1. They’re Still Fighting!
Well, thank God for that. I imagine many of you will empathise with the rollercoaster of emotions I experienced during that game: dejected by the nature of the goals, elated after the first goal, terrified at a 4v1, elated again, and in between, absolutely adamant that VAR would somehow lose us the game.
The sign of a relegation-level side is often a manager losing the dressing room, players losing faith, and going into games looking like they’ve already lost. Playing against a newly established top-level side who consistently get one over on us, away from home, 2-0 down in the 90th minute, and still salvaging a point certainly doesn’t fit that description. The quality of the side has been evident throughout the season, as has the effort. All that was needed was a hint of good fortune…
2. Obviously still issues
Whilst it would be all too simple, it would be foolish to pretend this was a flawless performance and neglect to mention how poor some aspects were. Despite warnings and prior incidents, we persist at trying to elegantly play out from the back like prime Barcelona when we simply do not have the personnel to do so effectively; let’s face it we barely have enough fit centre backs to field a full team, let alone have them start beautiful attacking plays from the back. This is what led to the first goal, alongside a poor clearance from Sa of course. Possession also seemed a problem: too many poor first touches; not getting to second balls; loose passes and hashed clearances meant we struggled to gain any degree of autonomy in the game and gave Brighton far too much leeway creatively.
3. Still unsolved midfield…
I would argue that our midfield is our strongest asset in terms of personnel with the quality and depth: Gomes; Lemina; Andre and Doyle being the mainstays in either a partnership or trio. In theory, this should be excellent but in practise, it’s indecipherable. All have played quite well this season (as have most) and Doyle has been exciting every time he has played, most prominently today. To defend a 4v1 and get an assist instantly is ridiculous. However, his inclusion removed Andre from the side who has been unbelievable since signing, clearly seen as more ‘droppable’ than Gomes or Lemina. This begs the question of if O’Neil will try and forge a consistently strong midfield or chop and change. Personally, bizarre as it may seem, I would like to see all 4 played at the same time. Doyle as a deeper playmaker, Gomes as the primary ball winner, Lemina a little wider and advanced as we’ve seen him and Andre keeping things ticking over and maintaining the shape and fluidity. This would obviously have to be played with a back 4.
4. Is O’Neil safe?
I have literally never been the type of fan who calls for the head of a manager prematurely – frankly if I was in charge Nuno would still be here – yet there comes a point where the manager does have to come under fire. 2 points from 9 games is unacceptable irrespective of opponents or performance levels. I believe he still has complete faith of the players (evidenced by an interview from Lemina a week or so ago) and the ability to turn this around as he has done before for us and Bournemouth. The caveat to my support for him would come at Christmas; things must improve and if they haven’t by the halfway point (and I mean ‘out of the drop zone’ type turnaround) you would have to say that someone else needs to be brought in, but for now he deserves the time of day rather than for the club he has done so much for already to desert him when the going gets tough.
5. It’s Crunch Time
There can’t be any excuses now. 2 points from the first quarter of the season is abysmal. We have had a range of performance levels, very bad luck, VAR controversy and the most difficult fixtures the league can muster since day 1. Our run of fixtures now is inexcusable and we must build off of today. Wolves are not a relegation quality side this season, some momentum of good performances against lesser sides is absolutely vital now, and we must believe in them because they are capable. COYW
