NICK PARKES REPORTS ON WOLVES 2-1 VICTORY AGAINST FULHAM
Wolves bounced back from the 3-0 loss to Newcastle last time out with a hard fought and gritty win against fellow European hopefuls Fulham.
O’Neil made a few changes from last week’s game as he gave a first Premier League start to local boy Nathan Fraser. Also, with Dawson out injured, Santi Bueno came in to a back 4 as Toti found himself on the subs bench. A return for fan favourite Joao Gomes in midfield in place of Tommy Doyle.
FIRST HALF
The opening moments of the game found both teams looking to be attacking. Neto worked his way well into the box by taking on a defender but was disposed of just before he had a chance to shoot. Fulham then had a chance of their own; a clear foul on Wolves was not given and Fulham broke away with Iwobi finding space in the box to play in Pereira whose shot was well saved by Sa.
Wolves attacking injuries woes continued in force today as Bellegarde was the first (but not the last) to come off injured in the 10th minute. Doyle replaced him to fit in next to Gomes as Lemina drifted wider at times to try to replace the threat.
Despite Wolves playing fairly well in the first half, winning the ball back well and looking to be proactive, it was Fulham who was guilty of spurning great chances to go into the break ahead. Kilman was caught unaware as a great through-ball found Wilson bearing down on goal one on one with Sa, with the Wolves’ keeper charging out and cutting off the space, Wilson’s shot went wide of the post. A great chance for the visitors and one which should have been punished. Another good chance fell to Fulham after Wolves failed to clear their lines in the box and the ball ended up across the box and at the feet of a Fulham player whose first time shot hit the bar and out for a goal kick.
At the end of the first half Wolves’ injury crisis worsened as main man Pedro Neto charged down the wing and just before putting a cross in pulled up, holding his hamstring and signalling to come off. As they say “when it rains it pours’ ‘ and the groan from the Molineux faithful was clear to hear as our biggest attacking threat is looking at another stint on the physio’s table.
Both teams went in for half time on level terms. Wolves playing fairly OK but didn’t create anything of real worth.
SECOND HALF
Wolves came for the second 45 with Toti who slotted into the back and Wolves played with a more normal formation and from the off Wolves looked aggressive and more fluid going forward and their quick start paid off as Doyle played a free kick into the box, the ball was flicked on by a Fulham defending and ended up a Toti close to the byline. His great touch and pass found an on running Ait-Nouri who rifled his shot into the roof of the net and gave liftoff for the fans in attendance. 1-0 up overall deserved but especially deserved based on the start of the 2nd half. 50 minutes and Wolves were winning. Local lad Fraser really started to come into the game also as he was slipped in by Lemina with a beautiful disguised pass, through on goal at a slightly wide angle, his shot was saved by an onrushing keeper. Despite being so young and raw, it was clear to see his ability. His hold up play was crucial and although not being the fastest striker, he ran the channels very well and worked his socks off for the team.
Wolves made it 2-0 just after the hour which came about after incredible play from Joao Gomes as his slick skill beat Fulham players right on the throw in line in their half, he then played in a great ball to Fraser who then returned the favour. In the middle of the box 18 yards out, Gomes cleverly rolls the ball back to Semedo whose shot was deflected off Cairney into the net. A slice of luck but if you don’t shoot you never score.
We continued to nullify Fulham’s attack and even when former player Adama Traore came on, we handled most of what he did and only once did he get a shot off but it was well saved by Sa. Fulham then had the ball in the box again but again Sa prevented them and then Kilman with an important header off the line.
The clean was not to be however as with the last kick of the game, Borja flicked on to Iwobi, who has a knack of scoring against us, stuck a leg out to beat Sa. The final whistle came just after and Wolves put their push for Europe back on track with a gritty, hard fought win. Even with the injuries on the day and those we already had, the team on the pitch gave everything for the shirt and came out on top. Lemina (who was my man of the match), Ait-Nouri and Gomes were exceptional and deserve all the plaudits.
Huge game next week in the FA Cup and whatever 11 make the team, you can guarantee they will give all and push to send us to Wembley.
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!
