Wolves Match Reports

[Ray@Wolves]

Premier League Game 1

Liverpool 1
I_Halifa (8)

Booked: D_Llorente (5)

Wolves 1
J_Moder (64)

Booked: J_Moder (61)

HT: 1-0
MotM: J_Moder (Wolves)

What a great result for Wolves on our first step back into the Premiership after a season away. A draw away from home at Anfield was more than we could have hoped for. To be fair to Liverpool though we were pretty lucky as they dominated large parts of the game. The home side started with tactical advantage, but after they went ahead that advantage reverted to Wolves. But it was still an uphill slog to get anything out of this game for the visitors. Jakub Moder was the stand out player of the game for Wolves, anchoring the central midfield role and popping up to score our equalising goal in the second half.

Enjoyable game well played Livi.

Premier League Game 2

West Ham United 2
C_Palmer (33), K_Konate (73)

Booked: K_Konate (69)

Wolves 3
Joao_Pedro (47,57), N_Tella (50)

Booked: R_Oxford (48), N_Tella (69)

HT: 1-0
MotM: Joao_Pedro (Wolves)

Nothing much between the two teams overall, but Wolves had that little bit of extra confidence after the draw at Anfield. West Ham grabbed the early lead in the first half, but Wolves bounced back early in the second half with three unanswered goals to really take the game by the scruff of the neck. West ham scored a second to make the last 20 minutes or so interesting, but Wolves held on for a massive here points. A brace from Joao Pedro ensured he would also justifiably get the man of the match award.

Unlucky Todd, on another day that score would have been the reverse.

Premier League Game 3

Wolves 4
N_Jackson (22), C_Cresswell (23), C_Traore (50), Emerson_Royal (89)

Sent Off: N_Jackson (85)
Booked: C_Traore (26)

Barnsley 1
K_Mitoma (35 pen)

Booked: E_Abidal (31)
Injured: B_Howard (31)

HT: 2-1
MotM: M_Cunha (Wolves)

This was the first home game of the season for Wolves as they took on Yorkshire side Barnsley in the hope of staying unbeaten. As it turned out Barnsley edged possession, but Wolves proved far more clinical in front of goal burying four of their five shots on goal. With Matheus Cunha setting up three of the Wolves goals and fittingly gaining the man of the match award. Great win and a welcome three points puts us up to an unlikely second place in the table. The massive downside was Nicolas Jackson getting sent off in the 85^th minute for a second needless yellow card.

Played Dan.

Premier League Game 4

Crystal Palace 1
Adama_Traore (28 pen)

Booked: W_Anton (93)

Wolves 1
C_Traore (52)

Booked: J_Moder (43), C_Cresswell (51)

HT: 1-0
MotM: Adama_Traore (Crystal Palace)

Wasn’t sure what to expect here with Palace’s new manager and with striker Nicolas Jackson missing this looked a tough game for Wolves. This was a game of missed opportunities as Joao Pedro had the chance to put Wolves ahead on 14 minutes when Matheus Cunha was brought down, but he failed to hit the target and blazed it over the top. 14 minutes later the tables turned as Palace were awarded a penalty that Adama Traore made no mistake with and duly put Palace into the lead. Wolves defender Pascal Struijk took a long throw, and it fell nicely for Chaka Traore in the Palace box who hit it sweetly to drag Wolves back into the game. Possession wise there was never much between the two sides, but Palace will be rueing their missed opportunities in front of goal having had twelve shots on target compared to Wolves meagre five.

Played Rob and welcome to FFO.

Premier League Game 5

Wolves 1
Joao_Pedro (5)

Booked: C_Cresswell (5)

Manchester United 2
Gavi (24), Luis_Diaz (55)

Booked: J_Oblak (11)

HT: 1-1
MotM: Joao_Pedro (Wolves)

Only our second home match of the campaign and we came into this difficult encounter with Manchester United unbeaten and sitting high in the table. Unfortunately, that was all about to change despite the fact that Wolves took first blood with a great goal from Joao Pedro after only five minutes. Twenty minutes later United fashioned an equaliser that put the home fans on edge. United grabbed their second, and winning goal, midway through the second half. Wolves couldn’t manage to respond, and the far stronger visitors broke the home team despite all their efforts. Overall Manchester United were good value for the win having dominated for much of the game. We had hoped that the early yellow card for United’s keeper Jan Oblak might have been an issue later in the game, the hope never materialised as the keeper maintained his discipline throughout the rest of the game and stayed on the pitch.

Very well played Steve. Despite the gulf in class between the two sides, we were just glad to keep it close.

DBC Cup Group A 1^st Round

Wolves 7
P_Struijk (5), C_Cresswell (13), N_Jackson (20,46,46), Emerson_Royal (80), Joao_Pedro (88)

Booked: N_Tella (35), Emerson_Royal (59), J_Moder (80)

Fulham 1
Y_Gourcuff (89)

Sent Off: M_Cash (28)

HT: 4-0
MotM: N_Jackson (Wolves)

This was just the result we needed after losing our undefeated record in our previous game against Manchester United. The sending off of Cash certainly didn’t help the Cottagers, but to be fair Wolves were already three goals up by that stage and well on top. Nicolas Jackson rightly came away with the man of the match award after his three goal haul. Fans, players and coaching staff all came away from this game with a smile on their faces. The only slightly despondent figure was that of Aaron Ramsdale who was hopeful of a clean sheet until the visitors struck in the 89^th minute.

Very unlucky Joe as you had the tactical edge at times in this game, but nothing went right for your team on the night.

Word count: 977

[Ray@Wolves]

Premier League Game 6

Chelsea 2
J Doku (25), K De Bruyne (63)

Wolves 1
N Jackson (80)

Injured: M Cunha (60)

HT: 1-0
MotM: K De Bruyne (Chelsea)

The second in a tough run of three consecutive league games against the cream of the Prem. And again, much like the encounter with Manchester United, the newly promoted Wolves side didn’t look overwhelmed by their opposition. But ultimately though the visitors just didn’t have enough to get anything from the game. Overall possession was even between the two sides and Chelsea only had eight shots on target compared to Wolves six, but Chelsea just proved that little more clinical in front of goal. The upside was that Wolves had tactical advantage throughout which bodes well for the season and certainly helped to keep us in contention. Nicolas Jackson continued his scoring run, but his late goal proved to be very much only a consolation. But it did make the final fourteen minutes of the game that bit more interesting. The massive downside was the injury picked up by midfielder Matheus Cunha who was stretchered off injured on the hour mark just three minutes before Chelsea scored their second goal. Thankfully, although it looked bad the knock proved less serious than first thought and he will only miss the one game while he recovers.

Very well played Steve.

Next game sees Wolves, minus Cunha, play hosts to the juggernaut that is Manchester City in the latest game against a top Prem side.

Word count 251

[Ray@Wolves]

Premier League Game 7

Wolves 0

Booked: Joao Pedro (32), Charlie Cresswell (62)

Manchester City 0

HT: 0-0
MotM: Pascal Struijk (Wolves)

In our previous two seasons in the Prem we have been lucky enough to have managed a decent record against THE top side. This game proved to be no different as Wolves put up a good fight in front of their home support and without the services of Brazilian midfield maestro Matheus Cunha. Possession wise there was very little in it with City edging the ball. However, Wolves had seven shots on target from nine attempts compared to the sky blues very negative one shot on target from a dismal three attempts. Not a performance for the travelling support to get behind when they must have gone into this game expecting to come away with all three points. No surprise then that in a scoreless draw the man of the match award would go to a defender in the shape of Wolves centre back Pascal Struijk, but even more telling was that it was a very close run decision between Struijk and the City keeper Ederson. Overall Wolves are happy with a point in a very difficult game against the top of the league. Most concerning was the form of Nicolas Jackson in this game who had the bulk of the chances for the home side but failed to find the back of the net albeit he was playing in a more unfamiliar attacking midfield role for this game to cover for the missing Cunha. Fingers crossed his goalscoring form returns quickly.

As always, good game Nick.

With the return from injury of Matheus Cunha, the next game sees a full strength gold and black side back in action in the DB Cup entertaining EFL1 outfit Sporting Lisbon at Molineux in the second round of matches.

Word count 308

[Ray@Wolves]

DBC Cup Group A 2^nd Round

Wolves 1
Matheus Cunha (63)

Sporting Lisbon 4
Morato (1), Raphinha (18,44), Cody Gakpo (31)

Booked: Gideon Kodua (3), Ben Davies (20)

HT: 0-4
MotM: Raphinha (Sporting Lisbon)

Wolves went into this game with a certain degree of confidence after the draw with Prem high flyers Manchester City. As it turned out that confidence was a little misplaced and would probably be better classed as overconfidence. Tactically Wolves were out thought and the players on the field out played for most of this game. The writing was on the wall very early as Sporting came out of the blocks very fast and scored in the first minute of the game before a Wolves player even touched the ball. Two more first half goals followed that for the visitors to put the game to bed as a contest. Before Raphinha book ended the half scoring with the last kick of the first half to put the icing well and truly on the cake and effectively end the game as any sort of contest. Not a great first half for keeper Aaron Ramsdale, but it has to be said he wasn’t helped or protected at all by the players in front of him. To be fair to the Wolves players they came out and performed better in the second half, but it was all too little far too late. Matheus Cunha scored a decent consolation goal, but it was never going to be anything more than that and the home crowd were left wondering what planet he was on as he belly slid into the corner in a celebration display that felt very awkward and embarrassing for all concerned. Only upside for Wolves was the continued good form being shown by young Ivory Coast midfielder Chaka Traore who rated up his passing skills in this game. Overall, the better side won, and it sets up the next games in this cup competition nicely. The table sees Lens unbeaten at the top with Wolves and Sporting Lisbon level on points in second and only separated by goal difference. Poor Fulham are the team languishing at the bottom without a point at this early stage in the competition.

Well played Jason, you deserved the win.

The next game for Wolves sees them return to league action with a tough visit to Elland Road and a match up with Tim Davey’s Leeds United team. Both managers can choose from fully fit squads for this one so no excuses for either side.

Word count 422

[Ray@Wolves]

Premier League Game 8

Leeds United 1
Juan Cuadrado (15)

Wolves 2
Joao Pedro (44), Charlie Cresswell (52)

Booked: Chaka Traore (35), Nathan Tella (87)

HT: 1-1
MotM: Chaka Traore (Wolves)

Wolves visited Leeds United at Elland Road at a time when the home side is undergoing a bit of a transitional season with a revamp of their squad. Wolves were keen to put the DB Cup result against Sporting Lisbon behind them and put on a good show here. Leeds came out the stronger in the early phase of this match and capitalised on a great goal on 15 minutes from Juan Cuardrado after hitting the bar and then pouncing on his own rebound to slot the ball in the net for the opening score. Despite this wake up call Wolves still struggled to get any time on the ball. Very much against the run of play and with a minute left on the clock for the first half Joao Pedro capitalised on a long throw from Emerson Royal to rifle the ball home for the equaliser. The second half saw Wolves very much brighter with more possession that resulted in a Charlie Cresswell goal in almost a carbon copy of Wolves first goal as he latched onto a long throw, this time from the impressive Chaka Traore. Leeds can feel rightly frustrated at this result as they had the bulk of the possession and twice the number of shots on target compared to their visitors. However, in the end Wolves proved that little bit sharper in front of goal and had that little bit of luck to carry them through to claim the three points.

Well played Tim, very unlucky.

Wolves are back at Molineux for their next game as they play hosts to Blackburn Rovers in a key game.

Word count 302

[Ray@Wolves]

Premier League Game 9

Wolves 1
Nathan Tella (3)

Blackburn Rovers 2
Wissam Ben Yedder (13), Clement Lenglet (20)

Booked: Leroy Sane (38), Kalvin Phillips (70), Nicky Cadden (77)

HT: 1-2
MotM: Clement Lenglet (Blackburn Rovers)

A tough game against a strong side that proved too much of a task for newly promoted Wolves. Didn’t help getting the tactics totally wrong. Blackburn Bastards (yes I am a real life Burnley supporter lol) were up for this game from the off and the early goal from Nathan Tella didn’t phase them or knock them out of their stride at all. Rovers dominated this game and rightly came away with the three points. Although they did also come away with three bookings.

Very well played Chris.

The next game for Wolves sees the team travel to Craven Cottage for a FA Cup 3^rd Round match up with Championship side Fulham.

Word count 148

[Ray@Wolves]

FA Cup 3^rd Round

Fulham 0

Wolves 4
Joao Pedro (37,42), Pascal Struijk (49), Nicolas Jackson (81)

Booked: Chaka Traore (5)

HT: 0-2
MotM: Nathan Tella (Wolves)

Unfortunately for the home side they turned up without a manager’s guidance. As a consequence, Wolves dominated the match with a massive amount of possession and 14 shots on target. Aaron Ramsdale on the other hand had nothing to do all game as the Cottagers didn’t muster a single shot on target. A performance that saw many home supporters head for the exits long before the final whistle. Joao Pedro had a great five minute spell late in the first half picking up a brace of goals and setting the visitors off in style. Nathan Tella had an excellent game and was in amongst the action throughout, however it has to be said that he will be hitting the training field for some much needed shooting practice after he failed to net a goal from his eleven shots on target.

Good game Joe. Hope it was just a blip and we see you back in the dugout soon.

Next game for Wolves s a trip to south Wales to face Matt Rose’s Cardiff City. Both sides have full squads to choose from with no injuries or suspensions.

Word count 214

[Ray@Wolves]

Premier League Game 10

Cardiff City 3
Igor Thiago (6), Andre Silva (26), Marcelo Brozovic (59)

Wolves 2
Nicolas Jackson (46), Emerson Royal (49)

Booked: Emerson Royal (73)

HT: 2-1
MotM: Igor Thiago (Cardiff City)

Nothing much went right for us in this game, away from home and tactically inept. Cardiff had the upper hand throughout scoring two unanswered goals before Wolves could strike a blow. Nicolas Jackson gave some hope to the away side scoring just before the break to keep it close. Defender Emerson Royal brought the visitors back into the game with a lovely chip past the keeper after latching onto a long pass from young Chaka Traore. It was long before the Welsh side went in front once more with a goal that turned out to be the winner. Possession wise there wasn’t much between the two sides, but Cardiff fashioned far more clear cut opportunities and deserved the three points.

Well played Matt, thoroughly deserved victory.

The games don’t get any easier with a tough trip to face Newcastle United next up.


Premier League Game 11

Newcastle United 4
Marcos Acuna (30), Dwight McNeil (48), Jonathan David (54), Chiquinho (74)

Booked: Christian Pulisic (28), Chiquinho (88)

Wolves 2
Joao Pedro (8,15)

Injured: Aaron Ramsdale (22)

HT: 2-2
MotM: Joao Pedro (Wolves)

This game started so well for Wolves after racing into a two goal lead courtesy of Joao Pedro. However, it wasn’t to last as disaster struck after only 22 minutes of play as Wolves keeper Aaron Ramsdale collapses on the ground and had to be replaced by young academy starlet Stefano Sorrentino. From that moment on Wolves became penned back in their own half for long periods as the home sides confidence grew. It wasn’t long before the Magpies scored, managing the bring the game level just before half time. Newcastle cemented the win in the second half as Wolves struggled to make any of their efforts on goal count. All in all, a very disappointing result for the visitors who had the better possession and a fair share of shots on goal. But suffice to say losing your main keeper and having a 20 year old step into a cauldron like this as his first senior game was not really ideal.

The next game sees Wolves return to DB Cup action, but it will be without Aaron Ramsdale after it was confirmed he would be sidelined for the next three games.


DBC Cup Group A 3^rd Round

Lens 3
Alexander Sorloth (1), Bryan Lasme (26), Jonathan Gradit (59)

Wolves 0

Sent Off: Matheus Cunha (65)

HT: 2-0
MotM: Tarek Buchmann (Lens)

Very little to choose between the two sides apart from the fact that Lens were far more efficient in front of goal scoring three of their six shots on target against the very nervous looking stand in keeper Stefano Sorrentino. At three nil down, the final kick in the teeth came mid way through the second half as Matheus Cunha received a straight red card for a petulant and dangerous challenge.

Well played Chris.

Back to league action next as Wolves play hosts to Leicester City in a must win game. But they will be without Cunha as he serves his one match suspension.

Word count 542

[Ray@Wolves]

Premier League Game 12

Wolves 2
Joao Pedro (22), Nathan Tella (77)

Leicester City 0

Booked: N’Golo Kante (28)

HT: 1-0
MotM: Joao Pedro (Wolves)

After enduring a three game losing streak Wolves went into this game against Leicester really needing to get a positive result. Stand in keeper Stefano Sorrentino looked far more confident in this game and put on a great performance to not only make five saves but also record his first ever clean sheet at senior level. Goals from Joao Pedro and man of the match Nathan Tella were the deciding factor in this game as Wolves edged it to take the three points on offer. The home team were good value for their win despite Matheus Cunha missing through suspension.

Good game Darren.

Next up Wolves pay a visit to Sheffield United in the last game before Aaron Ramsdale returns in goal.


Premier League Game 13

Sheffield United 0

Booked: Didier Drogba (89)
Injured: Marco Verratti (95)

Wolves 1
Pascal Struijk (79)

Booked: Goncalo Guedes (73)

HT: 0-0
MotM: Pascal Struijk (Wolves)

With Aaron Ramsdale still missing through injury, Wolves went with a five man defensive unit for this one to try to protect their young goal keeper and to try to knick something from a tricky away fixture. Wolves dominated this game, but the Blades were resolute in a game that was certainly not pretty on the eye at all with only four shots on target with none from the home side. Defender Pascal Struijk was the man that stepped up to be counted with only 11 minutes left on the clock as he lobbed the keeper after being put through by fellow defender Reece Oxford. Downside was a yellow card for striker Goncalo Guedes which means he will miss the next game through suspension.

Unlucky Dave.

Back to the DB Cup next and a second match up against French club Lens. This game sees the welcome return of Ramsdale after his spell in the medical centre, but unfortunately the loss of striker Guedes to suspension.

Word count 342

[Ray@Wolves]

DBC Cup Group A 4^th Round

Wolves 1
Joao Pedro (7)

Booked: Matheus Cunha (41)

Lens 2
Kevin Danso (13), Tarek Buchmann (48)

HT: 1-1
MotM: Joao Pedro (Wolves)

Aaron Ramsdale was back for this one, but striker Goncalo Guedes was missing due to suspension. This was a game that Wolves needed to get something from as the DB cup campaign seems to be slipping away with a few too many insipid performances. Unfortunately, this was another one of those below par displays that Wolves really didn’t need. Despite the early goal from top scorer Joao Pedro, Wolves never really looked in control of this game as Lens fought back well. Not a lot more to say about this game apart from the fact that it is no surprise that Lens are sat top of the group and Wolves are way off.

Very well played Chris.

Back to the league for the next game and hopefully a better performance will be on offer. Guedes will be back for the match up against Burnley.


Premier League Game 14

Wolves 1
Chaka Traore (64)

Booked: Goncalo Guedes (20)

Burnley 1
Hugo Ekitike (77)

Booked: Myron Boadu (38)

HT: 0-0
MotM: Hugo Ekitike (Burnley)

This proved to be a very tight match throughout with nothing given by either side. Wolves had the better of the chances but couldn’t convert them into anything viable. Chaka Traore delighted the home crowd with the opening goal part way through the second half with a wonderful strike on goal. After a flurry of substitutions by both sides the Clarets got themselves back into the game courtesy of man of the match Hugo Ekitike. Wolves had a late penalty shout declined by the referee, despite it looking an ugly foul by the defender on Goncalo Guedes. There were a lot of disgruntled fans in Molineux at the end of this game, but to be fair a point against a very good side is not to be sniffed at.

Good game Simon.

The next games see’s Wolves travel south for a match at Ashton Gate against fellow promotion side Bristol City.


Premier League Game 15

Bristol City 0

Booked: Marcos Llorente (43), Olivier Boscagli (69)

Wolves 3
Goncalo Guedes (58,85), Claudio Bellucci (96)

Booked: Emerson Royal (67)

HT:
MotM: Goncalo Guedes (Wolves)

Wolves looked the better side from the first whistle to the last. Finally, Portuguese striker Goncalo Guedes, recently signed from Red Bull Leipzig, opened his account with, not just one, but two second half goals. The first was a superbly placed header from a Charlie Cresswell cross and the second came courtesy of a Matheus Cunha pass followed by a chip into the net from Guedes. Academy graduate Claudio Bellucci also scored his first goal for the senior side with the very last kick of the game. Wolves were good value for their three point haul which keeps them in a decent position in the table.

Back to the FA Cup next in a match up with Championship side Wrexham at the Racecourse Ground in the fourth round. Both sides have full squads to select from for this game.

Word count 522