John Taras reports on Wolves FA Cup victory against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park putting Wolves in the next round.
Team news shows five changes for Wolves from last week’s brilliant win over Villa. In come Sam Johnstone in goal, Santiago Bueno back in defence, Rodrigo Gomes in at full-back, Joao Gomes back from suspension, and Hwang Hee-Chan leading the forward line.
The first 30 minutes were a cagey affair, with Wolves looking to pass the ball across the back three, searching for gaps for Agbadou to hit thirty-yard passes into the runs of Guedes, Hwang, and Joao Gomes.
The recently improved Wolves defence coped well with the fast attacks from Blackburn. Toti and Agbadou marshalled well to snuff out any dangers. Bueno struggled against the strong tactics and was the weakness. But on 33 minutes, Wolves stunned Blackburn with a well-worked move that ended with Joao Gomes sliding the ball under the advancing Toth. 1-0 Wolves. No sooner had Blackburn kicked off than they were 2-0 behind. Cunha moved the ball from the left and then got to the end of a return pass from Semendo to hit the ball sweetly past Toth into the opposite corner.
Blackburn were stunned, and Wolves were buoyed by their lead. Johnstone dealt with any attempts Blackburn mustered, showing safe handling and good positioning. Agbadou and Toti were commanding in defence.
On 44 minutes, the luckless Hwang went down, clutching his hamstring. He limped off, and Wolves finished the half with 10 men.
In the second half, Wolves were good value for their 2-0 lead. Sarabia replaced Hwang, and Doherty came on for the troubled Bueno. The back three looked more solid, and with Semedo and Rodrigo Gomes attacking on the overlaps, Wolves coped well with Blackburn’s early attempts to get back into the game.
On 63 minutes, Vitor introduced one of Wolves’ new signings, Munetsi. Andre also came on. Off went Guedes and Bellegarde. Wolves’ shape remained unchanged after the substitutions.
The introduction of Munetsi was remarkable! He has an incredible engine and was visible in all Wolves’ attacks during his 25-minute spell on the pitch, going close with a header and a shot.
What was great to see was the beaming grin fixed to his face. He’s a carbon copy of Emmanuel Agbadou, thoroughly loving his work, especially the crunching tackles!
Blackburn tried to get back in the game, but Wolves matched them for commitment, energy, and ferocity. In Johnstone, Wolves had a safe pair of hands. In the back three, they now have a more resolute defensive unit.
I think Djiga alongside Agbadou and Toti will be a formidable partnership.
Overall, Wolves were professional and competitive, and the threat of an upset never looked likely. The changes slowly creeping into Wolves’ play are encouraging. They have become more resolute at set pieces and corners. The return of Toti and the introduction of Agbadou have transformed the centre of the defence.
Wolves played a style that suits the lack of a tall centre forward. Slick, intricate passing caused problems for teams. Next up is Liverpool away next Saturday. A good test for the improving team.
I’d give Wolves 7/10 today for the way they tackled what could have been an upset. Blackburn are in the play-off positions in the Championship, and Wolves are 4th from bottom of the Premiership.
With Strand Larsen returning soon and extra cover now in midfield, the signs are promising. The downer today is another injury for the luckless Hwang.
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.