JAMES HALLETT TAKES A LOOK AT THE THINGS WE LEARNED FROM WOLVES V PALACE
1. WE NEED A MANAGER
I think we can all agree the departure of Bruno Lage was a much needed change. Unfortunately, due to Julien Lopetegui turning us down to handle family issues, we have been stuck without a permanent manager for the last 3 games. As much as I love Steve Davis, his substitution choices yesterday weren’t good and seemed to suck the life out of the team. A permanent manager is crucial and we need one soon.
2. Academy is shining
One of the few positives to take away from our trip to the capital, is the great work the academy has been doing to produce great players. Hugo Bueno started his first Premier League game and excelled. He looked like one of the most experienced players on the pitch despite it being his first start. A lovely cross in to Adama got us our first and only goal of the night. Another player who I thought had a decent game was Joe Hodge, who was brought on for Nunes in the second half. He got stuck in and had half a chance to equalise. Steve Davis’ faith in youth is proving to be worthwhile.
3. we need more passion
Watching the game yesterday, something was clear. Half of the players looked as if they didn’t care. It took Zaha walking through our defence for them to show a bit of aggression and desire. To win games the players must want to win, but yesterday it seemed most of the lads didn’t care one bit.
4. Semedo’s inconsistency
This almost links back to my last point. I thought Semedo was positive attacking despite being lazy at the back. He continuously made positive runs in behind and brought the ball forward with pace, but again didn’t show that enthusiasm in our own half. Watching Zaha’s winner back really highlighted his lack-luster defensive performance. Jogging back while a clinical goal scorer is making a run through is not good enough.
5. Traore is showing glimpses of his former self
Adama Traore has been a very hit or miss player for the last two seasons. He could either have been the best or worst player on the pitch, and it seemed to be quite random with not a lot of consistency with his play. However, our last two games he has been very positive and made some excellent plays for other players while making opportunities for himself also. Yesterday he played excellently, getting himself a goal for his efforts. When he got subbed of the game felt different, as if it was already a losing fight. Hopefully he can continue these great performances and we can see him return to his 19/20 self.
6. SUNDAY IS A MUST WIN
One thing outlined by yesterdays game is the fact that Sunday has become essential to our potential escape from a relegation fight. I think most Wolves fans will say that we aren’t in massive danger of getting relegated but if we drop too many points to the few teams behind us in the table, we may see ourselves in a fight to stay up. Leicester are another team who shouldn’t really be where they are, meaning they will be up for it on Sunday. Hopefully the boys can show some grit and determination to bring home the much needed three points.
ARTICLE BY JAMES HALLETT
Hi i’m James. I’m a sixth form student with a passion for Wolves and sports journalism.