NICK PARKES REPORTS ON WOLVES 2-0 DEFEAT TO VILLA
Wolves fell short to another Midlands team as Aston Villa ran out two – nil winners against wolves pushing Unai Emery’s team back into 4th.
With Cunha still not fit and Fraser dropping to the bench, 18 year old Chiwome made his first Premier League start up front.
Line Up
Sa , Semedo, S.Bueno, Kilman, T. Gomes, Ait-Nouri, Sarabia, Lemina, Doyle, Gomes, Chiwome.
First half
The opening twenty minutes had Wolves on top in attacking intent and possession. We looked dangerous going forward and looked to take the game to Villa. A long distance effort from Doyle almost gave Wolves the lead. Despite Villa having a goal chalked off for offside, Wolves looked the more likely to score and the best chance of the game for us came on the 15th minute mark. A delightful deep cross from Santi Bueno caused trouble in the Villa box, a flick on led to the ball falling to Ait-Nouri at the back post unmarked and only 5 yards out. He had time to pick his spot and all the goal to aim at, unfortunately he hit his shot straight at the keeper and easily saved. An incredible chance which should have been buried and more importantly, a chance which could have given us something from a game.
Around the 30 minute mark, Villa started to gain a little control on the game and had weathered the Wolves storm. The biggest difference between the two teams is that Villa had players to put the ball in the net and all of Wolves’ huff and puff was undone as Villa went 1-0 up on 35 minutes. A cross in eventually ended up to Diaby on the edge of the box and his shot from distance found its way past Sa and into the net.
Half time and Villa led 1-0 slightly undeservedly. Wolves played well for the most part and intent was definitely there but with little quality up top, we struggled to make our possession count.
Second half
Wolves started the second as they started the first, looking to put Villa under pressure and get back in the game. Gomes had a brilliant run through the Villa half to be then brought down on the edge of the box. The resulting free kick was wasted by Sarabia, who had a fairly poor game by not finding space and gifting possession countless times.
That was as close Wolves came in the second half and Villa doubled their lead with a cross/shot by Konsa who looked to put the ball in the box but ended up floating it to the back post and into the net. A fairly equal game was killed off by Villa second.
O’Neil rang the changes throughout the second half but we lacked the cutting edge to get back into the game and Villa did what they had to do to see out the game.
Full time
Our lack of attacking quality is really showing as our midfield are looking good but with no creativity it’s difficult to create clear cut chances. Having to rely on two teenagers who are not Premier League quality is costing us. Nevertheless, we looked good in periods of the game against a very good Villa team.
On to Burnley this Tuesday as Wolves look to bounce back.
Man of the Match – Semedo – He looked to be aggressive going forward and did ok at the back.
ARTICLE BY NICK PARKES
Hi, I’m Nick! Born in Wolverhampton and currently living in Barcelona. I’ve been a Wolves fan since birth (dad’s choice) and was a north bank season ticket holder in my younger days. My favourite all-time player, Bully!
I’m an English teacher by trade and when I’m not scolding teenagers in the class, I’m either running, gardening or watching cricket!