We asked Wolves fans to share their thoughts on Wolves performance following the 2-0 defeat at The Emirates to Arsenal.
KARL WHITEHOUSE
The first 25 minutes went well. We felt comfortable, created chances, and restricted them to long-range efforts. However, we gave Saka too much space, leading to him assisting and scoring against us. We need to prevent these mistakes or risk conceding more set pieces and goals. But we can fix these issues.
Our squad is strong, but we need to strengthen specific areas. Gary is the best judge of where improvements are necessary. Rayan Ait Nouri stood out; he was active throughout. He is someone we must keep in the team. Hopefully, we can address our problems before the next match. Rayan Ait Nouri earned player of the match with a rating of 6.5.
BEN WHITEHOUSE
Well, that went about as well as we could have hoped for from an away match against one of the best teams in Europe this season. Despite the ‘comfortable’ scoreline, Wolves managed to make it far from easy for Arsenal. This is key to establishing ourselves as a top-half team rather than a lesser side that could lose by 4 or 5 if heads drop.
I think there were plenty of positives to take from today: the boys look like fighters, confident in themselves and O’Neil’s game plans to create some good spells. Despite the lack of a clean sheet, Toti and Mosquera looked solid and like they can become an excellent defensive unit. Most importantly, we weren’t afraid to play our game and attack Arsenal instead of just sitting back and hoping for a 0-0. The plaudits will go to the Gunners for their excellent performance, but we shouldn’t be disheartened by ours. On to Chelsea…
JOHN TARAS
A win for Arsenal. Wolves had good chances and should have done better with them. We had a great chance to go in all square, but Larsen failed to score. In the second half, Cunha’s shot was tame and easy for Raya to save.
Arsenal’s Goals: Sa went for a cross he was never going to reach, and Havertz headed into an empty net. Lemina committed a foul on the halfway line. Arsenal took a quick free kick to Saka, and Ait-Nouri allowed him to cut in on his left foot and beat Sa easily.
Gary O’Neil might have pressed Arsenal more. We didn’t make use of Larsen’s strength. It’s no good having a big number nine if you don’t use his strengths.
Negatives: we still pass back too often when in good forward positions.
No VAR or contentious decisions.
I was impressed with the Toti and Mosquera partnership.
BLACKPOOL WOLF
SCOTT DRAME
Today’s game left much to be desired. The midfield struggled throughout, failing to connect plays or maintain possession. O’Neil’s strategies up front simply couldn’t break through the opposition’s defence. Surprisingly, VAR decisions were on point this time, which was a relief. On a brighter note, José Sá and Strand Larsen put on an impressive display, showcasing their skill and determination amidst a promising performance but disappointing result..
PAM WELLS
Well, let’s remember we were playing probable title chasers Arsenal. They played like it for the first part of the first half. Then we slowly got into the game. The chance from Hwang’s cross and Larsen’s header brought out a world-class save from Raya.
In the second half, I think we came on and played some really good football, especially when Cunha came on. If it wasn’t for Raya, we could have been level. Unfortunately, they went down and made it 2-0 with Saka on his left foot. We still kept pushing up to the final whistle, so although it was a defeat, there were some positives to take from the game.
My man of the match was João Gomes and my performance rating is a 7. Onwards and upwards. Bring on Chelsea at home.
LOUIE LEFEVRE
Well, let’s remember we were playing probable title chasers Arsenal. They played like it for the first part of the first half. Then we slowly got into the game. The chance from Hwang’s cross and Larsen’s header brought out a world-class save from Raya.
In the second half, I think we came on and played some really good football, especially when Cunha came on. If it wasn’t for Raya, we could have been level. Unfortunately, they went down and made it 2-0 with Saka on his left foot. We still kept pushing up to the final whistle, so although it was a defeat, there were some positives to take from the game.
My man of the match was João Gomes and my performance rating is a 7.
Onwards and upwards. Bring on Chelsea at home.
J. Michael Gray
Overall Thoughts
Despite the loss, I liked the Wolves effort today. They were under almost constant attack in the first half, yet turned the tables in the second half, putting Arsenal on their heels. The match played much closer than the score indicated.
The Good
- Mario Lemina: A stalwart in defense with multiple stops and key deflections.
- The New Guys: Both Larsen and Rodrigo Gomes came into their first Premier League match and held their own. Neither played tentatively, nor showed any sign of nervousness. Gomes made a few nice runs toward goal and Larsen nearly scored with a first half header.
- Effort: To not fold under Arsenal’s relentless first half attack and still battle throughout the match, shows this teams grit and toughness.
The Bad
- Jose Sa: Unfortunately, while he made a couple of nice saves, it certainly wasn’t Sa’s best day in a Wolves kit. There were a number of poor passes, as well as some questionable decision making in goal. Let’s hope he comes back strong in the next one.
Man of the Match
- Mario Lemina: This was an easy decision. He played well and was a steadying force in the backfield for Wolves. He showed why he’s the captain of the squad.