Deadbat
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I came out of the Lane under 2 weeks ago and even though we scored with a last-minute goal, I was really disappointed with the performance. We were 2nd best to a poor Bolton side. We lost deservedly to Norwich and then got out of jail again, at Blackburn after we had been largely inferior to another side pegged to finish near the bottom. Today, we matched one of the favourites for promotion for long periods and were a bit unfortunate to lose. We looked much more solid, competitive and organised. We were far better without the ball and it was a much-improved performance from what we have seen. At the start of the season not sure people would have been so happy to lose at home to any side and to not have a single serious effort on goal but shows how expectations have dropped I suppose. I think a lot will be content with large elements of the performance (effort, shape etc) even though today we lost and it came right at the end. There were a lot of positives in terms of individuals and how we set up and we restricted a very good Wolves side to few decent chances. In that regard, it was really disappointing for all the effort/toil, that we lose it to such a sloppy goal.
The stats actually make it look we were dominated in many aspects but it did not really go like that. It was an even game in terms of clear chances. Wolves did play the better and more controlled football and had better possession but did little with it. We started ok and were in the game but they gradually started to pin us back, getting a fair bit of joy down both flanks and had a few half chances and a few narrowly evaded them. Pone deflected wide, another Cooper had to be alert to stop and a few blocks were made. Cooper made a few saves but nothing where he was too troubled by. At the other end, Tanganga had a header but we did not really create anything. Peck and Phillips played well and the midfield shape was good and Kitching had his best game for us. I was ok at half time despite us not really creating much – we had not been run through loads. Second half we came out a bit flat and our record for conceding goals in this period (45-60 mins – which is the worst in the division over the last calendar year) seemed to be a real worry but we again limited them to little. We then had our best spell from around 55-75 mins and we had some joy down the right with Ayew giving a nice spark (till he gassed out). We won a few tackles, got the crowd up and had our best spell of football with a few little bits of good play but the final ball was poor and we wasted any chances we had. We had a few scrambles but the keeper was not tested at all (one Peck pea roller the only effort he had to save). We needed to fashion a chance and score I felt here, to take something from the game, Despite Ayew’s cameo, he tired and we got worse after the other subs (Cannon did ok) but Phillips going off meant we struggled in midfield – granted he was tired.
Their subs are so much stronger but I also felt the collective fitness of the two teams (even taking away the changes told) and we tired to a man and then the final 10 minutes we got deeper and deeper and they ended up having a few crosses and we were at full stretch. They did not have any chances though at all and you thought we might see it out. We were not even trying to attack though and this means teams can push on and get bodies in the box. In the end RND was sleeping, Rothwell another sub does not go with Doyle and then none of our three centre backs react. It is an awful goal but they had two goes at it. Might be fortunate but as happened a few times first half, we do not get to the cross/ball across and defenders still are guilty of not attacking the ball and ball watching. We saw us concede so many goals like that last year from crosses and poor marking/switching off. So, that was it. We were not coming back so late.
I was ok with the performance as Wolves will be quite high up despite us limiting them well today and we got a lot of things right out of possession but ultimately it counted for nothing. We put a lot of work in but never looked like scoring and we will have a lot of games like that against the better teams, if we cannot hurt them the other way. I liked the new midfield shape and hopefully Phillips can play longer moving forward – it is still a concern that half the side seemingly cannot do more than 60-65 minutes at a high intensity level. The start has been quite average – won 2, lost 2 and drew 3 and we have only played 2 good sides who will be in the top 8. That is about where I expected us to be so I cannot sit here and be too critical. Today we lost at home to a last-minute winner, barely had a shot at home and people came out more positive – so that does say a lot about the way the performances have been. Today was a step in the right direction definitely but the fitness levels are a disgrace of most of our players and the signings have compounded this problem. If we cannot pass the ball (or rather do not try to and just whack it) and players cannot run for sustained times/over games; it is going to be a season of struggle. Overall, though, I was ok with today. We see out the chance and we go home and say it’s a really good point – thought Wolves would be way too strong and it did not work out like that. Sadly, we still lost despite the improvements. We cannot be too upset as we should have lost most of the game we have won/drawn (only Swansea) and perhaps so far, if games had gone with how the stats/teams had played, we could be sat here with only 2 points (Swansea/today) so to have 9 points is an overachievement on how we have played.
Cooper 6/10 – Quietest game he had all season which I did not expect against a Wolves side full of attacking threats. He saved a few efforts but never really stretched too much. He was alert to stop a corner and seems a lot more alive this season. Second half had little to do and the goals came when the ball just bounced around and was not given any chance from close range.
Choudhury 5/10 – He started with the same struggles as we have seen all season and they got past him, he left too much space and they caused problems down both sides. They sent over several crosses without pressure. He was careless with the ball too. I would say he improved for a spell second half against Mane and he started to win a few 50/50’s and then he got his foot in and helped kickstart a few attacks. Then tired and they started to get down this side seeing Doherty come on.
McCallum 5/10 – Saw some people say he played well and was contender for man of the match and others say he was awful – my family all said that when I met them! I was more leaning to the latter but perhaps having reflected he was not that bad and I am basing it on the first 20 minutes where he had a shocker! Got booked early (first minute for a cynical trip) and then they beat him three times – once where he got a whack but still lost out, then they walked past him. He also gave it away in a bad area twice and they had half chances. Committed another foul and thought we might have to get him off but he did improve. The ridiculous foul given against him seemed to gee him up a bit and he was better after the break with a few headers won and got tighter to his man but then got another knock and had to go off.
McGuiness 6/10 - He was ok today. Won a few headers but also a few times, they did get to crosses first time. He was ok though and cannot recall him getting turned too much. A few times we got a bit high (opposite to what they have been) and one flick and they got in but that was down to the whole shape at times- which for the most part was better today. I am not sure he is fancied long term as Wilder admits and keeps getting rotated in and out. Still think we might go back for Souttar whose value will be dropping by the week.
Tanganga 6/10 – A mixed bad. Aggressive and won some tackles, intereceptions but he is poor with the ball and then twice he gave it away and had to react to get back – once he had to rugby tackle his man down. He is still quite erratic I feel and not sure I fully trust him. Cannot be helping him constantly changing partners and shape but then maybe that is down to some of his weaknesses too – that we cannot find the right personnel and shape at the back. Whole team guilty of siting way too deep final part and ultimately cost us.
Kitching 7/10 – His best performance for us. Looked slow on the turn at times but made some great tackles and got back to recover a few attacks with last ditch challenge. He was able to use it better than the other two and looked more composed today. All three I think still do not always get to crosses quick enough and the goal saw them all sleeping but he showed some good signs today.
Peck 7.5/10 – Our best player today. Looked like a man possessed first half and got around the pitch, won tackles, was covering a lot of ground and one who looked to pass forward. He set the tone for a much better performance in midfield where having Phillips behind him really helped too. He continued this 2nd half when he was a key player winning tackles in our best spell. Tired towards the end and did not look as good when Phillips went off and they found gaps but he has had two good games, after a poor start. Recall he was like that last season and then settled down.
Phillips 7/10 – One of our better players. Good first half and showed his strength, got around the park and used it well. He was busy and our three were able to not get imposed as much. Made sure we were not ran through and also got involved in some of our more promising attacks. Clever player who reads the game well. He tired again second half and we lost this area as the game went on and gaps appeared. If he can get fitter and even do 75 – 80, that will make a difference.
Arblaster 6/10 – Like McCallum, seen wildly different opinions. Some said he was anonymous, slow and could not get around and others said he played well, continuing his improved showing in the week. I was probably leaning more towards the latter. He was neat and tidy, got more involved, played some nice passes and was helping us be really competitive in the midfield despite not having lots of the ball. He had a nice spell second half where he played some tidy passes, made some interceptions but then tired badly and had to come off. Thought today was a step in the right direction but another whose stamina/running power is a big issue (he has been back a year now so would expect him to be fitter than he is and think injury has really affected his power).
Brereton Diaz 4/10 – Our poorest outfield player. He kept his shape well and was able to be involved in some moves and also was a willing outlet but is painfully slow and teams just run back as he takes forever to carry it. Was quick and dynamic (in short bursts when he was at Blackburn/his first spell at the Lane) but seems another who looks to have lost any pace he has – not even that old really and not big injuries since that time – so it is odd? He looked like he was towing a caravan at times. He often got into good areas but then could not carry it at pace. Not a threat at all.
Bamford 5/10 – Average performance. Hard being lone striker but had little to feed off – as our main tactic seems to be the punt forward and hope we/he wins a flick. We rarely play it into his feet at all. I felt sorry for him but he maybe is not looking as dangerous as last season and not as mobile. Caught offside way too much for an experienced player.
Subs –
Cannon 5.5/10 – Actually, won a few headers and flicks but then snatched at a chance he had when it came across. He was unlucky to lose his spot after his best game in the week, but then I can understand why he needed to play one up and that was always going to be Bamford.
Ayew 5.5/10 – First 10 minutes probably more a 7.5/10; as he looked a threat. Won run down the right, where he drove a shot wide (our only significant effort all game maybe?) and nicked a few balls and combined down that side. He looked dangerous and showed his body strength. However, after first 10 mins, he completely gassed out and could not run or move. He got hassled off it twice, gave it away and also was guilty of not switching on down the left when the goal came (was his man Trippier) and lacked the energy to get back. Way off match fitness (another joining BBD, Choudhury, Phillips etc)– who simply are nowhere near physically to play more than cameos which is not great from the recruitment/management in they are signing so many players like this – you can get away with one or two but we have half a dozen!
Rothwell – Brought on to get a foot in, try and slow them down and help us have at least some of the ball. I cannot sure he had many touches and then Doyle was unmarked twice for shots and the second, a mishit, led to the goal.
Norrington Davies – Not a great cameo at all. Came on to try and close down that side. Did not mark his man a few times and the goal he does not get across (Ayew has to take some blame). Comedy throw at the end summed up his brief appearance – he has done ok in the other games but if he is switched on, we might not concede.
Doherty – Only brought on final stages. He was not able to help us concede when they reacted to the cross twice to score and he, along with the rest, were just sat on our six-yard box but not marking anyone!
Manager Rating: Wilder 5/10 – Cannot really give him more as we lost at home and did not really look like scoring at all. The defensive and off the ball stuff was better but the goal was not a major surprise when it came as we had just run out of ideas and we were just settling for a draw. For all the decent stuff, it was a negative way to end the game as we stopped even trying to attack (or maybe we could not even build any just to being knackered- even our subs were flagging so was not even about the quality they could bring on!)
Hard one as he will get criticised for lack of goalscoring threat and us looking completely toothless but then if we had tried to commit too many forward, they are so dangerous on the break. WE kind of got the balance right in shape/set up but the way we try and attack is so limited. It is just balls over the top or direct stuff and hoping to get on the loose stuff. It is really basic stuff. I get that we have deficiencies but are we that bad we cannot keep the ball a bit? We do not have any real plan with the ball. The only half chances we got was from Peck/Choudhury/Ayew harrying them for that spell down the right. Roy (view from) texted me to say it reminded me of a lot of the Warnock days. Best players gone, a lot of veterans mixed with young players but the football for the most part is poor. We look a bit of a nothing side. Granted we lost all our attacking threat but for teams to dominate possession every week, is not going to see us more than bottom third. Today though I get Wolves were going to have all the ball and we had to sit in for periods but it was not really like that. We ended up right in the game but I thought we could have maybe used Donovan to stretch them. Wolves had far more athletes and pace but almost every game we have been outmatched for these areas – even v Bolton/Cardiff. Wilder had to take the blame for signing slow, unfit players like Choudhury, BBD etc. We are crying out for some dynamism and players who pen them back. Teams can just defend high knowing Bamford, Cannon and BBD are some of the slowest strikers around at this level. I will say that we looked much more solid today though and could have got a draw and maybe against the better teams our approach (new?) of not having the ball at all, may work but we need pace and outlets on the break or we will be playing for 0-0’s. I heard him saying our players and Wolves had tapped out but they seemed to get stronger (and was not just subs) – it was our players who looked shattered but if you do not have the ball, then we will be chasing meaning slow and unfit players weaknesses are exposed even more. I was ok with the performance and Wolves have a good side but I thought the approach final 15 was asking to lose. Why not put Donovan on (instead of BBD perhaps) and try and have an outlet. If we had tried to attack more, then we may be the ones snatching a winner but we never even tried to. 1 win in 4 at home is really shocking form and we have now won 2 in 11 (after the Wednesday win) is it at home going back to last season which is awful really.
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Wolves – Nowhere near as good as I thought they might be. I expected them to come through us at will but then saw them v Blackburn where another side restricted them a lot, so maybe they are not as fluent as I had envisaged but have been very good offensively in other games. They have a ridiculously talented squad full of pace, athleticism and power but then the flip side, is they went down meekly and threatened Derby’s record for a period – so shows the big gap between the leagues. The subs in Trippier, Gomes etc would start for every other team so hard to compete and ultimately this decided the game. Overall, I thought they struggled to create too much at all though and their fans would probably be very critical if they do not score that winner. The flip side is they were not really hurt or stretched at all and quite comfortable defensively. They had a lot of the ball but did not do much with it but expect them to be right amongst the automatic places. The stats suggest if anyone deserved to win it was them and they had the better of very few chances but in the end maybe a bit of a steal at the end when it seemed like a draw was about right. They were going for the win at the end and we were not and that of course, made the difference, helped hugely by stronger teams and fitter/quicker and ultimately better players than us – even though for most of the game it was even.
Opposition player of the match – Mane showed a few flashes but his final product was not good. Andre number 7 was the best player for Wolves in my opinion. Good on the ball and looked very composed. They have a few in him, Mane, Lopes and Gomez that technically are way too good for the Championship but they have to do the ugly stuff too.
Opposition weak link – Krejci was booked and was clumsy and nearly got another yellow. Thought keeper despite not being tested was poor and did not get to a number of high balls and was looking for fouls – that were not. Armstrong was quiet too.
Referee – Robert Jones. Premier League ref, I think? Showed as he was fussy all game. All we saw/heard was flags/whistles and it was like a crap rave. There were some deserved bookings. The three he cautioned were all correct and quite cynical. He started the game ok but then quickly unravelled. He started to give some absolute bizarre decisions (the McCallum one was laughable when he was blocked off) and was totally inconsistent – letting a push go one second and then penalising another seconds later. Wolves went down very easily (again like what happens in the Premier League) and he just kept giving it. He booked most of their bench (they were always coming out into the technical area) but did not send any off despite them constantly complaining. I though the lad Krejci who was booked might have got a second yellow for the pull back on Peck but then equally McCallum committed a few fouls even outside the one he got wrong. I also thought they had a decent shout for a handball? The United player (McGuiness was it- seemed to have his hand up but was close-ish range). He kept stopping play and talking to players. Just made it really stop start – which despite a number going against us – may have helped us in a bizarre sort of way as they of course were the side wanting the game to be more fluent. Just really annoying and overzealous performance.
The stats actually make it look we were dominated in many aspects but it did not really go like that. It was an even game in terms of clear chances. Wolves did play the better and more controlled football and had better possession but did little with it. We started ok and were in the game but they gradually started to pin us back, getting a fair bit of joy down both flanks and had a few half chances and a few narrowly evaded them. Pone deflected wide, another Cooper had to be alert to stop and a few blocks were made. Cooper made a few saves but nothing where he was too troubled by. At the other end, Tanganga had a header but we did not really create anything. Peck and Phillips played well and the midfield shape was good and Kitching had his best game for us. I was ok at half time despite us not really creating much – we had not been run through loads. Second half we came out a bit flat and our record for conceding goals in this period (45-60 mins – which is the worst in the division over the last calendar year) seemed to be a real worry but we again limited them to little. We then had our best spell from around 55-75 mins and we had some joy down the right with Ayew giving a nice spark (till he gassed out). We won a few tackles, got the crowd up and had our best spell of football with a few little bits of good play but the final ball was poor and we wasted any chances we had. We had a few scrambles but the keeper was not tested at all (one Peck pea roller the only effort he had to save). We needed to fashion a chance and score I felt here, to take something from the game, Despite Ayew’s cameo, he tired and we got worse after the other subs (Cannon did ok) but Phillips going off meant we struggled in midfield – granted he was tired.
Their subs are so much stronger but I also felt the collective fitness of the two teams (even taking away the changes told) and we tired to a man and then the final 10 minutes we got deeper and deeper and they ended up having a few crosses and we were at full stretch. They did not have any chances though at all and you thought we might see it out. We were not even trying to attack though and this means teams can push on and get bodies in the box. In the end RND was sleeping, Rothwell another sub does not go with Doyle and then none of our three centre backs react. It is an awful goal but they had two goes at it. Might be fortunate but as happened a few times first half, we do not get to the cross/ball across and defenders still are guilty of not attacking the ball and ball watching. We saw us concede so many goals like that last year from crosses and poor marking/switching off. So, that was it. We were not coming back so late.
I was ok with the performance as Wolves will be quite high up despite us limiting them well today and we got a lot of things right out of possession but ultimately it counted for nothing. We put a lot of work in but never looked like scoring and we will have a lot of games like that against the better teams, if we cannot hurt them the other way. I liked the new midfield shape and hopefully Phillips can play longer moving forward – it is still a concern that half the side seemingly cannot do more than 60-65 minutes at a high intensity level. The start has been quite average – won 2, lost 2 and drew 3 and we have only played 2 good sides who will be in the top 8. That is about where I expected us to be so I cannot sit here and be too critical. Today we lost at home to a last-minute winner, barely had a shot at home and people came out more positive – so that does say a lot about the way the performances have been. Today was a step in the right direction definitely but the fitness levels are a disgrace of most of our players and the signings have compounded this problem. If we cannot pass the ball (or rather do not try to and just whack it) and players cannot run for sustained times/over games; it is going to be a season of struggle. Overall, though, I was ok with today. We see out the chance and we go home and say it’s a really good point – thought Wolves would be way too strong and it did not work out like that. Sadly, we still lost despite the improvements. We cannot be too upset as we should have lost most of the game we have won/drawn (only Swansea) and perhaps so far, if games had gone with how the stats/teams had played, we could be sat here with only 2 points (Swansea/today) so to have 9 points is an overachievement on how we have played.
Cooper 6/10 – Quietest game he had all season which I did not expect against a Wolves side full of attacking threats. He saved a few efforts but never really stretched too much. He was alert to stop a corner and seems a lot more alive this season. Second half had little to do and the goals came when the ball just bounced around and was not given any chance from close range.
Choudhury 5/10 – He started with the same struggles as we have seen all season and they got past him, he left too much space and they caused problems down both sides. They sent over several crosses without pressure. He was careless with the ball too. I would say he improved for a spell second half against Mane and he started to win a few 50/50’s and then he got his foot in and helped kickstart a few attacks. Then tired and they started to get down this side seeing Doherty come on.
McCallum 5/10 – Saw some people say he played well and was contender for man of the match and others say he was awful – my family all said that when I met them! I was more leaning to the latter but perhaps having reflected he was not that bad and I am basing it on the first 20 minutes where he had a shocker! Got booked early (first minute for a cynical trip) and then they beat him three times – once where he got a whack but still lost out, then they walked past him. He also gave it away in a bad area twice and they had half chances. Committed another foul and thought we might have to get him off but he did improve. The ridiculous foul given against him seemed to gee him up a bit and he was better after the break with a few headers won and got tighter to his man but then got another knock and had to go off.
McGuiness 6/10 - He was ok today. Won a few headers but also a few times, they did get to crosses first time. He was ok though and cannot recall him getting turned too much. A few times we got a bit high (opposite to what they have been) and one flick and they got in but that was down to the whole shape at times- which for the most part was better today. I am not sure he is fancied long term as Wilder admits and keeps getting rotated in and out. Still think we might go back for Souttar whose value will be dropping by the week.
Tanganga 6/10 – A mixed bad. Aggressive and won some tackles, intereceptions but he is poor with the ball and then twice he gave it away and had to react to get back – once he had to rugby tackle his man down. He is still quite erratic I feel and not sure I fully trust him. Cannot be helping him constantly changing partners and shape but then maybe that is down to some of his weaknesses too – that we cannot find the right personnel and shape at the back. Whole team guilty of siting way too deep final part and ultimately cost us.
Kitching 7/10 – His best performance for us. Looked slow on the turn at times but made some great tackles and got back to recover a few attacks with last ditch challenge. He was able to use it better than the other two and looked more composed today. All three I think still do not always get to crosses quick enough and the goal saw them all sleeping but he showed some good signs today.
Peck 7.5/10 – Our best player today. Looked like a man possessed first half and got around the pitch, won tackles, was covering a lot of ground and one who looked to pass forward. He set the tone for a much better performance in midfield where having Phillips behind him really helped too. He continued this 2nd half when he was a key player winning tackles in our best spell. Tired towards the end and did not look as good when Phillips went off and they found gaps but he has had two good games, after a poor start. Recall he was like that last season and then settled down.
Phillips 7/10 – One of our better players. Good first half and showed his strength, got around the park and used it well. He was busy and our three were able to not get imposed as much. Made sure we were not ran through and also got involved in some of our more promising attacks. Clever player who reads the game well. He tired again second half and we lost this area as the game went on and gaps appeared. If he can get fitter and even do 75 – 80, that will make a difference.
Arblaster 6/10 – Like McCallum, seen wildly different opinions. Some said he was anonymous, slow and could not get around and others said he played well, continuing his improved showing in the week. I was probably leaning more towards the latter. He was neat and tidy, got more involved, played some nice passes and was helping us be really competitive in the midfield despite not having lots of the ball. He had a nice spell second half where he played some tidy passes, made some interceptions but then tired badly and had to come off. Thought today was a step in the right direction but another whose stamina/running power is a big issue (he has been back a year now so would expect him to be fitter than he is and think injury has really affected his power).
Brereton Diaz 4/10 – Our poorest outfield player. He kept his shape well and was able to be involved in some moves and also was a willing outlet but is painfully slow and teams just run back as he takes forever to carry it. Was quick and dynamic (in short bursts when he was at Blackburn/his first spell at the Lane) but seems another who looks to have lost any pace he has – not even that old really and not big injuries since that time – so it is odd? He looked like he was towing a caravan at times. He often got into good areas but then could not carry it at pace. Not a threat at all.
Bamford 5/10 – Average performance. Hard being lone striker but had little to feed off – as our main tactic seems to be the punt forward and hope we/he wins a flick. We rarely play it into his feet at all. I felt sorry for him but he maybe is not looking as dangerous as last season and not as mobile. Caught offside way too much for an experienced player.
Subs –
Cannon 5.5/10 – Actually, won a few headers and flicks but then snatched at a chance he had when it came across. He was unlucky to lose his spot after his best game in the week, but then I can understand why he needed to play one up and that was always going to be Bamford.
Ayew 5.5/10 – First 10 minutes probably more a 7.5/10; as he looked a threat. Won run down the right, where he drove a shot wide (our only significant effort all game maybe?) and nicked a few balls and combined down that side. He looked dangerous and showed his body strength. However, after first 10 mins, he completely gassed out and could not run or move. He got hassled off it twice, gave it away and also was guilty of not switching on down the left when the goal came (was his man Trippier) and lacked the energy to get back. Way off match fitness (another joining BBD, Choudhury, Phillips etc)– who simply are nowhere near physically to play more than cameos which is not great from the recruitment/management in they are signing so many players like this – you can get away with one or two but we have half a dozen!
Rothwell – Brought on to get a foot in, try and slow them down and help us have at least some of the ball. I cannot sure he had many touches and then Doyle was unmarked twice for shots and the second, a mishit, led to the goal.
Norrington Davies – Not a great cameo at all. Came on to try and close down that side. Did not mark his man a few times and the goal he does not get across (Ayew has to take some blame). Comedy throw at the end summed up his brief appearance – he has done ok in the other games but if he is switched on, we might not concede.
Doherty – Only brought on final stages. He was not able to help us concede when they reacted to the cross twice to score and he, along with the rest, were just sat on our six-yard box but not marking anyone!
Manager Rating: Wilder 5/10 – Cannot really give him more as we lost at home and did not really look like scoring at all. The defensive and off the ball stuff was better but the goal was not a major surprise when it came as we had just run out of ideas and we were just settling for a draw. For all the decent stuff, it was a negative way to end the game as we stopped even trying to attack (or maybe we could not even build any just to being knackered- even our subs were flagging so was not even about the quality they could bring on!)
Hard one as he will get criticised for lack of goalscoring threat and us looking completely toothless but then if we had tried to commit too many forward, they are so dangerous on the break. WE kind of got the balance right in shape/set up but the way we try and attack is so limited. It is just balls over the top or direct stuff and hoping to get on the loose stuff. It is really basic stuff. I get that we have deficiencies but are we that bad we cannot keep the ball a bit? We do not have any real plan with the ball. The only half chances we got was from Peck/Choudhury/Ayew harrying them for that spell down the right. Roy (view from) texted me to say it reminded me of a lot of the Warnock days. Best players gone, a lot of veterans mixed with young players but the football for the most part is poor. We look a bit of a nothing side. Granted we lost all our attacking threat but for teams to dominate possession every week, is not going to see us more than bottom third. Today though I get Wolves were going to have all the ball and we had to sit in for periods but it was not really like that. We ended up right in the game but I thought we could have maybe used Donovan to stretch them. Wolves had far more athletes and pace but almost every game we have been outmatched for these areas – even v Bolton/Cardiff. Wilder had to take the blame for signing slow, unfit players like Choudhury, BBD etc. We are crying out for some dynamism and players who pen them back. Teams can just defend high knowing Bamford, Cannon and BBD are some of the slowest strikers around at this level. I will say that we looked much more solid today though and could have got a draw and maybe against the better teams our approach (new?) of not having the ball at all, may work but we need pace and outlets on the break or we will be playing for 0-0’s. I heard him saying our players and Wolves had tapped out but they seemed to get stronger (and was not just subs) – it was our players who looked shattered but if you do not have the ball, then we will be chasing meaning slow and unfit players weaknesses are exposed even more. I was ok with the performance and Wolves have a good side but I thought the approach final 15 was asking to lose. Why not put Donovan on (instead of BBD perhaps) and try and have an outlet. If we had tried to attack more, then we may be the ones snatching a winner but we never even tried to. 1 win in 4 at home is really shocking form and we have now won 2 in 11 (after the Wednesday win) is it at home going back to last season which is awful really.
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Wolves – Nowhere near as good as I thought they might be. I expected them to come through us at will but then saw them v Blackburn where another side restricted them a lot, so maybe they are not as fluent as I had envisaged but have been very good offensively in other games. They have a ridiculously talented squad full of pace, athleticism and power but then the flip side, is they went down meekly and threatened Derby’s record for a period – so shows the big gap between the leagues. The subs in Trippier, Gomes etc would start for every other team so hard to compete and ultimately this decided the game. Overall, I thought they struggled to create too much at all though and their fans would probably be very critical if they do not score that winner. The flip side is they were not really hurt or stretched at all and quite comfortable defensively. They had a lot of the ball but did not do much with it but expect them to be right amongst the automatic places. The stats suggest if anyone deserved to win it was them and they had the better of very few chances but in the end maybe a bit of a steal at the end when it seemed like a draw was about right. They were going for the win at the end and we were not and that of course, made the difference, helped hugely by stronger teams and fitter/quicker and ultimately better players than us – even though for most of the game it was even.
Opposition player of the match – Mane showed a few flashes but his final product was not good. Andre number 7 was the best player for Wolves in my opinion. Good on the ball and looked very composed. They have a few in him, Mane, Lopes and Gomez that technically are way too good for the Championship but they have to do the ugly stuff too.
Opposition weak link – Krejci was booked and was clumsy and nearly got another yellow. Thought keeper despite not being tested was poor and did not get to a number of high balls and was looking for fouls – that were not. Armstrong was quiet too.
Referee – Robert Jones. Premier League ref, I think? Showed as he was fussy all game. All we saw/heard was flags/whistles and it was like a crap rave. There were some deserved bookings. The three he cautioned were all correct and quite cynical. He started the game ok but then quickly unravelled. He started to give some absolute bizarre decisions (the McCallum one was laughable when he was blocked off) and was totally inconsistent – letting a push go one second and then penalising another seconds later. Wolves went down very easily (again like what happens in the Premier League) and he just kept giving it. He booked most of their bench (they were always coming out into the technical area) but did not send any off despite them constantly complaining. I though the lad Krejci who was booked might have got a second yellow for the pull back on Peck but then equally McCallum committed a few fouls even outside the one he got wrong. I also thought they had a decent shout for a handball? The United player (McGuiness was it- seemed to have his hand up but was close-ish range). He kept stopping play and talking to players. Just made it really stop start – which despite a number going against us – may have helped us in a bizarre sort of way as they of course were the side wanting the game to be more fluent. Just really annoying and overzealous performance.
Phillips) to break up play and move it forward…Wilder’s two sons ain’t the answer.
