Dave Porter shares some observations and key things we learnt from Wolves 2-0 win against Aston Villa at Molineux.
1. Impressive Pressing
Wolves were at it last night. Where has this been for the season so far? Wolves found energy and confidence from simply being willing to press faster and further up the field. There are perhaps some explanations to explore as to why Wolves managed, in the first half in particular, to be on the front foot. The most obvious explanation is that players are adjusting to the new manager’s tactical approach, and this may have been the first evidence of those changes starting to bed in.
There is also an argument that having Cunha play further forward and more centrally meant that he wasn’t required to be part of the press, and as such, Wolves had more willing runners in the midfield areas. Another cause might be the return of a player who feels like he is currently Wolves’ most important player, Toti Gomes. (Hear me out, I will expand on this). For whatever reason, this was a different Wolves approach and a different outcome. This was not a team that looked like it should be even close to relegation trouble. It cannot be a one-off. This has to be the blueprint for the remainder of the season.
2. Toti Gomes is Wolves most important player (sort of)
OK, this is not something I thought I would ever say. Gomes has always felt like a squad player, someone who ought to be relied on more as cover for injuries or to do a specific job. O’Neil insisted he was a left-back playing out of position. This is not just about the data, but it’s a good place to start.
Since Vitor Pereira arrived, Wolves have played eight Premier League games, three with Gomes and five without. In that period, Wolves have picked up ten points: three wins, four defeats, and a draw. Nine of those points have been picked up with Gomes in the team. Wolves have won every game Gomes has played in.
Then there are the goals conceded. Wolves have not conceded a goal under Vitor Pereira with Gomes in the team. Check it, it’s correct! Three games, three wins, three clean sheets. Without him, they’ve suffered five defeats, picked up just one point, and conceded 12 goals. This isn’t a fluke; Wolves are a different team with Gomes in the lineup.
Why? Well, there are a few reasons. One, he is a square peg in a square hole. He is perfect as the left-sided part of a centre-back trio. But there’s more to it. Wolves play higher up the pitch with Gomes, and there’s a confidence attached to his pace. The team generally appears to be further up the pitch and on the front foot, which enables the press.
Then there’s the impact on others. Agbadou is able to move centrally, where he looks more comfortable and can assist Doherty. Rayan Aït-Nouri is also relieved of some of his defensive responsibilities. Gomes is the key; his inclusion impacts so much of the team. That is why he is not the best Wolves player, but currently he is Wolves’ most important player.
3. Someone Had to Step Up, Who Thought It Would Be Bellegarde?
Someone had to step up, but who thought it would be Bellegarde? Can it just be that we have never really seen him in midfield? The player who looked more like a meme, falling over his own feet just a few days ago, was given the role of deputising for Joao Gomes. No easy task and one that almost everyone thought was well beyond JRB. Have we been missing out, or was this just every dog having its day?
Bellegarde was brilliant. Not just the goal and the beautiful, what-should-have-been assist, but he just looked like a completely different player. Like he was at home. He was everywhere. Here comes the cliché: he was like a new signing. If that was a new player playing in midfield for the first time, we would have been seriously impressed.
What happens next is uncertain. Joao Gomes returns to the team for sure, and I do not see André coming out of the team, so we may well see JRB back on the wing, tripping over his feet again. But we needed him yesterday, and he delivered. He has given the manager a bit of a problem here, but a welcome one. Who knew?
4. Finally, a Bit of Luck
Not just the disallowed goal, was it offside? Absolutely miles off! Helpful that it was given on the pitch and VAR finally gave us one. It wasn’t just the goal though; Wolves should have been out of sight by halftime with the chances created, and you don’t usually get away with that. Wolves’ profligate finishing is becoming an issue. Chances are being created, but we are scoring the hard ones and missing ones that should be routine. It wasn’t just yesterday; this is a bit of a theme. There should not be a reliance on a Cunha wonder goal every week. Cunha spurned a much easier chance, and Guedes ought to have at least secured a brace. On another day, those missed chances are not as forgiving, but it was Wolves’ day this time… about time!
5. Cunha Believe It
Cunha stays. Contract signed. Rumours of a release clause at £62.5m are circulating in the press today, and that feels cheap. If that number is true, it will be a very quick exit come the summer. For now though, Cunha stays, and even though he’s been off the boil in recent weeks, most people see him as the difference maker between relegation and safety. No other club at the bottom has this kind of star quality, and no club with a player of his skill should be in a relegation fight.
Wolves need him, and he looks at ease with his situation. We will enjoy him while we can, and when he does go, we will need to replace an awful lot of goals and assists. If Wolves remain in the Premier League, Cunha’s inevitable exit must be accompanied by a total reset and reinvestment
6. A Good Weekend
Wolves win, and other results have gone our way. Being pleased with an Everton win shows what a difference a few results can make in this division. Wolves have a long way to go, but the terrible run of fixtures is coming to an end after Liverpool (not that Bournemouth away can be described as easy). Most would have settled for not being adrift by the end of these games, and thanks to a desperately needed win and the struggles of other clubs, Wolves will not be adrift.
In the meantime, there have been few highlights this season and few things to be pleased with. We have to enjoy the moments when they come along. Molineux was together last night, and together we can, for once, enjoy a weekend. Today has brought optimism, and a couple of late signings should add to that. We still need them.
ARTICLE BY DAVE PORTER
Wolverhampton born, East Sussex based supporter. Old enough to have seen the descent to the bottom, young enough to not have experienced the days my friend. Not many Wolves fans to celebrate or commiserate with round these parts, so had to find an outlet to discuss the enormous highs, crushing lows and share the frustrations that only come with following Wolves.