The Hand of Willy verdict thread

[Lupo]

3 games gone, 2 against former and current champions and 3 performances worthy of the league we are in. Unlike previous visits, this time we look like we belong.

I had a fantastic day with the VIP experience courtesy of W88 with a lovely meal, Singha beers, pre match interview with Darius Vassell and post match with Willy Boly and Rui Patricio in Sir Jacks before meeting Diogo Jota and Joao Moutinho also. Oh and Nuno again.

Boly was my man of the match but mention to Rui Patricio who today pulled off some worldy saves.

Jimenez again impressed (more so in the first half) and I really like Jonny. Moutinho is a class act in midfield.

Our first win should surely be soon, West Ham and Burnley are doable on what we've seen so far.

 

[arklowolf]

Remember the thread
Cyber, Tredman, Paddington , Arklo and Johnny 75 all in complete agreement

Thank you Wolves.

Precisely.

 

[sycophantia]

Just watched the highlights on motd and I'm a happy Wolf, we just looked like we belonged on the same pitch, deserved our point imo, obviously a bit lucky with the goal although looked like it brushed Boly's head onto his arm, no intent but probably should have been disallowed. Thought the free kick that led to City's goal was a bit harsh. Thought the ref got both penalty shouts right. 1-1 a fair result for me. Just need that first win to settle everyone down and we're on our way

 

[Tony Towner]

Watched the match with the expert analysis of Robbie Mustoe..they were robbed apparently, though no mention of the Sterling dive for the free kick they scored from or the fact Kompany should have had two yellows in the first 14 mins. Then Clattenburg was presented at ft to confirm City should have won. Some American guy I don't know talked about transitions and turnovers but at least gave us credit.

My only criticism of the team today would be that if you put a foot in around the box and don't win the ball flush on top teams and/or referees will ensure they find it. It's a lesson to learn

 

[Derby Wolf]

We're only the third team since the start of last season to register double figures shots against City.

So very proud of our players tonight. That's how good today's opponents are.

We knew we'd go periods without the ball but our discipline was excellent, think the mad minutes when Jiminez was chalked out and Sterling and Aguero hit the post we got pulled around a bit but the midfield two and Coady were excellent in calming us down and giving us a breather.

We aren't going to face a tougher test this season, but the existing group will get better and we have Cav and Dendoncker to return yet. Exciting doesn't come close.

Rui - one phenomenal save and a good reaction to Jesus header, no chance on the goal. Distribution occasionally dicey.

Bennett - good performance very calm and didn't dive in on Sterling particularly in the first half, only panic I saw was in the first, attempted to pass the ball out and it rebounded back to him from a city player and he leathered it anywhere. Was actually quite funny.

Coady - much better, thought his yellow was harsh but will see it again tomorrow and decide. Very good at slowing it down and keeping people focussed. Couple of good interceptions in the first half.

Boly - Back to his Rolls Royce best aside from the defending for the goal. One sensational block.

Doherty - does as Doherty does on a decent day benefited alot from Costa in a more defensive role. After the clash of heads the group where I sit (Lower SC) thought he had some sort of head injury, he kept widening his eyes as if he was struggling to focus his eyesight, he obviously had the two foul throws and I wonder if he'd been affected. I know the medical staff would've pulled him if they had a hint but he wasn't right.

Neves - little bit niggly could've done much better with the shot in the second. Seemed caught between place or leather it. Excellent pressing though and he and Moutinho have an excellent understanding.

Moutinho (MOTM) I thought he was superb and will never suggest he not play again . He just oozes class and not afraid to get into it. Ball went out up by the City area in the first he was urging us forward to close up the space. Great ball to Jota for the Neves chance and an excellent cross for the goal.

Jonny - I really like him, he's like the continental Kevin Foley you just know what you're going to get and never disappointed. I just wish we could make his deal permanent as unlikely as it is. Hope he cramped up rather than pulled up with an injury late on.

Costa - thought he was playing within himself early on, defensively sound supporting Doherty but a little bit deer in headlights going forwards, thought the first time he got round the back of Mendy he then seemed to grow in confidence. Showed his gym work is benefitting him with a couple of strong duels.

Jota - excellent running and unlucky not to have an assist for Jiminez or Neves. Would've loved him to rattle that half volley in from Traore's cross. Few times he got caught in possession still but overall much better.

Jiminez - works like a dog for the team but still gets in good positions, shame he strayed half a yard offside.

-----

Traore - One awful backwards pass which invited pressure but two great runs with two good crosses one to Jota and one excellently blocked by Kompany.

Vinagre - Did whatever asked of him well. Got forward once to good effect.

 

[Tredman]

Remember the thread
Cyber, Tredman, Paddington , Arklo and Johnny 75 all in complete agreement

Thank you Wolves.

I'm really not good, but the game was great. So proudof the team.

 

[SSB]

Only just got in from the match. Great game, great session. Time for bed.

 

[Tony Towner]

City's Blue Moon forum is an interesting read. You can easily spot those who have earned their stripes versus the glory hunters. The former largely give us credit, the latter is just noise

 

[VanWolfie]

One of the best games at Molineux in the last 60 years. Wolves were fantastic. It's all been said in the thread, so I thought I would cite a piece written by Nick Miller of ESPN, especially for Alan to take note!

<<Wolves show their bite

Before this game, Wolves manager Nuno noted that while the balance of power was firmly on Manchester City's side, Pep Guardiola's all-conquering champions wouldn't just show up to Molineux and given three points with a bow on top.

"I think every player in the squad of Manchester City have a lot of qualities, a lot of talent," he said. "It is everybody that we have to worry about. But they have to be worried about us."

He was right, as it turned out. In the first half particularly, Wolves were terrific, pressing City relentlessly and rarely letting them settle. Everybody knows that if you allow them to play as you can, you're in for a long afternoon. But it takes a bit of courage and zest to be proactive about stopping them.

That's what Wolves did, while also providing plenty of attacking threat themselves. Their 3-4-3 system turned into more of a 5-4-1 when City came forwards, sheer numbers often crowding Sterling, Aguero and Bernardo Silva out. But their counterattacks had purpose, helped by the brilliant distribution from Ruben Neves and Moutinho in the heart of midfield, and both the pace and intensity of their forward line.

Of those attackers, Helder Costa deserves to be singled out for praise. On a few occasions he left Benjamin Mendy looking like he was unsure where he was, twisting, turning and getting behind the full-back with great skill.

Neutrals who had seen their promotion campaign had high hopes for Wolves in the Premier League. If they play with this sort of purpose for the rest of the season, those hopes will be fulfilled.>>

 

[Norman Deeley]

Top stuff. To me (watching on Sky) this was a watershed, it's the start of something big, in 3 or 4 years time, 31,000 will be able to look back and say I was there. I'm jealous.

That was exactly how I felt - made the comment earlier that I could see "the project" in that game. In 3 or 4 years the personnel will have changed, but there'll be a Wolves way of playing, a clear identity. We may lose to WHU next week, but like you say, yesterday was clearly the start of the PL journey.

 

[Deleted Cyber]

We're only the third team since the start of last season to register double figures shots against City.

So very proud of our players tonight. That's how good today's opponents are.

We knew we'd go periods without the ball but our discipline was excellent, think the mad minutes when Jiminez was chalked out and Sterling and Aguero hit the post we got pulled around a bit but the midfield two and Coady were excellent in calming us down and giving us a breather.

We aren't going to face a tougher test this season, but the existing group will get better and we have Cav and Dendoncker to return yet. Exciting doesn't come close.

Rui - one phenomenal save and a good reaction to Jesus header, no chance on the goal. Distribution occasionally dicey.

Bennett - good performance very calm and didn't dive in on Sterling particularly in the first half, only panic I saw was in the first, attempted to pass the ball out and it rebounded back to him from a city player and he leathered it anywhere. Was actually quite funny.

Coady - much better, thought his yellow was harsh but will see it again tomorrow and decide. Very good at slowing it down and keeping people focussed. Couple of good interceptions in the first half.

Boly - Back to his Rolls Royce best aside from the defending for the goal. One sensational block.

Doherty - does as Doherty does on a decent day benefited alot from Costa in a more defensive role. After the clash of heads the group where I sit (Lower SC) thought he had some sort of head injury, he kept widening his eyes as if he was struggling to focus his eyesight, he obviously had the two foul throws and I wonder if he'd been affected. I know the medical staff would've pulled him if they had a hint but he wasn't right.

Neves - little bit niggly could've done much better with the shot in the second. Seemed caught between place or leather it. Excellent pressing though and he and Moutinho have an excellent understanding.

Moutinho (MOTM) I thought he was superb and will never suggest he not play again . He just oozes class and not afraid to get into it. Ball went out up by the City area in the first he was urging us forward to close up the space. Great ball to Jota for the Neves chance and an excellent cross for the goal.

Jonny - I really like him, he's like the continental Kevin Foley you just know what you're going to get and never disappointed. I just wish we could make his deal permanent as unlikely as it is. Hope he cramped up rather than pulled up with an injury late on.

Costa - thought he was playing within himself early on, defensively sound supporting Doherty but a little bit deer in headlights going forwards, thought the first time he got round the back of Mendy he then seemed to grow in confidence. Showed his gym work is benefitting him with a couple of strong duels.

Jota - excellent running and unlucky not to have an assist for Jiminez or Neves. Would've loved him to rattle that half volley in from Traore's cross. Few times he got caught in possession still but overall much better.

Jiminez - works like a dog for the team but still gets in good positions, shame he strayed half a yard offside.

-----

Traore - One awful backwards pass which invited pressure but two great runs with two good crosses one to Jota and one excellently blocked by Kompany.

Vinagre - Did whatever asked of him well. Got forward once to good effect.

Great summary! Agreed.

 

[Premier Quality]

City's Blue Moon forum is an interesting read. You can easily spot those who have earned their stripes versus the glory hunters. The former largely give us credit, the latter is just noise

Absolutely - a real divide between the entitled that think they should win every game 6-0, and throw a paddy when they don’t, and the guys who saw city when they were shit and really understand football - I found it really interesting for that reason.

Their football yesterday was brilliant - some of their movement and first time passIng was amazing. We did bloody well to keep them at bay, and have as many attacks as we did.

 

[StuardoWulf]

Well its all been said, city were not at their dominant best because we didn't let them play at their best. A fewer lower PL team managers will look at how we played and dream of replicating it but they wont have the balls to actually attempt it.
These niggly fouls around the box I agree give chances for the oposition, but the alternative is to either win the tackle cleanly (obviously this would be nice) or let them run past you into the area where they can dive at the slightest (or no) contact. Aguero should have been booked I think.
I'd give Moutinho MOTM sheer class all day, his round the corner ball for Adama was superb and pressure releasing.
Another point for anyone who is going to rewatch keep you're eye on Mendy throw ins (mainly foul) you cannot go past the top of you're head he was releasing much later. (this is my understanding of the throw in rules anyway). Was Docs a foul throw or did he just swerve it out of play?

Having seen all that I have been relieved of my nerves and look forward to a comfortable mid table finish although we may go better.

It was a superb day (too early) start which as always ends up with too many celebratory pints and I feel like shit its raining so I guess a viewing of the whole match is on the cards.

 

[The Saturday Boy]

Firstly, it was a magnificent game of football. Two good sides (one very good side tbh) not quite at their best but still providing a lot of quality in all areas of the pitch.

Wolves have made small improvements each week. Against City we were better defensively, better organised. City wanted to find space between our midfield and back 3/5 and couldn’t. Where they could hurt us, we were strong without negating completely our attacking strengths.

Raul defended from the front, often isolated, he kept the City defenders busy and was unlucky to have the goal chalked off as I think there was an opportunity to play the ball through a little earlier, he’s onside and the goal stands.

Jota and Costa were better, not their best but better. They played their part defensively and caused problems going forward. Traore’s late cameo was not dissimilar to last week and he will cause problems to any defence. His final ball’s not been bad either.

Moutinho and Neves are perfect together, they are always on the move and so confident with the ball and one of them is always looking to protect the defence. When we have so little possession it is important to do as much with it as possible when you do.

The defence were immense good positioning, brave. Rui’s save top class.

We will get better.

 

[Boozad]

What a day that was. Can’t really criticise any of the players after that performance and Jota and Costa were miles better than the last two games, I really don’t understand the criticism aimed at them (haven’t read the match thread). We just stood toe to toe with the best team in Europe and looked on their level, that’s how far we’ve come and it’s only going to get better.
Lucky for the goal but we’ll take that, we had loads of bad luck last week so what goes around and all that. The only negative was that we could have won, we had the chances but couldn’t make them count and if Raul had stayed onside...

The crowd was brilliant as well yesterday, the atmosphere was electric. The after match session was a proper humdinger as well, me and Stan ended up passing out around 10:30 last night and it’s going to take a while to straighten my head out today!

 

[Doctor Doog]

Absolutely - a real divide between the entitled that think they should win every game 6-0, and throw a paddy when they don’t, and the guys who saw city when they were shit and really understand football - I found it really interesting for that reason.

Their football yesterday was brilliant - some of their movement and first time passIng was amazing. We did bloody well to keep them at bay, and have as many attacks as we did.

I imagine we will pick up a few of those ourselves over the next few seasons

 

[StuardoWulf]

Thought I'd share this quote from Bluemoon Forum



" You knew from the first ten minutes it was going to be a dog shit day and so it proved. Lethargic, slow moving the ball, sloppy in possession and passing, Sergio greedy at times. Mendy is ok at home against cannon fodder but he is going to cost us against better teams."

You better believe it we are one of the better teams

 

[AndyWolves]

Great point and almost more important was the performance, we were never going to dictate play but countered well when we had the chance.

Another improvement on the previous week, I hope we can continue our improvement at West Ham

 

[malta mick]

Without being meant as criticism, but noticed that Jota is not able to outrun and jink his way round his opponent so far as he did with ease last season. He may need to have a rethink over the coming weeks as he'll be up against far better nearly every week now.

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

One note re the atmosphere. None of the internecine crap between stands that has plagued us so often. All four stands completely in it together and that contributed to what was a rather noisy affair.