John Taras looks at 6 key takeaways from Wolves 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at Molineux.
1. Wolves are incapable of killing off a game.
For two consecutive games in a row Wolves have failed to capitalise on the situation. Against Chelsea we got back in the game on 47 minutes. The game was set up for Wolves to push on and win. Instead they sat back gave the initiative to Chelsea who capitalised on some poor Wolves defending and scored two simple goals.
Today we were expected to get pasted by Arsenal. But they held their own for 40 minutes before Lewis-Skelly was sent off for tripping Doherty fifteen yards inside Wolves half. So Arsenal down to 10 men. In the second half you’d expect Wolves to come out blazing. No they let Arsenal back in the game. Gomes got a second yellow card and five minutes later Arsenal scored the winner.
2. Some Wolves players just can't get picked.
Wolves season so far has been abysmal. But some players can’t get a game. Tommy Doyle is a creative midfield player. He can’t get a game and the role is being partly covered by Cunha. This means he’s playing too deep and we’re a man short on attack.
3. Lack of transfer activity is not a surprise.
Apart from the superb Agbadou Wolves have failed to sign any players this month. But at least two targets have turned Wolves down, not a surprise when we’re fourth from bottom! Hobbs should be looking in the lower leagues for ambitious prospects. Players are not going to come to Wolves when they can play in European competitions. Agbadou is an exception and has quickly become our best defender. He’s strong and cannot be knocked off the ball. He’s quick over the ground. Can clear with either foot. He needs to be in the centre in place of Bueno next game with Toti taking his place.
4. Brilliant saves but disastrous kicking.
Jose Sa made two or three brilliant saves to deny Arsenal. But in the same game he gave the ball away with wayward kicking. His reflexes to deny Havertz header from six yards with his leg was World class. He parried a thunderbolt from Rice from just inside the box.
5. Wolves cannot play out from the back.
Short goal kicks repeatedly put Wolves under pressure. When teams like Arsenal high press and press in numbers Wolves can’t break out. The clearances went to Arsenal and attacks start again.
6. Finally, the most damaging from today.
Wolves had weathered Arsenal’s attacks for 40 minutes when Lewis-Skelly got red carded.
Joao Gomes had already received a yellow card, I think for dissent. Commonsense would have been to replace him in the second half. Vitor Pereira didn’t and he got a second yellow card for a lunge on 70 minutes.
We don’t know what was said at half-time but it should have resembled go at Arsenal don’t sit back!
Wolves let 10 man Arsenal boss the first 20 minutes of the second half. That was down to Perera. He should have told his players, long before Gomes who he should have substituted, got a second yellow. On the touchline he showed emotion too late about the second yellow. It was preventable but he failed to take actions earlier.
ARTICLE BY JOHN TARAS
Wolves Member for several years but follower since the 70’s. Now retired and looking forward to being involved in discussions.