NICK PARKES REPORTS ON WOLVES 4-0 DEFEAT TO MANCHESTER CITY
On a day which started with a wonderful tribute to the late Diogo Jota, Wolves was deservedly beaten by a Man City team which didn’t need to get out of second gear.
Wolves lined up with Wolfe making his Premier League debut.
Starting XI Sa, Hoever, Toti, Agbadou, Doherty, Bellegarde, Andre, Gomes, Munesti, Strand Larsen
FIRST HALF
Wolves started the game fairly compact with City dictating most of the ball but with our defence holding firm, we were able to cause City a few problems; and only the clever high-line by City prevented us from causing more issues. Munesti found the ball in the back of the net after neat play down our right and his well directed header found the bottom corner, only to be ruled out for offside. Again shortly after, Munesti found himself in a great position right of the 6 yard box and his effort was well saved by Trafford in the City goal (only to be flagged offside again. Despite the call for an established right back, Hoever looked a real threat down our right, having the beating of his defender multiple times and putting in several well directed crosses.
While the game was 0-0, Wolves played with energy and our aggressive press caused City problems, and yes, the away team had the lion’s share of possession and occasionally found gaps in our defence, it was Wolves who were looking likely to score. That however soon changed between the 33rd and 38th minutes where two goals took the game away from the home team.
Reijnders danced his way deep in our half and played a chipped ball into the box where the ball was then simply crossed about our box to Haaland who won’t score an easier goal all season. Despite decent play from City, it was all too easy for them and we were caught ball watching rather than following our men.
The second goal shortly after was of our own making. Agbadou unnecessarily gave away possession after attempting a simple pass. After being played in, Reijnders found space on the right hand side of the box and he buried his shot past Sa. 2-0 down and effectively game over.
Despite all our positive play earlier on, Wolves went into half time 2-0 down. Poor defending really cost us.
SECOND HALF
We actually started the second half very brightly and Hoever’s run and cross found an on-running Larsen who, instead of going with his weaker foot, turned his body to attack with his stronger foot but could only hit the side netting. A great chance to get us back in the game.
Hoever continued to cause problems down our right and he linked up well with Munesti throughout the game.
Just as Wolves were building confidence, a swift and brutal breakaway officially put the game out of reach. Reijnders once again runs through our midfield and he ends up playing a ball back to an incoming Haaland whose lethal shot beats Sa and into the back of the net. A great goal and quite incredible to see players with quality utilise what they have.
More salt was added to the wound as City made it 4 with Cherki coming on as a sub and punishing us once again. And although our subs made a positive impact, we were just no match for a far superior team, one which look like they have their mojo back after last season’s disappointment.
FULL TIME WOLVES 0 MANCHESTER CITY 4
It was always going to be a “free hit” with Man City coming to town for the first game of the season but the ease in which City scored is a concern. Agbadou, who was so key to our survival last season, was very sloppy in possession; not only giving balls away but his passing in general caused his own players problems. There were positives as we looked good in spells and we did cause City problems, especially down our right.
My man of the match – Hoever
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!