That was reasonably comfortable.
A bit twitchy at the end and before the breakthrough in the first half, but Wolves ultimately showed they had the superior quality.
The disappointment was not getting a third goal when Luton were being pulled all over the pitch after Toti doubled the lead.
When those chances were being spurned amidst the showboating you suspected it might eventually offer the visitors a path back into the contest and that’s what happened.
Still, the remainder of the game was managed out and after the run of results, performances and misfortune we’ve had to suffer lately, that’s good enough for me.
As Gary said afterwards, getting both Cunha and Hwang onto the pitch makes a big difference. We saw them link up for the opening goal in a sequence of play that looks straightforward but is impossible if you don’t have forwards on the pitch to transport the ball through the final third, fashion some space and angle a shot.
With any luck, both of those players can replicate their double figure hauls for this season next time and maybe even operate off a number 9.
That would take this team on a level as they still lack a more direct option when the opposition compress the game or sit back and force them wide.
Elsewhere, I’m comfortable with the players we have, but some depth, options and competition for places would equate to more points on the board.
When the game did open up today the likes of Gomes, Ait-Nouri, Cunha and Lemina demonstrated their ability to work in those spaces and create good openings.
It won’t be so easy to do that in any of our remaining games but having pouched this victory we can at the very least approach those challenges with a more positive outlook.
A decent performance – yes absolutely. In stark contrast to our last game.
With Crystal Palace sandwiched between a trip to the Etihad and a visit to Anfield, maintaining 10th and achieving a top half finish is a big ask. But, frankly, it’s of little importance.
What is of far more significance is what happens in June and July.
Hopefully starting with O’Neil signing a new contract, Wolves offloading the likes of Silva and Guedes, keeping most if not all of our current first teamers, and finally, boosting our squad to 25 players. With additions of a similar ilk to Gomes, Lemina, Dawson.
With a full preseason, our current talented team and some shrewd reinforcements, a top half finish should be the minimum expectation next season.
UTW
Amen to all that Muttleigh, very well said. Do Fosun and Jeff have the intent – we’re about to fid out. It’s now or never because we can’t afford another (would be the fourth) season running out of players in March. And if we don’t act I can’t see Gary hanging around to become the inevitable scapegoat.
Not sure there is a PJB comment, no matter how positive, that has to slate Fosun and jeff.
Literally Every single one. I mean 7 years straight in the prem, some of the best footballers we will ever see at this club, Semi final FA CUP, and Europe.
They did what they needed too last season to avoid the everton and forest mess…
Yet Some how, you question them at every turn.
Some people just cannot be please.
But maybe I am missing something? What is it your expect from wolves, Seriously.
Typical wolves,cruising then letting a goal in,routine victory , buba mom,could be a cult hero,reminds us old ones off george Berry, love u bloggers , God bless u all,weekend so much better when we win, I liken wolves to a marriage,wolves aie we!
Yes a much improved performance which should have yielded more goals . Sharper and tighter all over the pitch, aggressive out of possession and largely positive with the ball.
Traore might be a bit ragged at times but his athleticism was noticeable, Lemina was back in his best position, marauding and producing a Neves pass to set Hwang up, Joao Gomes also impressed today after being off the boil recently. Toti doesn’t let you down defensively and his goal was well received by the team… always a good sign.
The South Bank deserve some credit for bellowing ironic cheers when VAR didn’t chalk off a Wolves goal. So all in all, take the three points and enjoy being 10th and in the first caption shown on TV, not that I expect that to last . Just makes you think of what might have been if only ……..
Any win is a good win, whoever you’re playing. The team started with an obvious determination to stop the rot and largely, though not totally, controlled proceedings.
Toti, Mario and Boubacar were superb and no one was rubbish.
Tougher tests to come in the run in but at least it cleansed the stench of VAR from my nostrils.
I liked the reaction of the fans on both goals. A sarcastic whoooooooo anticipating the VAR review until the Ref blew to restart play.. Followed by an enthusiastic bellow “Fuck VAR. Fuck VAR. ” And mimicked by the Luton fans. Wolves fans always have gallows humour. Today a fairly routine victory without too much to get worried about. Of course the obligatory Wolves concession of a goal to give us all the heebie geebies for the last 15 minutes. But 3 points. 46 overall. Sandwell lost. Blues in the shite. Not a bad day.
We played some very nice football in the second half, which after the horrifics of recent games was most welcome.
I was particularly impressed by B. Traore, who though a little rough around the edges showed huge potential. He could well have a big part to play next season.
But as others have said, our future now depends on Shi and Fosun providing GON with decent support in the summer , so that we can build on the major progress achieved this year.
Yes. I agree. Boubacar was very impressive today. We may have unearthed another gem there. Well done Jeff and the team.
You cannot resist it can you COD!
Wind up merchant par excellence!
Love it!
He is right though.
Look. It’s all a bit of banter to me. I have no ill will to anyone on this blog. I have said many times I dish it out so I am quite prepared to take it back when it comes. But I do know EVERY SINGLE PERSON ON THIS BLOG LOVES THE WOLVES. That is all that matters.
Love it!
Boubacar Traore was superb today.
We should have been ahead by three or four goals by the time they got that bizarre late score. But we got the three points and that’s what mattered after our poor run.
Good to see Cunha and Hwang linking up again and us dominating play in the second half.
Three games to go and any points will be a bonus.
Then we can enjoy the Summer and see what next season brings.
Just watching the United game where Burnley got a penalty for unanas reckless challenge …. w t actuall fuck ???
Have the rules changed since the no penalty decision against SK
What a fucking fix up
No wonder some of my friends have stopped attending games…..talk about killing the goose that laid the golden egg. !
Same thoughts for me – clearly a penalty this week (just as it should have been in week 1)
Matt are you going to Man City? If yes, fancy meeting up for a beer?
Not going to city mate but I’m hoping to go to Liverpool
It was an exact repeat, perhaps not even as bad as, the one against us.
Bloody disgusting inconsistency.
Sky have even picked up on it …… https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/13061873/manchester-uniteds-andre-onana-clatters-into-player-for-third-time-this-season
“wreckless” ? !!!
It was “just soft “ contact … laughing uncontrollably… x
Kinda like a soft head butt really!!
You might live in Perth Marney .. but we’d love to see you at the Bloggers Ball mate .. long shot I know ..
Hope you’re keeping well my friend.. a Boxing day trip to Everton perhaps..?
I’d love to be at the bloggers ball twix, and I will make it one year soon, ( perhaps when I finish work altogether) but not this year mate, unfortunately May isn’t the best month for us but Xmas time may be on the cards !
I will look forward to the pics and doogs video though, great stuff.
Utw
Happy days . Somewhere near a full strength attack and midfield.
Pleasure to watch.
Mario lemina is everything I like in a player.
Gets my vote for player of the season.
Well, that was more comforting, seeing Hwang and Cunha back in action together.
I received a ‘Thank you Wolves!’ from a mate who is a Forest fan feeling the pinch, so that was nice too.
It may be temporary, but it’s a good feeling breaking into the top ten isn’t it my fellow bloggers?
COYW!
I’m never particularly astute at deciphering tactics but I assume that the playing 3 at the back but with Semedo this time allowed him and Toti to burst forward whilst RAN and Doherty filled in for them.
If that was the case then for me, that was genius and just symbolises the creativity and fluidity that GON has brought to our team this season; even from the off at Old Trafford just 4 days into his tenure !
When I for one anticipated the complete opposite.
I’ll get my coat….
Not a comfortable watch but we got the points.
Just a quick mention for the Luton fans. I thought they were great and really added to the atmosphere. It’s the first time I’ve heard the away fans this season.
I hope they stay up.
I try not to think of ‘What might have been’ this season if we hadn’t had all those injuries at the same time, but ‘What might be’ next season if we keep this squad together and add a few young good value players who can develop into Premier League players.
Frustrating that we can never put the game to bed – just pass it to Hwang, Semedo!!! – but a win is a win.
I know this sounds sad but I recorded Gillette Labs yesterday and watched it last night. Paul Merson covered our game and reinforced his reputation as a gibbering idiot however a panellist asked Mike Dean for his assessment of Onana smashing the Burnley guy, “It’s a stonewall penalty” said Mike, to which the response was ,” so how come Wolves didn’t get one for the same offence? All MD could offer was “that was a complete ricket” (assume he means cock up or conspiracy)
Agree about Traore having an excellent game; he now needs to show he can do it consistently. Lemina back to his solid and dependable self. Semedo at right half, in old fashioned parlance, was a masterstroke as he’s so much more comfortable on the ball than Santi. We do need the solid defending of Dawson against the better teams though.
Cunha excellent and his mobility brings so much to the team. For all that he can take his chances pretty well, Hwang does need to do better with his hold up play and to stop falling over as if snipered at least couple of times every game. He can be so frustrating at times.
To my mind, Joao Gomes can still go up a couple of gears – there’s so much talent there.
Finally, a word for Sa. He’s such a good shot stopper and safe ball handler that I can forgive the occasional palpitations when the ball is at his feet.
Just watched Forest take the game to Citeh and with a striker it would have been much closer
Woods does
Clumsy
Nuno
Shows the Way Gary
They don’t like players running at them so chances for Semedo Bueno Perhaps Even Doc next we
Gomes and Doyle will
Need to block their socks off
As well as Traore
Already I’m seeing a point then 3 then Kloppmania sees a bad end to our season
Whatever …with reinforcements there’s plenty to be positive about next season
COYW
This is it lads and lasses .. the final call ..
Bloggers Ball at Rosso E Nero on 11 May at 6:30-7:00pm ..
We need to know for definite that you’ll be coming (those that Haven’t already ) so that we can finalise (or near as) the numbers …
It’s an absolutely great evening meeting such distinguishing bloggers as Wolfstoker, Marin Wolf from San Francisco, The DOOGooders, Dougie and family, London Wolves, Ben, Thomas, Franski , the Norwegian lot .. and of course her ladyship along with Lord TWIX ..
Please give it a go .. it not a clique .. just a brilliant evening..
WELL WHATS HOLDING YOU BACK ..?
Just put a yes post .. and we’ll do the rest ..
I have a Soul gig in Shepton Mallet M’Lord so need get straight back after the game. Sorry.
Steve aka Marnhull Wolves
Greetings.
Time to face up to the forthcoming Bloggers Ball Bash, dear Twix and others who put the effort in to organise this prestigious event, I would love to attend but health and financial concerns post Covid mean its a bit of a stretch for me. I don’t make plans so can’t commit. One season I’ll be there, just not this one. Have a good time.
Anyhow, three points can’t have come at a better time for the team, as form since the Cup exit to Cov hasn’t been great. Nice to see some of the first team back in action too.
Onana finally got some sort of punishment for his headhunting antics, though no mention of a yellow card, even though the penalty was given?
As Toyah used to say ‘It’s a mystery’.
She could have added, VAR is just a machine operated by dubious actors who only get away with it because they’re behind the security fence at Stockley Park. But it probably didn’t fit in with the rest of her lyrics.
Time for Gazzbo to get the Big Fish tactics out and land a donkey at the Twatihad. May the 4th be with you.
1 lv & COYW
Respect to you my friend .. it’ll make it special when you are able to say hello .. one love ..
Sorry to hear about your health issues, Rasta. I too have my own concerns, so totally understand. That said, it would have been good to chew the fat over a beer or two. Maybe next time.
Thanks Lads,
Should be back in the saddle sometime. Makes you think about the injuries and how frustrating they are for players when they come round.
1 lv & COYW
Well I guess this the final, final call for the Bloggers Ball. There’s poetry in there somewhere.
A bit like our match with Luton. I didn’t like the twitchiness [l had to check there was such a word] but it was another correct score for me. Sadly, not enough to worry the Prediction League leaders.
Anyway, back to the Bloggers’ Ball 2024. Late entrants most welcome, but we will be letting Rosso E Nero know final numbers tomorrow afternoon.
WP, I just wanted to thank you and his Lordship for your efforts in arranging the Bash which, for a whole number of reasons, I won’t be able to attend. I do, though, wish you all a very happy and pleasant evening with good food and drink and much chat about the team we love.
My copy of the recent programme celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Division One title in 1953/4 arrived today and I’m looking forward to going through it renewing memories of my first season as a supporter.
Have a good un
All the best and UTW
That’s very kind of you, mate.
Sorry you can’t make it this time around. Hopefully next time.