J MICHAEL GRAY REPORTS AND ANALYSES WOLVES 5-3 DEFEAT TO BRENTFORD
It’s been a dismal start to this season’s campaign, with only one point earned in six matches, leaving Wolves dead last in the table. As pressure continues to mount on Gary O’Neil, fans are desperate for a win.
In what feels like a must win match for the Wolves, the sense that fans are holding their collective breath is almost palpable. On paper, Brentford may be the best opportunity thus far for the Wolves to show signs of life and to give fans a glimmer of hope.
FIRST HALF
The match opens with both sides coming out with pace and energy. Unfortunately, however, it takes less than 90 seconds for a cross into the box to find an unmarked Nathan Collins, who heads it into the net to give Brentford a quick 1-0 lead.
Not to be deterred, the Wolves battle back, placing pressure on the Brentford defence. Nearing the fourth minute of play, Nelson Semedo drives toward the right side of the goal, then passes to Matheus Cunha just outside the centre of the box, who sends it home for the equaliser, evening the score at 1-1.
The frenetic pace of the game continues from there, with both sides racing up and down the pitch. In the 18th minute, during a corner kick for Brentford, team captain, Mario Lemina is called for a penalty after getting tangled up with Nathan Collins. After VAR confirmation, Bryan Mbuemo took the penalty kick and promptly gave the 2-1 advantage back to the Bees.
Once again, showing remarkable resolve and fight, the Wolves countered just a few minutes later with an amazing equaliser by Jorgen Strand Larsen. It was Rayan Ait Nouri coming from the left side of the pitch who delivered the pass. Larsen then made good use of his size and agility to direct the ball into the right corner of the goal, tying it up at 2-2.
The celebration wouldn’t last long. The Bees countered almost instantly, exploiting the laissez faire defence of the Wolves. Christian Norgaard took advantage, scoring the go ahead goal in the 27th minute, making it 3-2.
At this point, Brentford began to take control of the game. They continued to pressure the Wolves suspect defence. Despite Wolves keeper Sam Johnstone making a number of key saves, the Bees wouldn’t be denied. Just before the end of the first half, an unmarked Ethan Pinnock scored on a corner kick header to put the Wolves down 4-2.
SECOND HALF
In contrast to the first 45 minutes of play, the second half was characterized with a more deliberate pace of play. Despite this, Brentford would continue to pick apart the porous Wolves defense, taking shots on goal multiple times.
Sam Johnstone played admirably, making one critical save after another until the 89th minute, when Fabio Carvalho broke away on counter attack and sent one past him to make the score 5-2. In a too little, too late response, Rayan Ait Nouri deftly navigated Brentford defenders, putting one in the net to make the final score 5-3.
Final Score – Brentford 5 – Wolves 3
The Wolves leave Brentford at the bottom of the table and with yet another heartbreaking defeat.
CONCLUDING THOUGHTS
While the players showed grit and a willingness to battle back, team defence appeared scattered and undisciplined. Further, things have only gotten worse as the season has progressed. I’ve always believed that the best coaches/managers in any sport, adapt their style of play to their roster. I can’t help but be reminded of the famous quote attributed to Albert Einstein…“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results”.
Undoubtedly, hard questions will now be asked about the direction of the team, as well as the future of Wolves manager, Gary O’Neil. It may be time to press the proverbial “panic button”.
Player of the Match
Sam Johnstone
- Stayed busy behind a poor Wolves defense
- Saved multiple shots on goal
ARTICLE BY J MICHAEL GRAY
J. Michael Gray is a Wolves fan from across the pond in the United States. When not watching matches, he enjoys traveling and spending time with family.
