ANDREW BENNETT LOOKS AT THE LESSONS FROM WOLVES V EVERTON
As we say goodbye to Molineux, and in my case the team for this season as I won’t be attending the Emirates next weekend. What I was anticipating to be a great afternoon seeing some of the greats of the past six years make their final home appearance which for the most part didn’t materialise in what felt a strange afternoon and end to the season.
NO ROOM FOR SENTIMENT
From an hour before kickoff and seeing the starting line up to miss out on having the opportunity to see some great servants for the club Ait Nouri, Jonny, Joao Moutinho and even Pedro Neto on what could be their last home Wolves appearance felt strange.
Then for all four players seemingly not to be in the stadium at the end of the game for a lap of honour just felt wrong. We don’t know what happens behind the scenes but I personally believe that the least you can ask of contracted players is they turn up to see the fans off.
To me personally the entire lap of honour and end of game presentation just felt unusual with the exception of Ruben leading the squad and the emotion of our Mexican great.
A great shame for me personally and I’m sure almost the whole stadium was sad to not see Raul be given any minutes by Julen Lopetegui. The fans could at least see him off as he teared up during the lap of appreciation to have Si Senor chanted around the ground. In his post match press conference Lopetegui did acknowledge maybe his error of judgement not to give Raul a final appearance at Molineux, we are all only human and the killer instinct and decision making made from the Spanish manager is what has kept Wolves in the premier league.
A CAPTAIN'S GOODBYE
On the day former captain Conor Coady was in attendance at Molineux, but the day was all about the man from Porto – Ruben Neves. Throughout the game Molineux chanted and adored our captain, to be substituted in the last 10 minutes hugging every player as he went off. Then leader of the pack as the squad made their way around Molineux, if this is to be goodbye thanks for the memories and the best of luck winning a deserved trophy and champions league.
LESSONS FROM THE GAME
As Wolves were safe the final game for most was to just enjoy Molineux in the sun for the last time in a couple of months. We welcomed possibly the worst team I’ve seen this year and without David Coote’s plan to play until Everton scored Wolves would’ve come away with a simple three points. I could say bad officiating is something new but based on some of the decisions this season it’s less something learned more something to be endured.
Of the players who came into the team, Collins looked a bit rusty and had a poor first touch, Podence had his moments as always but didn’t contribute much in what could be his last game at Molineux. Sarabia very much the same as Podence.
Of the players coming in Adama showed in flashes why he has been a brilliant player for Wolves and really caused Everton danger especially when going through the middle. We should as a fan base appreciate Hwang so much he put in tireless efforts and for sure Lopetegui will have been impressed with his performance and finding himself in the right place at the right time to score.
Otherwise from the game any learnings are challenging. Lopetegui will have been asking the incoming players to show why they deserve to play next season and realistically no individual showed anything that he has not already seen this year.
THE SUMMER
Whatever happens this summer with incomings and more likely many departures a large core of the loved Nuno squad is to be gone and the starting line up next season is an unknown quantity. We have to get behind the boys and build the relationship with the new players, from the lap of appreciation this was clear to see with Mario Lemina and Cunha. COYW and enjoy your summer!
ARTICLE BY ANDREW BENNETT
From my first Wolves match against Chelsea in 2003 I fell in love with the team and matchday experience. I work in digital marketing and have lived in Germany and Estonia over the past few years, this doesn’t stop me following Wolves and ensuring all my international friends become invested to the Wolf pack. I enjoy football, board games, a pint and travelling always excited to try new things. You will find me in the north bank on a matchday.
