Six Talking Points from Wolves 3-0 West Ham

Wolves finally shed the monkey off their back and secured their first Premier League win at the 20th attempt.

1. 11 round pegs in round holes!

For the first game this season, Wolves had 11 players who knew their roles, what the game plan was and to complete both parts for 102 minutes.

It would have been no surprise if Wolves had continued their appalling run of winless games. Wolves had managed to  concede goals at crucial times in previous games. But today they went ahead after four minutes from a slick attacking move. The busy Hwang jinxed his way to the goal line before pulling the ball back for Arias to hit home. After West Ham had tried to impose themselves on Wolves from kick off they found themselves a goal down.

Wolves round pegs were starting to knock short passes around that were finding their teammates. This was a new phenomenon for Wolves in recent games. West Ham were finding it difficult to counter and Wolves also started passing forwards and not the obligatory sideways and back!

Another slick round pegs attacking move drew a foul in the box. The referee pointed to the spot but wait Wolves still had to convince that man in the VAR shed!  Yes it was a penalty but then Hwang stepped up. Was it possible for Wolves to score a second goal before West Ham scored?

But this was the round pegged Hwang who already had an assist for the first goal! It was never in doubt as he stroked it firmly down the middle after Areola moved to his right. 

Wolves 11 round pegs were now two up against a flailing West Ham. But the best moment of the game was still to come. Hugo Bueno jinked and looked like he was about to pass back to Krejci but instead threaded a beautiful pass to Mane. There seemed no danger as Mane had two players in front of him, but he moved the ball to the right and hit a bullet of a shot inside Areola’s right hand post into the net. 41 minutes and Wolves were in heaven 3-0 up.

Rob Edwards half time talk must have hit the spot because Wolves 11 round pegs continued in round holes for second half to give Wolves a well deserved first league win.

Proof that when the players follow the plan and everyone knows their role in the plan anything is possible.

2.  Jose Sa takes control and commands the penalty box

The position of number one goalkeeper has caused discussion among Wolves fans this season. Sam Johnstone has had his turn and he had not really been any worse than Sa. Neither goalkeeper had been at fault for many of the goals that Wolves had conceded. But the goalkeeping role has changed. Nearly all teams now play short goal kicks and build up from the back. Wolves struggle with this most of the time but not today. 

Sa has made a huge change in his normal performances since he regained his place back as number one. It is common for all opposing teams to threaten the goalkeeper with as much intimidation and blocking as they can get away with. Arsenal have made this aspect of their game a huge advantage.

Jose Sa showed today he has stepped up against this threat from West Ham. At times there were six or seven players in a melee on or around the goal line. Sa dealt with this threat on every occasion. He either caught the ball or punched it clear and was so successful that out of their eight recorded attempts on goal none were on target. West Ham didn’t register a signal attempt on target. He also kicked the ball long more often than playing it short. This reduced the attacking pressure that West Ham were able to generate with a high press.

3. Tolu Arokodare or Jorgen Strand Larsen

The role of number nine has swapped during the season between the two above players. Larsen started in the role but he has so far not produced the performances that he produced last season. Arokodare only signed towards the end of the summer transfer window and it has taken him some time to get the starting role.

Arokodare has shown a greater ability to control his flick-ons. Larsen however doesn’t currently show the same ability. Arokodare has also proven to be more productive with his close control and ability to hold up the ball bringing colleagues into the game. 

On the occasions that Sa kicks long it’s essential that the target man is able to control the ball, Arokodare is succeeding more than Larsen. There has been another change though that is helping Arokodare, the introduction of Hwang Hee Chang as his twin striker.

Rob Edwards is utilising Larsen on around 60 minutes but today it was to replace Hwang not Arokodare.

The January transfer window is open and there are rumours of Larsen being available for £40 million. I think this would be good business. The monies to be reinvested in another striker plus other necessary players.

4. Mateus Mane Wolves new Star

Today we saw a complete performance from Mateus Mane. He ran the show for Wolves and at times mesmerised West Ham. He plays without fear and has complete faith in his own ability. 

It’s no secret that Wolves improved form has come after the introduction of Mane in the side. The way he slipped his marker for the first goal. He was facing his own goal when he allowed the ball to slide past him then turning to set off towards West Ham’s goal. His marker still facing the Wolves goal. He fed Hwang who completed the assist to Arias, 1-0.

Another piece of wizardry saw him turn on a sixpence sending two West Ham players embarrassingly looking for him and the ball. Mane was already in the penalty box. His crowning glory was the way he received his pass from Hugo Bueno, he only had one intention, he headed for the edge of the box, leaving one defender behind and then without looking at the goal got off his shot inside the near post leaving Areola helpless and the advancing defender beaten to the ball. 

Mane is the new talisman for Wolves. He is playing without any fear. I thought that his best position for Wolves would be alongside Arokodare but after yesterday’s masterclass he’s perfect where Rob Edwards has him playing.

Wolves problem is holding on to him. He is too good a talent to play in the Championship.

5. Can Wolves set another record and escape relegation?

The win against West Ham is Wolves first in 20 attempts. They are bottom of the table with only 6 points. But a week ago they only had 2 points. A good draw against United away and a comprehensive defeat of West Ham. 

Next up are Everton away, then Newcastle at home followed by Man City away. I’m going to predict that on yesterday’s form they can get 6 points. That still leaves them bottom regardless of what the other teams above them do. But what it does do is make the teams above them worry about Wolves.

I still think after yesterday’s performance there is still a chance to dream. Yes West Ham are not a good side and may end up as one of the bottom three teams. BUT Wolves still had to beat them and score the goals. Two things they had not managed all season so far.

Another point in Wolves favour is that the team seemed to finally  all be on the same page! Rob Edwards has got round pegs in round holes. In defence Krejci adds calmness and organisation. He is a natural leader and l believe could be captain before the end of the season. Today his tackles won stat was 100%.

Arias has finally found his feet in the Premier League. He played the full 90 minutes, covered every inch of the pitch and got on the end of Hwang’s pull back pass to fire Wolves ahead on 4 minutes. The midfield of Mane, Joao Gomes and Arias is working. Wolves are passing forwards and creating chances. It’s no surprise that when Andre came on at half time it was a swap with Joao Gomes. This kept  the team shape the same. When Andre and Joao Gomes both play Wolves lose creativity and concede more fouls!

I’ve already mentioned Arokodare at number 9, a target man who can hold up the ball. Hwang seems to benefit from playing alongside Arokodare. He scored a penalty and had an assist for Arias. I hope his injury on 60 minutes doesn’t prevent him playing against Everton. 

Then of course Mane who ran the show and could be the talisman that sparks the miracle of escaping relegation!

6. Wolves most important January Transfer Window! 

It’s already been said that Wolves will have to generate funds for transfer. Rob Edwards has spoken to Fosun and suggestions are that he wants the following: Goalkeeper, Forward, Midfielder, Winger, Defender. Larsen is the forward I think will leave. In midfield either Andre or Joao Gomes to leave. This should generate a reasonable cash pot.

Getting this right could be the link to Wolves setting a new escapology record in the Premier League. But also the win against West Ham must not be a solo event. The next two games are critical. Points are a must. But the players have shown themselves, the manager and most importantly the near 30000 fans that turn up to watch the team. 30000 fans for a home game of a team that has reduced the points gap from 17th place to 20th place from 16 points to 12 points in two games. The gap to Burnley was 10 points it’s now only 6 points!

My New Years resolution is to support the team as much as I can.

Final Thoughts

It’s been a pleasure to finally be able to write something positive about the team after the first half of the season. I don’t know if any of the squad read what we put out on Always Wolves Fan TV but it would be great if they did and that they could see we are behind them.

Next up is Everton, lets go to the new Hill Dickinson Stadium and put on another performance and get another three points.

From a very happy long serving Wolves Fan.