Stretch reflects on Wolves’ defeat to Crystal Palace and shares his honest verdict on the performance.
Rob Edwards has a Mountain to Climb
A new manager brings new hope and there was a more positive atmosphere around the ground. The decision to bring back Hi Ho Silver lining to it’s rightful place set the tone for an afternoon of exceptional support for the new manager and a team that barely deserves it.
Naturally there was much interest in the team selection with surely something different in the managers mind. The team sheet produced saw a retained 3 at the back system, 3 hard working ball winners in midfield and two big strikers up top. At least it was something different to watch and few could complain at the manager trying to experiment after everything else had failed.
The fixture itself would normally be considered one of relatively equal teams but in truth we are marooned and Palace had the opportunity to go 4th with a win. A win for Wolves would have brought renewed optimism even though it would probably be too late. Regardless this was time for unity and a belief we could gain our first win.
Team
Sam Johnstone, Toti Gomes (c), Ladislav Krejci, Emmanuel Agbadou, Moller Wolfe, Jackson Tchatchoua, Marshall Munetsi, Andre, Joao Gomes, Jorgen Ștrand Larsen, Tolu Arokadare
First Half
The game began with Palace immediately looking the more assured team, dominating the possession. However, it was Wolves with the first shot, Munetsi nipping in to supply Larsen who turned and flashed an effort well wide. Thereafter Palace continued to dominate producing numerous crosses, a theme that continued throughout the half, which to be fair Wolves dealt with quite well.
However, the first bit of real quality was provided by the exceptional Pino skilfully setting Mateta running free onto Johnstone but the latter positioned himself well and the chance went wide. Shortly after Toti scythed down two Palace players, which looked to the naked eye to be inside the penalty box but VAR agreed with the referee and a free kick was awarded, another fortunate escape for Wolves.
Wolves were relying on scraps and a wayward Palace pass found the feet of Munetsi who inexplicably passed when he should have drove forward and shot, the pass simply returning the favour offered by Palace. A high booted clearance saw a bouncing ball pounced on by Larsen to see him clear on goal but the referee judged a foul on the defender which looked harsh and certainly added to the boos for a referee who was not helping our chances.
Wolves were eventually awarded a free kick on the edge of the box, although this didn’t change the crowds vocal opinion of the referee. Joao Gomes made the attempt and the deflection nearly beat the keeper who saved with his legs and the on rushing Krejci could not cushion the ball into an empty net.
The general theme of the first half was an understandable reliance on the long ball with Arokadare creating more disruption than a largely ineffectual Larsen. However, the midfield had not read the memo and were not able to get up in support of the fight for the second ball. Given Wolves had no one on the pitch who wanted the ball to run and create it led to a very disjointed performance not lacking in effort but a complete lack of quality or finesse. Palace through Wharton and Pinar were streets ahead in that respect.
Wolves made it to half time level with Johnstone only making one save but they were lucky to have parity at that point, more hope for the second half?
Second Half
Wolves started on the front foot with the midfield much closer to the strikers and with the crowd behind them it fell like the sheer will and desire of all present might just bear fruit. A quick release by Johnstone smartly moved on by Agbadou released Tchatchoua to finally show his speed and produce a good low cross that failed to meet a Wolves boot. Wolves for a spell now looked like a team with belief and several moments of good play created opportunities for Wolfe and Munetsi but to no avail.
It’s the hope that kills you and no sooner than we had started to look the better team Place scored on 63. A corner routine led to a shot that deflected kindly to the feet of Munoz who buried it with ease from close range.
Edwards rang the changes on 66 minutes with two substitutions, possibly at a time when they were not needed but yes there was a case for sacrificing one of the two strikers for a player like Bellegarde and it was Arokodare who left and he could consider himself unlucky to be hooked over Larsen, surely a case of reputation over performance. And then came Hwang for Munetsi and the mood changed, well at least for this writer. Hwang has been hopeless for two years and a hard working defensive effort was not needed. Munetsi had ran behind the Place defence a few times, mainly to prove his lack of quality on the ball but Hwang is not the answer. Arias followed on 75 minutes and did make a reasonable contribution but sadly missed the one great opportunity presented to him from a well worked move involving Wolfe.
In the interim Palace had scored the second, the exceptional Pino, with an assist by Hwang, flashed a screamer into the top corner with Johnstone having no chance again.
The game was done and Palace never looked threatened easily controlling whatever threat we could muster and at the same time handling the ball with considerable quality. The disappointment and anger at another defeat making it difficult to for this writer to over analyse the last 15 minutes the result was never going to change and it didn’t.
Reflections
There was a gulf in quality between the two teams even though Wolves were not awful and you can look at the statistics and claim fine lines. That said in truth the result was a fair reflection of the ability of the two teams and their performance on the day.
Rob Edwards received terrific support from the Wolves crowd and rightly tried something different but the quality on the ball is not there. The signings of Arias and Lopez in that department have seemingly completely failed and that’s where we are significantly lacking. The January window awaits but no amount of effort at that point will solve this year’s problem. Time for Wolves to plan for life in the Championship.
They say that it’s the hope that kills you but it now feels the lack of it is the hardest to take.
ARTICLE BY STRETCH
Started in 1970 standing on a stool in South Bank and have been screaming at referees ever since. Worked my way round the ground, Billy Wright, North bank and now made it to the Steve Bull. Moving as various friends came and went as well as accommodating age changes of the pesky kids who are also bitten. As passionate as ever despite the stress of VAR shortening my life expectancy.