League” sides who don’t do that. Last night (Oz time) was so much fun.
I managed to find the only pub in Paxos with skysports to watch the game! I have two theories –
1. Johnson loves defending so much he passes to the opposition so he can tackle them again! Which he did fantastically.
2. We won 2 games while I was on holiday, must be a lucky charm or something – so lets start a kitty to send me back to greece for the rest of the season!
1. Yes a better team would have scored but the Fulham forwards just looked surprised and confused . Also there seemed to be a tactic of when in doubt pass the ball to Berra who would eventually hoof it in the general direction of a Fulham player. They need to get the ball to O’Hara or O’Hunt or O’Doyle.
2. Wolves could afford to buy you Greece if that’s all we need to keep winning- cheaper than a left back
Sunday`s performance showed the result and the way the team played at Blackburn was no fluke. It`s amazing how much difference in play and confidence that two quality signings have made.
I enjoyed the performance at Ewood park, and on paper we had tougher opposition on Sunday, but it made no difference, the display was immense from the whole team. Gentlemen I really think wolverhampton wanderers look, play and are at last a real premiership side.
“Gentlemen”? You not speaking to Clive then???
Gentlemen have hair.
Bugger, I’m out then.
Ward’s clearance was magnificent! The team played as a team, no selfishness at all, everyone pushing each other to be better. If a lead pass was off i saw 2 thumbs up for the great effort, no little fits about the ball not being where I want it (Tevas @Man City comes to mind). Great overlapping runs, shots from near and far to keep the goalie honest (O’Hare’s while a touch off target had a magnifcent blast) and great communication across the whole field, side to side, front to back. This was a great win for a great effort.
Watched on Fox Sawkerrr! before Hurricane Irene made direct hit!! Power back on now and can read all the media reports. Excellent report above, a fantastic result when done lads! I think its a bit lazy of fleet street and beeb to just rave about performances of O’Hara and Johnson, both were sloppy at times in possession but yes have improved our performances. Best performers on the day for me were Henry, Ward and Berra!
How many ‘Captains’ did we have on the pitch yesterday?? With the experience theyve gained, players really starting to look class. We may lose a few games and find our real level, but we should be looking to mid-table and that would be a great improvement.
Great post ben as usual,Fantastic performance a continuation from last week
only better.no goals conceded that for me was the big difference from last
season,defence looks solid with Johnson marshalling the back.Having moved
from the stan cullis to the lower steve Bull i could hear Johnson shouting the odds at his defence great just what was needed for a long time.Never been a fan of ward but if he keeps playing like that who knows.But saying that they all played great..A point at Villa on saturday would be great…
Three points at villa would be better. I know I am getting greedy but the teamwork Sunday was so good! I will hold three as a dream and a hope and maybe the team can make it a reality.
Cheers John. Very nice of you. I too would love a pt at villa! But there again, why not all 3?!
Yep why not,Thinking about it we did it last season why not do it again we should have the confidence after what we have produced so far..
It was like a dream – Wolves were playing with such confidence and authority never seen since the championship that it was a dreamlike experience. Excuse a couple of sloppy passes giving the ball away and the rest was magic. There was a real team spirit visible from the mannerisms of the players who all seemed to be having a great time.
A better start to the season than i could have hoped for and I see no reason why this new found assuredness cannot continue. I wonder if there is another gear available for when we meet the tougher opposition. Cant wait for Saturday!