Verdict - Wolves V Sheffield Wednesday

[Bahama Wolf]

Phew!!! I really thought this was another game we were going to throw away after much possession and chances. I truly believe the tide has turned and will be happy with a point on Saturday even though i would love a win. Well done to MM on team selection, substitutions also went well, the new signings have bedded in well, i say watch us go for the remainder of the season. Cardiff Cup game should be a cracker! Look forward to considered verdicts of those who went..:)

[KAZZZZ]

Pure relief also, i would love to see kites play with jarvis, along with olo taking henrys place, and cradds back for collins, then i think thats as good as it gets and we can really have a late push.

on the subject of mick, i still cant forgive him for what he had done pre last 3 games, but the penny seems to have finally sunk.

[Toon Wolf]

Can anyone confirm a Karl Henry sighting for me? Listening to the game, his name was mentioned THREE times in the second half. Did he do anything at all?

[direwolf]

A lot of shots of target tonight. We nearly payed the price for not converting our chances in the first half but we did'nt. I dearly hope MM has at last seen the light with Jarvis over S. Ward and I hope we are from now on going to have pacey wingers. Edwards works his socks off and Dan Jones getting on was superb. At last MM is getting the players on the pitch I want to see.

[Sozzled Wolf]

How did Jones do tonight in his first game back in the Gold n Black?

Looking forward to seeing some player ratings from those who went.

[5150]

Can anyone confirm a Karl Henry sighting for me? Listening to the game, his name was mentioned THREE times in the second half. Did he do anything at all?

Funny that,the same was said during the Scunthorpe game.

[Berkswolf]

I dearly hope MM has at last seen the light with Jarvis over S. Ward and I hope we are from now on going to have pacey wingers.

How many times does it have to be said? Jarvis had injuries and then when he got over them had to get to full match fitness. S.Ward was always just a fill in until Jarvis got up to speed. But no doubt it was MM who crocked Jarvis so he could Play Ward?

[Wolv3nsam]

Hennessey 6/10 - Left a bit stranded for their goal due to a defensive error, but otherwise was pretty decent. Should have come off his line for the ball but otherwise wasn't really tested at all during the game!

Foley 6/10 - He made a few misplaced passes which is unusual for him, he didn't cost us anything but regardless he seemed a bit off form tonight and didn't look his usual self.

Ward 6.5/10 - Won every aerial ball that came his way but was apart of a horrific defensive mix-up that led to Tudgay's goal.

Collins 6/10 - Wasn't on for long, but he didn't do anything that cost us and his injury didn't look too nasty.

Gray 5.5/10 - A bit disappointed with Gray tonight, got skinned by Jermaine Johnson once or twice and just didn't have the pace to keep up with Burton O'Brien either.

Jarvis 7/10 - The Michael Kightly of the left wing? Possibly. Took on his full-back at every oppurtunity and whipped in some deadly crosses. He ran Tommy Spurr ragged all night and forced plenty of fouls out of him due to the fact they just couldn't cope with his pace.

Henry 7/10 - Didn't really have much to do tonight. He played some excellent balls to SEB that were just a bit too pacey for SEB to deal with, but otherwise did what he was comfortable with which was sitting infront of the defence.

Edwards 8/10 - MOTM. He was here, there and everywhere! Very busy and reminded me so much of Keogh. Whenever the ball was in our half he was usually on the out skirts of the box or in the box, more often than not he was our furthest player forward. Just the type of midfielder we need.

Elliot 6/10 - Relatively quiet to be honest. Didn't particularly notice him losing the ball when it came to him and seemed quite comfortable and confident. I think he was quite eager to get a goal but no such luck, he should do a decent job on the right wing until Kights gets back IMO.

Keogh 7.5/10 - This lad is absolutely brimming with confidence infront of goal right now. He smacked the crossbar twice in the space of 3 minutes and then he got his just rewards 6 minutes lately, they weren't really 'Keogh like' positions either from where he was shooting from, I think Mick has had words and told him to shoot when the ball falls to him. Linked up very well with SEB and they already seem to have a decent understanding. Him and Jarvis also have a very good understanding.

Ebanks-Blake 7.5/10 - The type of forward we've been missing! Whenever the ball is in the box or he's in the box he comes to life. Took his goal very well and as mentioned before and could have gotten more than one to be honest, whenever he got the ball he just thought "$$$$ it, I'm going to shoot". As mentioned before him and Keogh linked up very well.

Subs:

Jones 6/10 - Had a bit of nerves at the beginning I think, but my god when he shot from about 25-30 yards out he was ever so close! Half of the ground thought it was in (myself included). Looked lively but as I said nervy at the beginning.

Edwards 6/10 - Made a bit of a blooper with their goal but otherwise was defensively solid. Won every header and when he headered it it actually went to one of our players! I'd much rather have him than Collins in the middle if I'm honest

Bothroyd 5/10 - Wasn't on long enough really to make a specific judgement but brought the ball down well for SEB's goal.

[Harlow Wolf]

Cheers Sam, great report for people like me stuck in deepest Essex! Good to hear that Edwards and SEB looked good and Keogh seemingly back to his best and scoring goals at last. What a player he will be if he can finally add regular goals to his game.

Only 8 points off Auto again so still all to play for and great to get a last minute winner with other teams above us dropping points.

Also fair play to Mick. I thought he had run out of steam but I'm happy to be proved wrong!

[John]

Just got to work after the game (half hour late).
Well worth sitting in the cold to watch that game. Every player put in alot of effort, and although it was end to end at times, we were far more threatening in the final third than SW.

Hennesay 8. Get us in the game whenit looked like they had broke through and went one on one with him. Was brave and clever to smother the ball at his feet. Good distribution all night.

Foley 8. Another hard worker. Kept at it all night even though he was put under alot of pressure.

Collins -. Not on long enough to merit a score. Not sure how bad he was, but came off straight away when he was injured. Got a standing ovation off the pitch.

Ward 9. MOM for me. Does it simple. Won everything in the air, got alot of tackles in. Quite simply a rock.

Gray 8. Seems to love playing at the moment. Clever runs, good link up play, good tackling. Must have covered alot of miles tonight.

Elliot. 8.5. Ran Ward a close mom for me. He is a good temp replacement on the right wing. Full of energy, linked up well with Foley. Always looking to do something, cutting infield if nothing was on down the wing.

Henry. 7.5. Tidy performance. Alot of tackling. Good all round play. Nice short passing and always making himself available for a backwards pass if the forwards ran into a dead end.

Edwards D 8. Excellent home debut. Bag of energy, wants to run at defenders and that gives the team a whole different shape.

Jarvis 8.5. On fire at the moment. Bright lively and excellent corners. Craddock will score a hatful when he's back if Matt keeps putting them in like that.

SEB. 7.5 Short but strong. Struggles to win high balls but turns well with the ball and got off alot of shots. Scrappy winner, but lets not forget, it was a WINNING goal, so he's doing what he's paid for.

Keogh. 8.5. Could have perhaps should have had a hat-trick. Full of confidence and he is a joy to watch when he is playing this confidently. Was lucky with the goal (deflection), but unlucky with others.

Subs.
Edwards R. 8. Partnered Ward well, and had a good tur of pace tonight when it was needed.

Bothroyd 8. Short but important cameo. Worked hard and ran well. I think he wants his starting place back!

Jones. 7.5. Good to see him back. Has died his hair blonde and looks to be challenging Gray for most effeminate hair do, but got stuck in on the pitch when it got scrappy.

Ref. 1. Worst I have seen for a long time. And I mean that. Often over-ruled by his linesmen. Let alot of nasty tackles go.

I have really enjoyed Tonight.

Thanks Mick and all on the pitch.

[bod101]

how on earth can you give bothroyd 5/10 despite having a short period on the pitch his input was good, he narrowly missed with a good shot, held the ball up well, made a good run after winning the ball in defence past 3 or 4 players looking to feed a player before it was lost well into the oposition half, revitalised the attack and finally got an assist for the winning goal. but only a 5/10.

[Netherton Wolf]

Am I the only one who thought Henry was awful tonight!

[John]

Am I the only one who thought Henry was awful tonight!
You'll probaoly find some others, but I was very impressed with his work rate and his willingness to show for other players when the attacks stalled. He also put in some good crosses from the right and lofted over a few dangerous balls from the middle.

[Bumbamuffin]

Am I the only one who thought Henry was awful tonight!

No.

IMO,despite the obvious effort,he is just not doing enough to hold onto his place.

Gibson in for me if/when fit.I think him and Edwards could be an excellent pairing.

[ice cream head]

Henry's all round game isn't and never has been good enough. Too many missed place passes tonight and once again nothing at all of note offered going forward.

Olofinjana will walk back into his position when he returns from the ANC.

[jonesey85]

Can anyone confirm a Karl Henry sighting for me? Listening to the game, his name was mentioned THREE times in the second half. Did he do anything at all?

Yes, he probably had more of the ball than anyone else actually.

[jonesey85]

How many times does it have to be said? Jarvis had injuries and then when he got over them had to get to full match fitness. S.Ward was always just a fill in until Jarvis got up to speed. But no doubt it was MM who crocked Jarvis so he could Play Ward?

Don't bother mate, there are people on here who genuinely believe Mick didnt want to play Jarvis because they think he is thick. Pathetic really.

[N1GHTFALL]

Jarvis was tremendous, first time I've really been shocked by his turn of pace. Was looking forward to seeing the "reinvented" Elliot, but for my money was lost out there, didn't do alot for me and was anonymous for much of the game. Looked alot more balanced once DJ came on allowing us to attack down the left and right. Ebanks Blake holds the ball up really well and has a good aerial presence for a shorter forward. Keogh was awesome in the 1st half but faded quickly in the 2nd half and should've made way for Jay sooner.

The big difference for me is Dave Edwards who adds a new dimension to our attack, coverered so much ground in the 1st half and pushes forward with powerful runs at every opportunity. Think he faded out a little in the 2nd half as Wednesday stuck 8 men behind the ball to spoil the game.

Great effort and great result against a very defensive side. The positives are returning ??

[John]

Henry's all round game isn't and never has been good enough. Too many missed place passes tonight and once again nothing at all of note offered going forward.

Olofinjana will walk back into his position when he returns from the ANC.
You think he offered nothing of note going forward (I disagree), but then claim George who this season has offered nothing of note going forward, or defensively will get his shirt?
George will be behind Gibson and Potter if Henry is to be replaced.

[Wolv3nsam]

Henry's all round game isn't and never has been good enough. Too many missed place passes tonight and once again nothing at all of note offered going forward.

Olofinjana will walk back into his position when he returns from the ANC.

I must have been imagining some of the passes he made to SEB that split Sheffield Wednesday's defence open then...

[Davebull]

how on earth can you give bothroyd 5/10 despite having a short period on the pitch his input was good, he narrowly missed with a good shot, held the ball up well, made a good run after winning the ball in defence past 3 or 4 players looking to feed a player before it was lost well into the oposition half, revitalised the attack and finally got an assist for the winning goal. but only a 5/10.

I wasnt there tonight bod so stayed away from this argument, but agree with you completely ! Talk about a view based on preconceptions and prejudices. He set up the winner but obviously little impact, I shall give him the worst rating in the team !

As for tonight, think this was a really important result for us and whatever way it came, things seem to have really turned a corner ! Cant beat the last minute winner ! Get in !

[ice cream head]

I must have been imagining some of the passes he made to SEB that split Sheffield Wednesday's defence open then...

I recall one in the second half....

He doesn't dominate the cental midfield enough for me. Olo and Edwards in the middle with Kightly and Jarvis on the wings will, IMO, look far more threatening...

[Wolv3nsam]

Also the half time entertainment was far more interesting today.

[UNCLE REMUS]

Football like beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

I thought the team were adequate tonight but not special, I thought Ward had a decent match, I thought Jarvis had an excellent first half.
Gray let himself down at times

I thought Sheffield were unlucky not to come away with a point and was greatly impressed by their back four, especially Mark Beavers.

I still say that we lack that pivotal mid fielder who controls that game in both action and thought, Wallwork for a time bossed midfield, even though he looked overweight. You could see him making decisive takles and directing play.

Still 3 points in the bag, 10 to avoid relegation and only 8 points of the top and closing a win at Watford on Saturday and who knows.

C'mon me Babbies.

[John]

I recall one in the second half....

He doesn't dominate the cental midfield enough for me. Olo and Edwards in the middle with Kightly and Jarvis on the wings will, IMO, look far more threatening...
And be far weaker. That midfield would be cut to ribbons if the opposition had any good players.

[UNCLE REMUS]

I recall one in the second half....

He doesn't dominate the cental midfield enough for me. Olo and Edwards in the middle with Kightly and Jarvis on the wings will, IMO, look far more threatening...

Ofilinjana is not the answer in midfield.

[BridgnorthWolf Inc]

Sheffield Wednesday 0/10. They and their prat of a manager deserved nothing but a sickening defeat in added on time. They were the most negative, timewasting spoilers I can remember down at the Molineux for a very long time.

People pay good hard earned cash to be entertained and tonight the way they manipulated any entertainment out of the first 45 minutes of the second half (until we scored the winner of course) they deserve nothing but contempt.

Rant over.

[stuj4z]

henry was poor tonight, nothing went right for him.if potter had put in that display he would have been slated.

qually bothroyd; played well on saturday, didnt start today but when he did come on his unselfishness led to the goal.
obviously this wont be mentioned on here because he is the spawn of satan but he did well.

seriously though, jarvis was superb again

[John]

qually bothroyd; played well on saturday, didnt start today but when he did come on his unselfishness led to the goal.
obviously this wont be mentioned on here because he is the spawn of satan but he did well.
Want to try reading the whole thread?

[The Weasel]

Always cracking to get an injury time winner, but overall a fully deserved win with some great individual performances, probably our best 90 mins at the mol this season.

Hennessey - 8 - What a save when one on one, how did he get that ball? Solid display and largely good distribution.
Foley - 7 - Not at his best, some of his decisions were hasty, but still a decent performance both defensively and going forward.
Collins - Did nothing wrong in his 5mins on the pitch, has sprained ankle so will be out for a few weeks, which though it may sound harsh I reckon is a good thing
Ward - 7 - Solid, a couple of hoofs and of course that mix up for their very soft equaliser otherwise would score higher
Gray - 6 - Looked a bit leggy today, tries hard and is an attacking threat
Elliot - 8 - Cracking performance out on the right, linked up well with Keogh and Edwards in particular though seemed reluctant to use Foley on the overlap. Good tracking back, a team player today.
Henry - 5 - Thought he had a mare for about 75 of the 90 mins, but in contrast must have played 5 or 6 defence splitting passes. Looks lacking in confidence - Potter must be close to a start.
Edwards (D) - 9 - At last a creative attack minded midfielder. Never stopped running/challenging and was at the heart of most of our forward play.
Jarvis - 9 MotM - Only just pips Edwards for MotM, but was a constant threat and we really should have scored more from his numerous quality deliveries. Its like watching Kights out left!
Keogh - 9 - Could have had a hat-trick in the first 15mins. Brimming with confidence. Links up with SEB like they've played together for years. Robin has found his Batman!
SEB - 7 - Physical presence which we've sorely lacked. Not afraid to muscle for the ball. Looked jaded around the 75 min mark and I half expected him to be replaced by Jay - glad he wasnt!

Subs:
Edwards (R) - 7 - Decent performance other than that mix-up for the equaliser, I feel more confident with Rob in the middle than with Collind there
Jones - 6 - Nervy start, cracking long range effort, looked like a bit of a stranger at times, needs time to settle in with the squad. Decent cameo.
Bothroyd - 8 - Great cameo from Jay, did absolutely nothing wrong. Held the ball, beat players, got to it first and got an assist. Much better!

Ref: Started poorly and got worse and worse, often over-ruled by linesmen. We always get $$$$refs.

Fans: Very positive mood but outsung by Wednesday at times - how many did they bring? I think the feelgood is returning..."Super Mick" anyone???

[jonesey85]

Bickering aside anyway, my verdict is very well dealt with tonight from what I thought was a very strong back line, and a very big and physical side overall.

At times we looked exposed, particularly whilst we were pushing for the second, however this is the sacrifice you must take unless you want another useless draw.

Some may say we were unlucky when we hit the crossbar twice in the first 5, but then again I thought we were doomed when Sodje was through and Hennessey made his miracle save.

INDIVIDUALS

HENNESSEY:- 7 Kicking not as good as usual, mainly I would suggest because of the greasy surface, otherwise solid beyond belief. This kid has such a mature head it is unbelievable, and no save or catch ever looked like escaping his hands.

FOLEY:- 6 Tidy play at the back.... but sometimes tries to be too tidy and could have cost us with 1 pass too many at times. A beast of a lad who I would like to see do more from set pieces.

GRAY:- 6 Very hit and miss. Can't fault his effort and bravery tonight though.

DARREN WARD:- 6 The two centres looked a little shaky when Wednesday came forward, especially when the always dangerous Tudgay ran with the ball. However I am not going to criticise them too much as when we were pushing for the goal, they were inevitably at times left exposed. Good in the air however.

COLLINS:- NA not on long enough to earn a rating.

JARVIS:- 7.5 Awesome dribbling at times into the box, great corners and crosses too (how long has it been since somebody could take a dangerous corner!!). Would love to see him shoot however rather than trying the short pass when he does his dangerous cutting runs into the box.

HENRY:- 7.5 More crucial a player than some seem to think. The type of player fans love to hate, but in my opinion is essential. Provides the calm pass and an always tough tackle. Worked oh so hard tonight.

DAVE EDWARDS:- 8 Attacking and defensive play was faultless. Finally a midfielder who has both of these sides to his game. Very intelligent signing.

ELLIOTT:- 6 Largely anonymous, although didnt do a lot wrong. Better than he has been however.

EBANKS BLAKE:- 7.5- An 8 just seems to high a mark to give him somehow, despite the fact that he made a goal and scored the winner!! Wasnt greatly impressed with his work rate at times, however I do appreciate that the way he plays is his tried and tested style, and after all who are we to argue with his excellent record? From a pure strikers rating, a solid 8 out of 10, however in relation to the rest of the squad I think a 7.5 is fair!
Anybody else notice that when we play on the floor and through the middle, this bloke just knows where to be for the throughball every time. Cant wait to see what he produces.

KEOGH:- 7.5- Vintage Keogh. Physical hard working performance which more than deserved a goal. Was worried with his early crossbar misses, as things like that can shatter somebodies confidence. However, kept his mini- run going nontheless. I think he may prefer the "harder" chances to be fair as there is much, much less pressure on him to score.

SUBS

ROB EDWARDS:- 6 See Ward. Slotted in seamlessly however. An under- rated centre half who was at the epitomy of our unbeaten run last season. Hope he starts next game.

JONES:- 6- Nearly had a massive impact with a rocket which went just right of the North Bank goal. Apart from that didnt really have much choice.

BOTHROYD:- 7- Is impact sub the future for this guy? I dont think he can keep up his quite frankly amazing play for the full 90, and he never has, but my god bring him on for 10 minutes and he can really turn a game on it's $$$$. Cant work him out, has all the ability of a top Prem striker, and I really, really mean that. Major contribution tonight towards the winner.



Overall, more GOOD selection headaches for Mick Mac, but things are DEFINITELY looking up. The creativity is a world apart from 3 weeks ago too. Tonight was a typical bread and butter game for us, a very defensive and frustrating side to play against. However, WE DID IT!!!.

Also, I must admit my frustration when Keogh was subbed instead of SEB. However, this was clearly the right choice at the end of the day, so I'll give Super Mick an 8.5. Marks knocked off because of shakiness at the back which definitely needs addressing. Ok he got lucky tonight in some respects, but I think he is due some after our recent horrible run!

P.S:- FANS- 7. Not as edgy as usual, I think the last two results have helped to appease the groaners. Bit louder while we were drawing too. No boos at home for the 1st time in god knows how long!! However, was a little sickened when their lad was taken off on stretcher. Ok, we know Sheff were timewasting a lot, and we perhaps thought that this was part of it, but it became apparent pretty quickly that he was genuinely hurt when the stretcher took him back round.
Since when does a player not get clapped by the Molineux faithful when stretchered off?

[cannockwolves]

Netherton Wolf

Am I the only one who thought Henry was awful tonight!

No mate I thought he was very poor. His control was rubbish, he held on to the ball too long at times and gave the ball away too much. I really like the guy but he was below his best tonight.

[wwfc9]

Netherton Wolf

Am I the only one who thought Henry was awful tonight!

No mate I thought he was very poor. His control was rubbish, he held on to the ball too long at times and gave the ball away too much. I really like the guy but he was below his best tonight.
agreed 100%

[Jack]

Fans: Very positive mood but outsung by Wednesday at times - how many did they bring? I think the feelgood is returning..."Super Mick" anyone???[/quote]

I would say they brought about 1300, which is very good on a night and considering they're $$$$e. They sang for about three minutes at the start of the second half (which did more to rouse our crowd from a post half time slumber), but that was about it - nowhere near as good as when we are at Hillsborough

[brummywolf]

Very relieved with the three points. Wasn't a great performance- but was a big improvement on some of the performances this season.

Jarvis was superb in the first half but Wednesday stiffled him somewhat in the second. He's only going to keep getting better and better.

Felt very sorry for Bothroyd tonight as thought he had done enough to warrant a start after his excellent performance at Watford. Did well in the short space of time he was on and set up the goal. We would have had the game wrapped up before 90mins had he started from the off IMO. He's a great provider and Keogh thrives off him.

As for SEB- was I the only one who was not hugely impressed by him tonight. I sound idiotic for saying so seeing as he scored the winner but felt he was lost out their tonight- like he was against Crystal Palace. He didn't win one header, was constantly outmuscled and at times it looked like he couldn't be bothered to chase balls. But he's now scored 2 in 3 games- that's what we bought him for but I hope there's a lot more to come from him.

Keogh had a good game again, great to see him on the scoresheet. Defensively we looked shaky at times but Ward was largely excellent again. David Edwards also looked promising.

Great to see Dan Jones come off the bench- was very close to scoring a spectacular goal.

Overall I think we did enough for the 3points- Sheff Weds almost outdone Charlton in the time-wasting stakes tonight. Well done Mick, a very important 3 points.

[Jack]

Inspiring first half and should have gone in more than two up. We attacked with pace, belief and apart from one glaring gap in the defence things were going really well.

It was especially pleasing to see D Edwards making tackles on the edge of our box and then breaking forward to be on the end of saves and through balls. A major difference as it gives the opposition something else to think about.

As good as the first half was, the second half was bad. We never got going and seriously lacked imagination until Mick made some very astute subs. The winner was from a sublime cross from Mickey 'hairdresser' Gray and an even more sublime bit of intelligent play from the much criticised Bothroyd.

The latter showed great strength of character after being dropped and did everything he could when he came on.

All in all a welcome three points

[A wanderer from Bristol]

I think there were some big positives tonight. Jarvis is a revelation! From a standing start, he can beat his man easily inside or out. Sheff wed doubled up on him in the second half and he got less of the ball, but when kites comes back (praying the scan is positive) teams will struggle to contain them both.

Dave Edwards ran his socks off and does give the attack another dimension.

Keogh was at his effervescent best but tired in the second half (as did a few of the players from saturday on a heavy pitch)

Ebanks Blake worked hard but it wasn't running for him and he was struggling to strike up an understanding with those around him, but he was the johnny on the spot in the last minute and showed great desire to reach Jay's lay off... the mark of a real striker to not have the best game but still score the decisive goal.

Ward and Edwards did well after the mix up.

Henessy played well and saved a certain goal when their striker looked poised to score

BUT... I think we really struggled second half after a great first half performance and i think we were lucky to get the win.

To me, Jay made the difference. He showed the poise and the confidence on the ball to start opening things up. The vision and touch he showed to set up ebanks-blake for the winner was sublime. No other player at the club could have done that as well, and he showed his worth tonight. Without him we wouldn't have won.

Gray hardly won a tackle. He tries hard but gets badly exposed. Henry was poor.. he was hesitant, gave the ball away and I do think we resorted to hoofing the ball upfield a lot in the second half. I think the main reason for this was that we lost our shape a bit. Edwards was great going forward, but at times he ended up standing next to SEB and Keogh and with Henry staying back to screen the defence we almost ended up playing a 5-0-5 formation tonight. Hence when the defence or Henry were on the ball there were few options because the front 5 were 20-30 yards away. We do need the midfield to drop deeper, make the triangles so that we can build up attacks gradually and not just boot it up field.

I'm sure this will be addressed in due course and losing our shape was a times about tiredness and also about new players bedding in.

On the whole though and encouraging performance. the frist 15 minutes, I thought we were gonna score 10... we were brilliant.

[Jack]

Ward 9. MOM for me. Does it simple. Won everything in the air, got alot of tackles in. Quite simply a rock.


Was that before he managed to set up Tudgay for the goal by taking the ball completely off Edwards foot?

He also lost three or four balls in the air second half and gave Burton (i think) way too much space to put a dangerous cross in. Not bad, not great. Nine out of ten...your job must allow you to be $$$$ed at work?;)

[John]

Ward 9. MOM for me. Does it simple. Won everything in the air, got alot of tackles in. Quite simply a rock.


Was that before he managed to set up Tudgay for the goal by taking the ball completely off Edwards foot?

He also lost three or four balls in the air second half and gave Burton (i think) way too much space to put a dangerous cross in. Not bad, not great. Nine out of ten...your job must allow you to be $$$$ed at work?;)
Lost three or four balls in the air?
He dealt with about 40 or 50 all game. Do you expect him to win them all?
One cross put in, you scrapping the barrel to knock an outstanding defensive performance.
He's a ccc ch and we are a ccc team.
Get realistic and stop expecting Premiership performances.

[berrysafro2]

"Sheffield Wednesday 0/10. They and their prat of a manager deserved nothing but a sickening defeat in added on time. They were the most negative, timewasting spoilers I can remember down at the Molineux for a very long time.

People pay good hard earned cash to be entertained and tonight the way they manipulated any entertainment out of the first 45 minutes of the second half (until we scored the winner of course) they deserve nothing but contempt.

Rant over."

Don't be so naive.
Sheffield Weds are on the brink of the relegation places.Every point for them is vital.They are a professional football team and are under no obligation to entertain you.If they were relegated it's probable that the management and a number of the players would be out of a job.So what were you expecting them to do?Come to Molineux,go for all out attack and get beaten 3/4 nil?They conceded an early goal,got a quick equaliser and then attempted to shut up shop for the rest of the game.And they almost succeded.
If the positions were reversed and we'd gone to SW with such tactics you'd be congratulating the side on getting back into the game after being 1-0 down,defending so well and bemoaning our luck in conceding an injury-time winner.
Get real.

[Jack]

Lost three or four balls in the air?
He dealt with about 40 or 50 all game. Do you expect him to win them all?
One cross put in, you scrapping the barrel to knock an outstanding defensive performance.
He's a ccc ch and we are a ccc team.
Get realistic and stop expecting Premiership performances.

You said he won everything, I was merely pointing out he had a spell mid-way through the second half when he missed virtually everything both in the air and on the floor.

He also set up their goal, which for me immediately knocks him down from a 9 to a 7 at best. See some of Keith Curle, Lescott and Dean Richards' performances for 'outstanding'

[John]

You said he won everything, I was merely pointing out he had a spell mid-way through the second half when he missed virtually everything both in the air and on the floor.

He also set up their goal, which for me immediately knocks him down from a 9 to a 7 at best. See some of Keith Curle, Lescott and Dean Richards' performances for 'outstanding'
Everything for me is about 90%.
No player, no matter what the quality wins every single ball.
The way they were playing, without Ward we would have lost tonight. Edwards and Collins do not have his defensive heading ability.
Give credit where it's due.

[MobNet Wolf]

Thought SEB had a pretty poor game, looked more 'leggy' than his first game and lacked movement upfront. That said, he scored. Although I can't help but feel if Jay Bothroyd had played the same way as SEB, he would have got chastised.

[The Bear]

Jack - I think you will find it was the other way round. Edwards took the ball off Ward's foot. Ward had a good game tonight.

[Papper]

I thought they played very well and looked far more dangerous than the past few weeks. The midfield was a hundred times better and the ball tended to be moved quicker with more purpose but we were let down by poor control and the inability to get the ball to stick with the front two. Still hoofing too many hopefull balls. Second half they stuck to the task and deserved the winner. A lot more pace and fluidity to the team and they will climb the table if they can try and keep possession better in the final third by playing it on the floor OR look for the early ball behind defences. Not much aerial threat.

Hennessey - Three good saves. Reliable as ever

Foley - Solid, nowt spectacular. Not much marauding.

Ward/Edwards - Guilty of ball watching a few times. Got caught a bit too easily but defended crosses and long balls well.

Gray - See Foley

Elliott - Made plenty of space for himself and good running off the ball but not utilised. Bit too unselfish but a very good game.

Henry - Indecisive at times, few good balls and a few bad ones. Mixed bag - not his best game by his high standards.

Edwards - High energy game. Got forward, supported well and is just what we've been crying out for for months. (MotM)

Jarvis. Excellent game, took players on (maybe one too many), crossed well and looked dangerous all night. It seemed very cramped over on the left side and we would have prospered switching the ball more often to the equally impressive Elliott, especially first half.

Keogh - Well taken goal but generally poor control and distribution.

Ebanks-Blake - Would have faired better with the ball played to feet. Didn't find much space but looks dangerous running on to the through ball behind defences.

Bothroyd - Excellent cameo performance.

Jones - Slotted in well, looked quick and produced the shot of the game.

[Goldwolf]

Ward was OK, but I'm amazed anyone would pick him as MOTM ahead of Jarvis or Edwards.

[Jack]

Jack - I think you will find it was the other way round. Edwards took the ball off Ward's foot. Ward had a good game tonight.


If that's the case I stand corrected, but I'm sure it was Ward. Need to get myself to specsavers before the next game!

[dr cool]

agreed 100%

sad but true...

dr:cool:

[Bertiewolf]

Good result, the sort of game we were losing or drawing 'post Barnsley away'.

Selective comments

Foley - not quite as commanding as he has been

Ward improving all the time - helped by a decent performance from Edwards, who I would prefer at CH to Collins

Gray - thought he was more headless chicken than usual

Henry - some idiot behind me (and obviously a few on here :D) kept going on about 'he never passes forward'. This was after he played an awesome 25 yd ball to split the defence ion the first half and hardly ever played it backwards 2nd half. Thought he had a good but unspectacular game in his best position and his pairing with Edwards looks just right. The overt criticism of him reminds me of those who slated Hargreaves in his early England days - says everything about your knowledge of football!

Edwards - what a good buy, at last a midfielder to compliment Henry - lets hope Nigeria reach the ACN final and party for two months afterwards, we certainly don't need the lightweight Olo back again!!

Kightly, sorry Jarvis - nuff said

Ebanks Blake - reminds me of Nathan and not just because of the size of his posterior! Looks to be a good target man with a bit of pace and an eye for goal - gets in the right positions in the box, which Freddy (who plays an entirely different game) doesn't

Keogh - the Keogh of old, both in his performance and his contriving to put two quite strightforward chances against the woodwork! Will form a great partnership with SEB

Bothroyd - someone else said impact sub and he was strong in his few minuites and deserves lots of credit for the goal assist

McCarthy got it right with his selection and substitutions

The crowd stayed patient and to those who (as always) left early - it was a great goal and a great celebration - hope the ring and ride home was as exciting!!

Jez - mean swing for a fatboy!!

Tango man - where were you when wednesday scored, you big lump of sad lard!!

Who was the nerdy ball boy getting the shirt at half time - what a loser :D:D

[reanswolf]

let the difference in midfield be a lesson to highlight just how the shape of the team can be affected if you do not have the quality in this department.

[Ettingshall Wolf]

how on earth can you give bothroyd 5/10 despite having a short period on the pitch his input was good, he narrowly missed with a good shot, held the ball up well, made a good run after winning the ball in defence past 3 or 4 players looking to feed a player before it was lost well into the oposition half, revitalised the attack and finally got an assist for the winning goal. but only a 5/10.

I wasnt at the match tonight so cant really comment on player ratings, but 5 is low by comparison to everyone elses rating. like you, im a fan of bothroyd but we both know there are those who just dont rate him. he could score 2, miss 2, and some would be quite happy to point to the missed chances.

Sounded like a great game on the radio, and glad to see us scoring some goals. I wonder if MM will be tempted to now stick with the strikers who featured, at the expense of Eastwood

Bet those Wednesday fans are spitting feathers over the winning goal given they dont think SEB should even have been playing :D. (must say if Wednesday had scored a last minute winner, with a player who served a one match suspension on a cup-tied match, i would not be a happy man)

[leeb1977]

However, was a little sickened when their lad was taken off on stretcher. Ok, we know Sheff were timewasting a lot, and we perhaps thought that this was part of it, but it became apparent pretty quickly that he was genuinely hurt when the stretcher took him back round.
Since when does a player not get clapped by the Molineux faithful when stretchered off?


I thought the shouts of $$$$er were completley out of order too tbh, although i do admit the sound of the southbank going 'nee nah' made me laugh.

[Stewarton Wolf]

Am I the only one who thought Henry was awful tonight!
No

Slowed play, passed poorly to players already closed down. All this against a very poor Sheff W side.

[Adrian_Monk]

of course they were very poor stewarton, they were beaten by a side managed by mick mccarthy. I don't doubt the same will be said of every team we beat from now on in. Good to know that the south bank have given up on trying to construct sentences in favour of making noises. Oh and booing injured players.

[ROVERT47]

I agree with John,i thought Stephen Elliot and Darren Ward had good games,the latter does what is needed,he's never going to be a Premier League player but is comfortable kicking and heading the way he's facing.
As for Elliot the mix's whipping boy deserves credit,he put over some cracking crosses in the first half and the one thing you will never see this player doing is hiding.
Jarvis is starting to show the exciting wing play we have all been waiting for.
SEB looks like a goalscorer and was in the right place at the death to finish Bothroyd's clever pass.
Keogh looks back to his best,not suprisingly he tired in the second half.
I was greeted by a work colleague and occasional supporter this morning with the words,
"they were crap again,wern't thay?,only my mate was on the door at the Feathers and he could hear the fans singing you don't Know what your doing again".
Actually, that was aimed at the $$$$ poor ref i pointed out to him.
Wolves Fans ay!
"They were

[JR's Boots]

We have started to play better football and deserved the win. Jarvis was terrific in the first half and while Elliot is doing a decent job, I can't wait for Kightly to balance up our team. We will take some stopping with those two.

Awful mix up for Wednesday's goal and it looked like an expensive error until our last minute winner.

Finally we need a left back. Two days left to do something about it. I still don't understand why we didn't pursue Fox.

[Wolv3nsam]

The only thing with Gray is that he has a tendency to appear in midfield and then upfront! He really doesn't give a $$$$.

We looked far more balanced when Jones came on and DJ has pace to burn (plus a cracking left foot), though he needs some time to settle back in I think.

[The Vicar]

However, was a little sickened when their lad was taken off on stretcher. Ok, we know Sheff were timewasting a lot, and we perhaps thought that this was part of it, but it became apparent pretty quickly that he was genuinely hurt when the stretcher took him back round.
Since when does a player not get clapped by the Molineux faithful when stretchered off?

Totally agree with that, appalling. Timewasting is one thing but to berate a player leaving the pitch on a stretcher is a disgrace and many in the South bank should be ashamed of themselves this morning. Although the braindead who started the "Tip him off" chant probably thinks he was really funny.

[Del Woppio]

Jarvis first half was absolutely superb. Their right side was scared $$$$less of him. He was like Robert Pires, with pace.

Keogh could have had a couple (but at least he’s scoring 1 out of 4 chances at the moment…), SEB could have if he’d have read the ball better, Edwards could have scored – really should have been 3 up by half time. Comical mix up for the goal – Ward took a knock on the calf about 5 minutes after Collins went off, I think he’d have gone off if we had another CB on the bench.

Second half Wednesday were a lot snappier, and we had nowhere near as much room to play football in, and they could have scored a couple. But, we kept ‘plugging away’, and we scored following another good corner (more good corners yesterday than I’ve seen all season!).

Hennessey – some good stops, couple of dodgy kicks. Gone in the summer if we’re not promoted. 7

Foley – Has gone from being a 7/10 player into a 6/10 player while Kightly’s been out. Some poor distribution but decent defensively. 6

Gray – His attacking contribution normally makes up for his defensive frailties. Not yesterday. 5.5

Ward – Took a knock early on, but won everything in the air. I don’t understand people’s lack of confidence in him. 7

R. Edwards – Chucked himself about a bit, at fault for the goal but recovered well. 6

Elliot – played well first half, beat his man a couple of times. Didn’t see as much of the ball as Jarvis, but good enough, 7

Jarvis – So, so exciting. Faded in 2nd half as Wednesday upped their game. MOTM 8.5

Edwards – Great engine, very good positionally. He will be a great player for us, like Geoff Thomas in his Palace days. 8

Henry. What has happened to him? 2 decent through balls in 1st half, but utterly gash other than that. Needs to pick it up or be dropped. 5.5

Keogh – Plenty of running, and a goal. Linked up well with SEB. Could have had 3, but we say that every game so I’ll take one from him. 7.5

SEB – Turned and shot twice, linked well with Keogh. Yet to see the blistering pace. Bit flat footed at times. Bundled home a goal that we wouldn’t have scored in December. 7

Bothroyd. – Good running, really intelligent lay off for the goal. Good cameo. 6

Fans were a lot better, but the ‘sshhhhhhooooooooooooooottt’ thing is doing my head in now. 40 yards out, Karl Henry on the ball, on his left foot. ‘Shooot’ the morons say.

Mick got the selection pretty much spot on (I’d have started with Edwards for Collins, but hey), and his after match comments (while contentious) were spot on too.

All in all, a good performance, encouraging attacking play. Roll on Saturday!

[we love jez moxey]

Karl Henry. he seems to be a bit of an enigma at the moment, people are trying to turn him into a scapegoat, but I think he is a great player to have in the squad. I don't think he had a great game last night, but overall he is worth a place in the team. Personally I would put him at right back when Olo comes back, just to let Foley know that he has a bit of competition because he seems to have lost a bit of form.

[Uncle Festa]

First time Ive seen Dave Edwards play and would agree with comments I have had from Shrewsbury fans around here - Great engine but needs to improve on his quality. This realy showed when we went two one up when he didn't have the bottle to bring the ball down and keep possession. But his energy levels give the team another dimension. I'd agree with Reans - we need to supplement this with a bit of quality - Potter playing the deep midfielder is worth a shout, although I thought Henry played well last night - he covered the holes in midfield when Edwards went rampaging up the pitch - something that doesn't get recognised as he doesn't have the ball. As for SEB - if he could just gain a yard more pace he would be a tremendous player, but he did link up well with Keogh who was the fulcrom for all our good work going forwards. As soon as he got knackered we looked a bit ragged. Problem for me is still the defence as it has always been. Ward played well but should do when he only has to deal with headers. On the floor he is very poor although Edwards did compliment him far better than Collins. Room for improvement still with a bit more timkering needed to the team selection when we get the injured players back.

[Essex Wolf]

Most of what needs saying re individuals has been said so can't be bothered to post my views because certain folk will only question my views anyway.

That said it was an important win keeping Wolves in touch with the PO zone. Keogh and SEB linked up well and thought Ward had a good game other than his little mess up.

Biggest shock of the night was not seeing Potter start.

[The Bear]

I thought he was $$$$?

[Akaman]

of course they were very poor stewarton, they were beaten by a side managed by mick mccarthy. I don't doubt the same will be said of every team we beat from now on in. Good to know that the south bank have given up on trying to construct sentences in favour of making noises. Oh and booing injured players.


That was well out of order, I sat there politely clapping.

To the match though, it was a well deserved win even if it was somewhat fortuitous in the end. We could've had the game in the bag within 20 minutes but being Wolves we have to make hard work of it!

Ratings

Hennessey - A couple of very smart stops and handling was good throughout. 7

Foley - No real problems for him, usual steady self. 7

Ward - Won pretty much everything in the air and made some important interventions on the edge of our box - 7.5

R. Edwards - Thought he did ok other than set up Tudgay for their equaliser. Was in a couple of races with strikers but never got beat, deserves a bit of a run in the side. 7

Gray - Not his best game. Caught out positionally a few times. 6

Elliott - Showed glimpses that there could be the makings of a very good winger there. Worked hard, didn't look like a fish out of water on the wing and it was nice to see him roundly applauded when he was subbed. 7

Henry - Usual combative self, didn't have his best game though. But did bring some composure to proceedings in injury time after we took the lead. 6.5

D. Edwards - Impressive home debut. Gets himself into some great positions, runs his socks off. Only thing you'd say is that his decision making when he's in those positions may need a bit of work, overall good game and he'll definitely get us a few goals from midfield. 7.5

Jarvis - Awesome. First half he looked like a World beater, beat his man (sometimes men) at will and always had his head up. Not so effective in the second half but on his first foray with the ball in the second period, it took 4 to stop him! Hope we keep him fit and he maintains this form, him and Kightly on the wings is a mouth watering prospect. 8.5 MOTM

Keogh - Getting back to something like his best, should've had more than his one goal but at least he's scoring. His movement up front, pulling the defence around is perfect for Edwards to make his runs into the space created. Looks to be working well with Ebanks Blake. 7.5

Ebanks Blake - Seemed a bit off the pace last night, as if he was on his heels, a bit sharper and he'd have probably scored before that late winner. Still led the line well which is exactly the kind of striker we needed and is a selfish git, which again, is the kind of striker we needed! 7

Subs 2nd half

Jones - Did ok, one blistering shot which was inches wides. 6

Bothroyd - Changed the complexion of the game, gave the Wednesday defenders something else to think about, brilliant run the first time he picked the ball up just unfortunately didn't have the options on. Tried long range shots and an absolutely sublime touch for the winner, wants his place back and on this form, the other 2 are going to have to be at their best to keep him out. 8

The team performance was very much one of 2 halves, good in first, ok in second. The ref's performance was shocking and he should be made to watch a video of it every day for the rest of the year.

[Woburn Wolf]

Jarvis first half was absolutely superb. Their right side was scared $$$$less of him. He was like Robert Pires, with pace.

Keogh could have had a couple (but at least he’s scoring 1 out of 4 chances at the moment…), SEB could have if he’d have read the ball better, Edwards could have scored – really should have been 3 up by half time. Comical mix up for the goal – Ward took a knock on the calf about 5 minutes after Collins went off, I think he’d have gone off if we had another CB on the bench.

Second half Wednesday were a lot snappier, and we had nowhere near as much room to play football in, and they could have scored a couple. But, we kept ‘plugging away’, and we scored following another good corner (more good corners yesterday than I’ve seen all season!).

Hennessey – some good stops, couple of dodgy kicks. Gone in the summer if we’re not promoted. 7

Foley – Has gone from being a 7/10 player into a 6/10 player while Kightly’s been out. Some poor distribution but decent defensively. 6

Gray – His attacking contribution normally makes up for his defensive frailties. Not yesterday. 5.5

Ward – Took a knock early on, but won everything in the air. I don’t understand people’s lack of confidence in him. 7

R. Edwards – Chucked himself about a bit, at fault for the goal but recovered well. 6

Elliot – played well first half, beat his man a couple of times. Didn’t see as much of the ball as Jarvis, but good enough, 7

Jarvis – So, so exciting. Faded in 2nd half as Wednesday upped their game. MOTM 8.5

Edwards – Great engine, very good positionally. He will be a great player for us, like Geoff Thomas in his Palace days. 8

Henry. What has happened to him? 2 decent through balls in 1st half, but utterly gash other than that. Needs to pick it up or be dropped. 5.5

Keogh – Plenty of running, and a goal. Linked up well with SEB. Could have had 3, but we say that every game so I’ll take one from him. 7.5

SEB – Turned and shot twice, linked well with Keogh. Yet to see the blistering pace. Bit flat footed at times. Bundled home a goal that we wouldn’t have scored in December. 7

Bothroyd. – Good running, really intelligent lay off for the goal. Good cameo. 6

Fans were a lot better, but the ‘sshhhhhhooooooooooooooottt’ thing is doing my head in now. 40 yards out, Karl Henry on the ball, on his left foot. ‘Shooot’ the morons say.

Mick got the selection pretty much spot on (I’d have started with Edwards for Collins, but hey), and his after match comments (while contentious) were spot on too.

All in all, a good performance, encouraging attacking play. Roll on Saturday!


I know what you mean and I too think it has a lot to do with Kites being out. When a central midfielder plays RW they tend to track back towards the centre leaving Foley exposed and when Elliott plays there he tends not to track back as his natural instincts as a striker are to attack, once again leaving Foley exposed. It also results in Foley being less inclined to overlap because he knows there will be no-one minding the shop if he does.

On a more general note I was pleased with the result last night which I thought we just about deserved but have to say that Wednesday were very poor - one of the worst teams I have seen at the Mol this year and we have already seen plenty of carp.

[Dr Wolfenstein]

Olofinjana will walk back into his position when he returns from the ANC.

That's the problem unfortunately.

[Edgmond Wolf]

First twenty minutes were great.

Hit cross bar twice and wolves were lively.

Crowd went mental when Keogh scored, he deserved it

Keogh, Edwards, Hennessey, Jarvis, Elliot and Henry all played well tonight.

Micks substitutes worked well as did initial team selection

Fair play to the Wednesday fans they created some noise

Ref was diabolical

Roll on Saturday

Went away happy