LIAM BERRY LOOKS AT THE THINGS WE LEARNT FROM WOLVES DEFEAT TO LEEDS
Wolves fell to their 15th loss of the season in an action-packed game against Leeds at Molineux, one with a lot of similarities to the fixture a year earlier to the day.
An early goal from Jack Harrison put the visitors ahead, and after Wolves were unable to take advantage of spells of piling on the pressure, Leeds added a second through Luke Ayling before substitute Rasmus Kristensen slotted one into the bottom corner to make it three.
Wolves didn’t stop though, and produced an almost instant reply when a long distance shot by Jonny flew past stranded Illan Meslier. They had the glimmer of hope, and a deflected effort from Matheus Cunha offered real hope of a comeback which would have joined the many incredible Molineux memories.
But it wasn’t to be. Jonny was sent off and then, after a shirt tug on Adama Traore, Leeds burst forward and got a fourth through Rodrigo to finally put the game to bed. With a second red card shown to Matheus Nunes for protesting the decision from the bench, it was a very lively day.
Let’s have a look at the things we took from this game:
1. EVERYONE HAS FLAWS
Since being brought in, Craig Dawson has been among the first names on the teamsheet, solidifying his spot in the squad with some impressive performances.
However, he didn’t have the best of games, picking up a yellow which very well may have been a red, then committing another foul where he was also perhaps lucky to get away without a second card. He was then brought off at half time for Nathan Collins.
This is a real eye opener, as Dawson has been one of the biggest influences on the squad, and has barely put a foot wrong. To see this performance is a reminder that all players can have a bad game, whilst bringing a lot of people down to earth. But his withdrawal appeared to affect Wolves’ defence, conceding two goals so quickly after half time.
2. GETTING THE AXE?
With a summer clearout expected, looking at the performances on Saturday, there might have been a couple of players that have not cleared their record in order to stay.
Jonny had a very eventful game as a whole, but mostly he was very below par. At fault for the third goal, the Spaniard has seemed to decline in the past season.
He is giving the ball away more than he ever has, and he doesn’t look as physically strong as he used to. Could this be down to the serious injuries he has suffered? Previously he was such a brilliant player for Wolves, but you now wonder where his future lies.
3. midfield set?
It was a first start for Brazilian midfielder Joao Gomes, and he was impressive in the Wolves engine room.
His energy is a great compliment to Ruben Neves and Mario Lemina, and he also looked pretty comfortable on the ball.
Could this trio be a midfield that we see predominantly in their bid to stay in the Premier League? It looks to have potential, and Gomes, who clearly tired in the final few minutes of his debut, can only get better for the experience.
4. VARce!
Once again, Wolves were the victim of a couple more hugely controversial VAR decisions.
A clip from Junior Firpo on Nelson Semedo in the first half could well have been given as a penalty, whilst the apparent foul committed on Traore in the build-up to Leeds’ fourth goal could also be seen as a major mistake by VAR.
Yes, there have been so may decisions which have appeared poor so far this year, and these decisions are not helping in the slightest in our hopes to stay up. But all of this is not going to change a decision. Some of the players might need to stop focusing on the decisions against them because they will lose their heads, as seen with Nunes being sent off. We want to see passion, but it is also now a time for calm heads.
5. TOO CLOSE FOR COMFORT
The race for survival is hotting up.
With no clubs looking too far gone, it’s a really tough prediction to make regarding who will go down this season. In recent weeks, home games against Bournemouth and Leeds seemed to offer opportunities to move away from trouble, but these weren’t taken. Having said that, the victories against Liverpool and Tottenham were excellent, and it doesn’t matter where the points come from!
It’s looking way too close for comfort, with Wolves only three points from safety. We are very much in the dogfight to stay in the Premier League.
ARTICLE BY LIAM BERRY
I am a life long Wolves fan that is passionate for the club. I am a sixth form student who loves writing about things I love!