Southampton verdict

[Streathamwolf]

Yeah he is the best free kick taker on the planet (to defend his corners as well as we did is a real testament to the Tony Roberts and the team as a whole) but ordinary around the pitch.

Sort of Beckham without Posh?

 

[The Clock]

Good 3 points
Pleased for Gomes, Coady and Traore.

I thought free kick took a deflection off Moutinho's head. Lesson to be learned, should have taller men in the wall.

 

[clivewolves]

Not a performance for the ages, but a good result.

Gomes had a terrific match. Composed, aggressive, and didn't look out of place.

I think we obviously missed Neves and the composure on the ball he brings to the team. Let's hope he will be fully recovered from covid when we play Brentford. That will be another battle rather than a silky game of football.

I think Sa was the man of the match again. He's clocking up enough of them to be the leading candidate for player of the season. I don't think I'll ever feel comfortable with a Wolves keeper showing off his footwork ten yards from the goal. He's a confident chap.

An obvious penalty for us. I don't know why the VAR took so long to send the referee over. I thought Saints should have had one as well when Dendoncker kicked their fella, but for some reason, none of their players seemed to appeal. Their manager questioned our antics during the match, but they were too nice there. They should have gone straight to the ref.

(Goal music -booooo)

 

[reanswolf]

Really enjoyed today, Saints no mugs always at it. Fantastic result and a fantastic atmosphere too.
Jose Sa, Toti Gomes, Coady, Kilman, Mouts, Podence, Jimenez all excellent.

 

[topcat99]

No, thankfully. I hate that ****

Probably would have applauded if it made it 4-1 Wolves.

My brain just said “oh crap”

 

[Gromit]

Good 3 points
Pleased for Gomes, Coady and Traore.

I thought free kick took a deflection off Moutinho's head. Lesson to be learned, should have taller men in the wall.

Agree. From my seat in the BQ it definitely hit someone on the way in.

 

[steve vena]

Anyone else just ****ing love ward-prowse.

Set pieces unreal , not much else.

 

[Timberwolf]

Agree. From my seat in the BQ it definitely hit someone on the way in.

I was in the BQ upper and I thought it swerved one way, then the other. Very Roberto Carlos’esque. It would make more sense if it did hit someone. Otherwise it’s a bit like the Kennedy assassination and the magic bullet.

 

[oldgoldheart]

Great match. Objectively southampton were probably slightly the better side but we defended well and with some luck. On the break, especially second half we looked good. Sa was my man of the match but gomes, kilman, coady, podence and moutinho also played well. So did fabio. Great to see traore score in what may be his last match for us too. Great 3 points. Well done lads

 

[Jayjaywolves]

No because he plays for another team.

Plays for England though doesn’t he.

 

[WetheralWolf]

Great result! Showed loads of resilience, Sa and Kilman were exceptional and we took our chances against a good team.

The free kick was fantastic but that is easy to say when you win 3-1: we seem to be developing that winning habit. Thanks Bruno.

The ref was diabolical - decision making poor and that includes the pen but was a shambles throughout.

Well played lads. It was a pleasure to watch and a fab Saturday afternoon had by all with an exciting game - first win seen by two more for the wolf pack!

 

[Burton Wolf]

Poor performance and a very lucky win if we’re honest!!

Hats off to Sa, it could and perhaps should have been a home defeat!!
Saints definitely deserved something from the game!

We were missing a few players and dug in for the win. We were rather fond of going down easily which I think was a point the Southampton manager was making to Bruno at the end!!

Playing poorly and winning is always a plus!

3 goals and a home win. No luck there I'm afraid. Even a goal for Adama. What's not to like

 

[Alex Rae The Substitute]

Funny how we see things differently. I thought Toti Gomes had a cracking debut, felt he looked composed on the ball, won plenty in the air, and put in some great reaching tackles. Surprised to see him scored so lowly by some here.

 

[Mugwump]

Think that scoreline flattered us a little bit. Never seemed to get to grips with the game, Dont think anyone played poorly, but i wouldnt have given too many more than a 6.5 really. Great result though and its showing even when we arent at our best the system is still effective.

 

[Nivada]

And I'll tell you what it's bloody brilliant to be happy and joyful at thought of your football club again, to know we're high in the table and people look at us with respect, to look at every match with trust that if you have a crappy day that could well be the thing that brightens it up. To know hundreds of millions of people across the world are looking at the Premier League now and seeing Wolves as a side to be feared. I was truly truly terrified during and after last season that I'd never feel that barely describable buoyant feeling about my football club again that I felt practically every day during those golden Nuno years. I can't even attempt to tell you how ****ing happy I am that I'm feeling that again now.

 

[sswolf]

Very good result but tbh Southampton should of had 4-5 if it wasn’t for poor finishing and excellent goalkeeping from Sa. But 3 points is 3 points

 

[Golden Oldie]

It’s 3 points and 3 goals and that is what ultimately matters.

Full credit to Ward-Prowse for that absolute pearler of a free-kick and I hope Southgate takes serious note for future England games.

Lovely pen by Raul - great to see Conor get his first Molineux goal in Wolves colours (it’s his 2nd after that screamer for Huddersfield) and thank heavens Adama made up for his INEXPLICABLE miss!

I don’t care how people feel delighted about Adama’s goal; it’s utterly ridiculous he blazed his 1st chance over and has made my mind up in feeling that his time at Molineux IS UP.

Away from that, Max was with usual and brilliant self; Jose’s save in the 1st half was exquisite, Fabio looked darn good again off the bench and Toti looks like a calm and really composed centre half.

And this result, takes us to 31 points at 19 games: which officially is our best return in a 1st half of a Premier League season since promotion in 2018!

Roll on hopeful revenge against Brentford and if we do, the prospect of digging out the passports may begin to get real indeed.

I wouldn't be hugely disappointed if the passports weren't required. With Covid in it's many forms still a factor and uncertainty over the composition of the team iro key players, European competition has a 'double-edged-sword' look about it. But I realise for many, such words are a heresy, and I fully understand, so let's say it's a pleasant luxury to have the prospect as a discussion point.

 

[Poztin]

Shout out to Podence’s Superman impression.

 

[Supadavewolf]

Funny how we see things differently. I thought Toti Gomes had a cracking debut, felt he looked composed on the ball, won plenty in the air, and put in some great reaching tackles. Surprised to see him scored so lowly by some here.

Agreed.

I think if that was Saiss giving that performance we'd probably agree on something like "6.5 - Romain was solid enough but not quite up to his normal performance".

Given it was a debut by a young (for a CB) lad still learning the names of his teammates, I think Gomes deserves a lot of praise.

Happy 23rd birthday, Toti! What a birthday present you have had.

 

[nomadwolf]

 

[Wagstaffe Was Magic]

3 goals and a home win. No luck there I'm afraid. Even a goal for Adama. What's not to like

Morning, it was great to score 3 of course it was, and fantastic to see an Adama goal for sure.

The score flattered us though given Sa’s heroics and the woodwork

 

[reanswolf]

I thought it was a great day yesterday, Molineux was really bouncing for quite long spells, and overall though nerve-wracking as usual, it was highly-enjoyable stuff, at least from our point of view. Without Neves, we perhaps lacked a little cohesion and direction against a very useful Saints side. I think most of us know / acknowledge that midfield is where we lose possession and that happened again for long spells yesterday, though no one was directly at fault. Jose Sa was in brilliant form and was unlucky to concede to a wonder-strike. Defensively Toti Gomes stepped in and performed seamlessly, directed and partnered by the excellent Kilman and Coady. I though Raul was more like his old lively self yesterday and pleased he scored. Podence again caused many problems and they all worked so hard. 3-1 was a superb result that perhaps flattered us slightly but they worked tirelessly to control and contain an attacking Saints side who might well consider themselves a little unlucky.

Jose Sa - 9 - fantastic GK performance, he made some stunning saves and anticipates brilliantly. And to command his box so dominantly is a wonderful quality. He instills immense confidence in the team and fans. Surely the best GK in Portugal, and I say that respectfully to Rui.

Semedo - 7.5 - not quite so eye-catching as in recent games for me, but steady once again.

Ait Nouri - 7.5 - likewise, a steady performance from our young wing-back, and his performances are gradually and consistently improving.

Coady - 8 - once again martialed our defence superbly, and popped up for his first home goal for years, which was wildly-celebrated by the fans with a great rendition of "they said he was a scouser, he's really gold and black". The joy on his face was so genuine.

Kilman - 9 - imperious and commanding performance, no need to say anything else. England call-up surely beckons. Unlucky not to score.

Gomes - 8 - a very assured and calm performance from young Toti. To step in at the last minute and perform so well takes immense strength and concentration, but he looked every part a regular part of the defence, which is to his immense credit, especially against such a difficult opposition who were always trying to get on the front foot.

Moutinho - 8 - sometimes you don't really notice our little magician, but he so rarely misplaces a pass and is so intelligent on the ball. Enjoying his best football of the season.

Dendoncker - 7.5 - stepped in for Ruben and did his job very well, unspectacularly but with determination and grit.

Trincao - 7 - obviously talented but just needs to be little more aggressive and physical, he just runs out of steam at critical moments, but has lovely balance on the ball and works hard.

Podence - 8 - always causing issues for Saints, a real livewire without getting on the scoresheet, but he certainly adds an extra dimension for us. Another who is enjoying his best spell for us following his MOTM v Sheff Utd.

Jimenez - 7.5 - looked livelier than in recent games, and I thought without being spectacular he was 'back on it' today. Pleased he scored with a calm and typically-Raul penalty. Lovely to see the applause and adoration he got walking round the South Bank when he was subbed.

SUBS

Traore - 7 - maybe his last game for us? Missed a great chance but then calmly finished with his left foot.

Silva - 7 - a brief cameo for Fabio, looked lively and created himself a great chance that was well-saved.

Cundle - 6 - too brief to mark him.


REF 5 - thought he was against us, but I know fans often say this. Reluctant to give us anything and noticed how he blew for half time the moment we got were on the break. Probably just coincidence?

FANS - 8.5 - thought we have been quieter recently, but maybe because it was a 3pm Saturday kick off everyone seemed really up for it. Molineux was really loud at times and fairly constant too except maybe last 20 minutes when we were pegged back. Overall it was a fantastic win and there were an awful lot of very happy Wolves fans at the end, as you might expect. Well done Bruno and the lads.

The Wolves drug is well and truly addictive.

 

[Beer Wolf]

Just seen the free kick from behind. From our position in the SB it looked either a good free kick or a rare Sa error but having seen it - wow. Absolutely astonishing. No one is ever saving that.

It was an awesome free kick. It moved through the air like a tennis serve with slice on the ball.

 

[JadeWolf]

My morning after verdict!

Really, really pleased with that. I wasn’t over confident going into it, dunno why just felt we were due a wobbly game, and Southampton at home is kinda the typical one. I wouldn’t say it was a comfortable win but it was a good solid performance and we took our chances when we had them. Yeah we relied on Sa again but he’s having such a good season I don’t feel like that’s necessarily a bad thing, we can accept our keeper will make outstanding saves in the game and it’s not a surprise when he does.

First half was quite an even game I thought. They had one or two good chances and a lot of pressure and set pieces. It was only really the free header that Sa saved though when you felt they were going to score. Apart from that one you’d be annoyed if any of their other chances went in. Going forward we were ok but couldn’t really get anything going, we missed Neves big style just for the control and rhythm he adds in midfield. Donck is a different type of midfielder so it didn’t work him replacing Ruben. The penalty was 100% a penalty I’m still amazed the ref never gave it real time, I can only assume he had his view blocked. First time I can remember the referee going to the Var screen at Molineux? I didn’t even know where it was I thought at first he was running over to tell Bruno off or something! Well tucked away by Raul top, he’s not been at his best lately so hopefully that goal can kick him on.

Second half was actually quite entertaining, if you’re a neutral fan I guess. Not so good for the Wolves or Saints fans, lots of ups and downs and drama! Great to get the second goal with what seemed our first chance of the half. Lovely ball in by I think Moutinho, Kilman was unlucky to hit the post with the header but Coady was the man on the spot to knock it over the line. Great celebration too you can see how popular and respected he is in the squad, even Sa ran the length of the pitch to give him a cuddle!

Great goal by Ward-Prwose to get them back in it, I did see Sa take a big step the other way at first and I was thinking should he save it, but then looking at the replay he had no chance. It seemed to give them a lift and they missed a great chance, how he hit the bar with the whole goal to aim at, baffling!

At the other end we opened up on the break though, thought Fabio was great when he came on. Keeper made a good save off his shot and Traore missed an absolute open goal off the rebound. But then made up for it with a cool, calm finish late on. The first one was easier to score which kinda sums Adama up! Great to see Bruno run down the line to celebrate too, really coming out of his shell now you can see how comfortable and confident he is getting.

Overall a good win in a good game to watch. Atmosphere was good and very loud at times! Away fans were poor in numbers and noise, ref was shocking and it was bloody freezing! But when the Wolves win it’s always worth it!

Emoji Ratings:

-Sa, Ait Nouri, Kilman

- Toti, Coady

- Fabio, Semedo, Moutinho, Jimenez

- Trincao, Dendoncker, Podence, Traore

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-

-

 

[QB Wolf]

Rode our luck at times but Saints are a good side and no mugs, so i’ll take it.

Thought we were very professional throughout and everyone did well and played their part.

Yes we missed Neves, but any team outside of the top 3 would.

Pleased for Adama to shut a few up.

 

[Burton Wolf]

Morning, it was great to score 3 of course it was, and fantastic to see an Adama goal for sure.

The score flattered us though given Sa’s heroics and the woodwork

How many times over the years has the story been the other way round. For what my opinion is worth it is always about the scoreboard. At Old Trafford we should have had 5, but I hear no one moaning about that. Yesterday we stuck 3 past them and saw them off. 2 games where the doubters were out in force. But we got 6 points, we are sitting pretty in the league, 8 points above you know who (Mind the gap) . Lets go and have a real go at The Cup. Hopefully we get to the semi final go 2-0 up and Bruno doesn't take our best player off

 

[Irish_Wolf]

Amazing win. Really exciting game, especially last 15m. Could have been about 5 each.

Toti calm and untroubled, RAN very good again. Kilman exceptional.
Southampton are a decent team and that win can't be underestimated.

Now it's time to watch Coutinho break his leg on his debut for Veeela.

RAN very lucky with 2 offside flags. He was static when Saints player got passed him at back post only to blaze over from 5 yards. A few moments later he hits the side netting when he should be hitting the target. Both times flag went up to spare his blushes.

 

[wolfslair]

Good enough debut from Gomes, coached through it by our captain! Podence the ultimate scrapper as ever, could be 3/3 MOTM’s….?

Fair play Traore, smashes a sitter into row Z but thankfully makes up for it a minute later.

Gotta feel for Sa, plays an absolute blinder but was never stopping that free kick, which IMO was given away by a stupid challenge by I think Moutinho.

Great win.

Moutinho then doubled down by not jumping like dendonker did to attempt to bloke it and just turned to watch it fly in lol.

Not saying he gets near it if he jumps, but at least add to the challenge of what was already a world class FK from easily one of the best dead ball specialist in the world and to grace the premier league

 

[SA Wolf]

How great it is to wake up on Sunday morning after a victory that consolidates our place among the top 10 of the Premier League. 3-1 looks comfortable, but it wasn't as comfortable as the scoreline suggests, but of all the stats that are thrown around in the modern game, the only one that matters is the scoreline. Allied to that, there are a significant number of positives we can take from the game. A new CB looked comfortable on his debut, Raul is back among the goals, Kilman is getting better by the game and Coady scored his second of the season. Couple that with Ait-Nouri's good form, Podence linking play and even Traore getting his first and the day looks really bright if you're a Wolves' fan.

Ratings;

Sa - 8 - Pulled off a number of great saves and continued his good form. Could do nothing about Ward-Prowse's free kick.
Kilman - 8.5 - My MotM. Dominant display and rose well to hit the post from which Coady scored.
Coady - 8 - Played well and capped-off a good display with a goal (despite Raul doing his best to clear it )
Toti - 7 - Steady debut with a couple of nervous moments which is to be expected.
RAN - 8 - Good defensively and terrific getting forwards. Great cross for Coady's goal and won us the peno.
Semedo - 7 - Steady. Not as good against Utds (Man and Sheff), but did fine.
Dendoncker - 7 - Surprise inclusion due to Neves' omission. Worked hard.
Moutinho - 8 - This guy will still be playing when he's 46. Acquitted himself well against a decent Saints.
Raul - 7 - Hard work is always provided by Jimenez and hopefully the coolly-taken peno will kick-start his scoring again.
Podence - 7 - Another Duracell bunny in our team. Not as outstanding as recent games, but fine.
Trincao - 6 - Offered little, but didn't hide.

Subs;

Traore - 7 - Blazed a fine chance over the bar, but then took his first of the season well. If he's been waiting to unveil those gloves until he scored, they must be antiques!!
Silva - N/A - Made the chance that Traore spurned with a strong run. Decent cameo.
Cundle - N/A - Late intro for his league debut.

Bruno - hampered by the loss of Neves in particular, but got the team up for the game and made the Trincao sub when required.

 

[SeaWolf]

Always great to hear from one of our many foreign players, but sometimes difficult to follow what they're saying.

 

[Manic88]

It’s 3 points and 3 goals and that is what ultimately matters.

Full credit to Ward-Prowse for that absolute pearler of a free-kick and I hope Southgate takes serious note for future England games.

Lovely pen by Raul - great to see Conor get his first Molineux goal in Wolves colours (it’s his 2nd after that screamer for Huddersfield) and thank heavens Adama made up for his INEXPLICABLE miss!

I don’t care how people feel delighted about Adama’s goal; it’s utterly ridiculous he blazed his 1st chance over and has made my mind up in feeling that his time at Molineux IS UP.

Away from that, Max was with usual and brilliant self; Jose’s save in the 1st half was exquisite, Fabio looked darn good again off the bench and Toti looks like a calm and really composed centre half.

And this result, takes us to 31 points at 20 games: which officially is our best return in a 1st half of a Premier League season since promotion in 2018!

Roll on hopeful revenge against Brentford and if we do, the prospect of digging out the passports may begin to get real indeed.

Agree on Adama.
As great as his goal was imagine if we’d drawn or lost thanks to him trying some silly toe punt on the volley from a couple of yards out into a practically empty net

The guy has been in/around professional football for 10+ years and still has no clue what part of the foot to use or any sense of how hard to hit a ball?! Madness.

 

[Black Country Wanderer]

Well,seen a lot of we got lucky and didnt deserve it posts,how about the half a dozen or more games this season we were unlucky and did deserve more?
Overall i thought we did deserve the win

First half they were the better team no doubt,had a couple of chances that Sa saved brilliantly,but thats the sort of idea,you have a keeper to keep them out dont you?
We got the Pen,rightly so,and put it away

Second half we upped the pace, got a bit more control in midfield, and started to create chances,once we scored the second there was only one winner
The free kick was superb,he will never score a better one,i didnt even rate it as a chance before he hit it lol
They hit the bar and put one over,we hit the post and scored,their keeper made a couple of saves ,and Traore clipped the bar when he should have buried it,before scoring a clinical third on the break

So yeah could have been 4-3 but we take what we get,we never concede 3 do we?
Bruno said after the game he wants to keep all his players and add a few more,so come on Jeff, dig deep and back your manager, he deserves it

 

[KFordOriginal]

What a difference a few goals make, really enjoyed the game, great atmosphere and a real positive vibe in the stadium. Not for a very long time have I felt that we’d score another when they scored.
Quietly Onwards & Upwards.

 

[Coeur de Loup]

RAN very lucky with 2 offside flags. He was static when Saints player got passed him at back post only to blaze over from 5 yards. A few moments later he hits the side netting when he should be hitting the target. Both times flag went up to spare his blushes.

He could see along the defensive line and should not have run into an offside position. I was disappointed with that.

 

[Wednesbury Wolf]

Kilman his normal assured self, Gomez fine debut, Sa truly fantastic although he was very slightly at fault for the goal.
Jimenez needed the goal but still far from his past form, Traore his normal wasteful self although he did score which came as a shock to him I imagine. Coady what a captain.

 

[ToastedWanderer]

Southampton bossed the first half, yet we ran out 1 up. We bossed the second half and finished 2 up, absolutely tremendous to see us tucking away our chances.

Loved seeing Sa run up the pitch to congratulate Coady, summed up our team spirit right there..

 

[wulfie88]

 

[Sheffield Wolf]

Job done. I’m sure we’ll play better in the future, but I’m happy with 3 points and 3 goals.

 

[Jd132]

Great result, decent performance. I loved the Coady goal and have to give credit to JWP for his free kick too. Good game.

I kind of like the idea of us approaching future games in the way we did yesterday too. Raul, Podence and Trincao tippy tappy passing it around for 70 mins then bring on Fabio and Adama to be super direct for the last 20 mins. They both got in loads of times and looked great. More of the same please Bruno!

 

[Blackpool Wolf]

Couple of Adama comments - I think he’s a real asset - but for his goal he didn’t seem to look across the line to keep onside - he seems to be looking the opposite way.

if going down costs min of £60m then keep him next season as he will help preserve our status at very least - he’s a great out when we are under pressure - and now he’s scoe one who knows…