CRAIG HICKEY LOOKS AT WHAT WE LEARNT FROM WOLVES DEFEAT TO LIVERPOOL
1. We haven't got game changers in our squad
After watching the team substitutions, it’s still pretty evident we lack some quality to bring onto the pitch to change games. We made Liverpool work in the first half and they changed things in the 2nd half with Diaz, Darwin and Elliot, it worked for them. Gary O’Neil tried to change shape with Doherty and Silva but it didn’t lead to anything on target at all after Cunha went off.
2. Cunha needs a goal or at least some extra finishing training
The Brazilian has wonderful talent, skills and attacking threat but lacks that ability to finish. Two notable runs that left Liverpool trailing in his wake led to limp finishes that deserved more, the one peach of a cross from Neto seemed destined for his head and a certain goal, only to hit him on his chest and get cleared away. How did he time that wrong?
3. Neto, back to his best and assisting all our goals
It’s been a long road back for Pedro since his injury over 12 months ago, he must be delighted with his contribution to the team. The quality of his runs, crosses and general attacking play are back for us all to get excited about and it’s only a matter of time before he scores. We really need him to do this all season for us to keep in the hunt for a top ten finish, he is dynamite again at times.
4. Fabio
Pre season he looked sharp, holding play up, shooting and passing that suggested he had matured, an international break that allowed him to showcase his talent for the Portuguese U21’s. Three goals and an assist that we thought he would bring to Molineux and build on, we are willing him to score in the Premier League and show the world he was worth £38m. I’m hoping that today was a bad day for him due to being a bit jaded, hence him being on the bench and for tactical reasons. This wasn’t a good appearance for him and basically undid all the belief we had in him to succeed as our No.9, he has to be stronger against the top teams or he will get knocked off the ball. Throwing his hands up in the air in disbelief won’t cut it with us unless you put in the effort Fabio, we know you have the talent but its got to be consistent and with goals.
5. Fortress Molineux??
Nope, it isn’t. It’s all very nice at Molineux at the minute, everyone likes coming here as it’s a fun day. As my eldest son said today….Molineux isn’t a Fortress anymore, its more like a bouncy castle!!! We have to get nasty as a team and not allow teams to come along a jump all over us and go home feeling they’ve had a great time.
6. POSITIVES FROM TODAY
Our shape was so much better in the first half, everyone in their tactical positions and resilient in defending. Bellegarde is looking like a fabulous find, quick, skilful and has an engine that purrs when its running. This lad is a find and hopefully he can be the player that Nunes wasn’t after all his hype. The tactics from Gary O’Neil really worked today until the equaliser, having said that we need to finish our chances and we will get more from games like these. We weren’t outclassed but we caused our own problems, erase that area of our game and we will get results and climb the table.
Believe in better…..
ARTICLE BY CRAIG HICKEY
A 53 year old season ticket holder in the Steve Bull stand. Go along with my two young lads who love the Wolves and so far, the positive times. Long may it continue.