NICK PARKES TALKS US THROUGH THE HIGHLIGHTS OF ARSENAL V WOLVES AND HIS THOUGHTS ON THE PERFORMANCE
Wolves kicked off their 24/25 campaign with a trip to London against last year’s runners-up, Arsenal. And although the Old Gold had their chances, it was Arsenal who took the three points with a 2-0 home win.
Gary O’Neil made only the one change from last week’s final pre-season game as Bellegarde came in for Sarabia. Mosquera, Rodrigo Gomes, and Strand Larsson all made their Premier League debuts.
STARTING XI
Sa, Doherty, Toti Gomes, Mosquera, Ait-Nouri, Rodrigo Gomes, Joao Gomes, Lemina, Hwang, Bellegarde, Strand Larsen
first half highlights
The opening minutes of the game saw Wolves compact in formation and looking to hit Larsen whenever possible. However this positive start didn’t last long as we started giving the ball away needlessly, especially from Toti and Sa. Toti in particular looked very uncomfortable on the ball throughout the first half which allowed Arsenal to attack at will. The home team piled on the pressure and it eventually paid off as Ait-Nouri was caught well out of position which allowed the ever-dangerous Saka space down their right to whip in a dangerous cross; Mosquera was caught blind sided and Sa came for a ball which he didn’t have to and Kai Havertz headed into the back of the net to give Arsenal a deserved lead after 25 minutes. Questions will be asked of how Saka was gifted so much space and how Havertz went uncontested to nod home.
Wolves offered little going forward throughout the opening 35 minutes but within 5 minutes we created a few chances and even made Arsenal goalkeeper, Raya, pull off a great save to deny Strand Larsen his first Wolves goal. Wolves won the ball back in the middle and the ball ended up with Hwang on our right hand side, he played a delicious ball in the box to find Larsen, who had pulled off his defender to find a yard of space, but his powerful header was saved well. Good play all round and unlucky not to equalise. Rodrigo and Joao Gomes both had great solo runs also around this time to give the travelling fans something to cheer about as Wolves grew in attacking confidence as the half came to a close.
SECOND HALF CHANCES
Wolves came out for the second 45 on the front foot and looked much more confident and self-assured in their ability and formation. Some positive link up play between Doherty and Hwang helped find Larsen in the box, with his back to goal he held the ball up and played in a cross but was cleared away. With Wolves pressing, O’Neil brought on Cunha to try and find that equalising goal. It was Cunha himself who had the best chance of the second half for Wolves which came around the 70th minute. After once again winning the ball back in midfield the ball ended up at the feet of Cunha in centre of the goal around 18 yards out; he takes a touch and sets himself with the goal to aim at but his shot was tame and only picked out the goalkeeper, it was a glorious chance and one which a fully fit Cunha would have certainly taken.
Despite all of our dominance in possession, pressing well and winning the ball back, and positive chances; a long distance shot from Ait-Nouri just over and a side volley from Rodrigo, if you don’t take your chances against the big teams they will punish you. And that’s exactly what Saka did in the 74th minute as Ait-Nouri gifted him a yard of space and the luxury to cut inside, he unleashed a shot past Jose Sa at his near post to put the game to bed. Saka is famous for cutting inside on his left foot so Ait-Nouri had to make him run down the line.
The second goal knocked the wind out of Wolves and as much O’Neil rang the changes with appearances from Chiqinho, Dawson, Podence, and Sarabia to try and claw something back for Wolves. However, that wasn’t to be, even with Sarabia’s wonderful volleyed effort which was well saved again, Wolves couldn’t find a way back into the game. There was a VAR check for a possible penalty to Wolves after Hwang was pushed in the back but the contact was minimal so nothing was given. The game came to a close and for the 4th year in a row Wolves fell to an opening day defeat.
POST MATCH INSIGHTS
There were certainly positives to take from this game. Taking into consideration we have a new formation, a new centre defence partnership, and 3 players on Premier League debut, we took the game to Arsenal in the 2nd half and really looked like we could grab a point. Mosquera and Joao Gomes in particular were excellent today. Yerson grew into the game and looked strong and assured in the second half, although he might be remembered for choking Havertz and slapping Jesus’ behind. Joao Gomes was menacing as always; he won the ball back countless times, gave their midfield no freedom, and also he looked very good carrying the ball forward. For me, it was a tight call between the two who were man of the match and although it was Mosquera’s first game, I thought Joao deserved it for bossing Arsenal’s very talented midfield.
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!