DAVE SHARES HIS THOUGHTS FOLLOWING WOLVES DEFEAT TO ARSENAL FOR BBC SPORT
When chances are missed, teams like Arsenal won’t hesitate to make you pay, and that’s exactly what happened. Simply glancing at the score or watching the highlights doesn’t truly capture the match from Wolves’ perspective.
Wolves are undergoing changes, trying out a new formation, introducing a fresh centre-back partnership, and giving three players their Premier League debut. Yet, there were encouraging signs. Rather than a complete overhaul, these changes represent a progression. Wolves have switched to a back four, with Toti and Yerson Mosquera selected as Gary O’Neil’s main men at the back. Despite Toti’s year of Premier League experience, he appeared more uneasy and unsettled. Conversely, newcomer Yerson Mosquera showed composure, assertiveness, and aggression, qualities that have been lacking in Wolves’ defence for some time. Mosquera’s approach is anything but timid and he’s destined to be a fan favourite!
Switching to a back four isn’t Wolves only change, they are playing out from the back more often, more aggressive in and out of possession and pressing higher. While previous managers struggled with this formation, I am confident Gary will succeed but I expect his new tactics will take time to refine.
There were two more debutants in Jorgen Strand Larsen and Rodrigo Gomes, both look like canny purchases. Although, Rodrigo is not an oven ready replacement for Pedro Neto, he was willing to take on defenders and I’m looking forward to seeing him grow. New striker, Strand Larsen was only thwarted from a debut goal by the brilliance of Raya who pulled out a remarkable save. Rodrigo, Jorgen and Yerson are all promising additions to the squad.
Finally The Emirates crowd was pretty quiet for about 20 minutes in the second half and that’s quite an achievement, so I’ll count that as a success.
