Sporting 1 - 1 Wolves verdict

[Adrian_Monk]

After a good first half, sadly a disappointing second period ensured a deserved share of the spoils. Despite fielding no striker, Wolves' marauding forwards looked bright in the first half, especially Neto, but couldn't manage to find any end product, and it took a suspect penalty decision for Wolves to open the scoring through Neves. Nevertheless it was deserved, as Wolves opened the sharper and more purposeful of the two sides, delivering a high intensity opening 35 minutes before a few wobbly moments leading up to half time triggered a defiant Sporting to come out the better side in the second

Despite struggling to gain a foothold in the second period, Wolves still had the better chances, with Hwang almost snatching a goal after managing to get around the keeper, but Sporting got back and crowded him out - a characteristic of Wolves counter attacks as home advantage played into Sporting's favour.

MOTM - Aît-Nouri, after a mesmerising display of tricky footwork and attacking intent mixed with solid defensive play and some clever interceptions.

Sa - 7
Jonny - 7
Kilman - 7
Collins - 6
Aît-Nouri - 8
Dendoncker - 6
Moutinho - 6.5
Neves - 7
MGW - 6
Podence - 6.5
Neto - 6.5

Subs:

Campbell - 6
Bueno - 6
Hwang - 6
Coady - 6

 

[Hoganstolemywife]

Good first half, disappointing second

Yup. Fair result. We look more positive but tailed off.

Far more.positive this season than I was this time last season but we are thin.

 

[Premier Quality]

I think there was enough there for all pre existing views to be validated.

 

[clivewolves]

Good test today. I feel like I'm ready for next week.

 

[Contrarian]

Still looks like we are going to struggle to score, whatever formation we play. The defensive back 4 of today looked easily the best, compared to the previous attempts we've made. Jonny and RaN look comfortable as fullbacks. Kilman definitely good enough for the role, Collins looks like he's not used to playing out from the back (especially when pressed by good opponents) , but otherwise did his job.

Though some of the approach play was excellent, we still had the same old situation of "nobody in the box". Repeatedly.

 

[Tring Wolf]

Fair result and an ok performance.

Positives: Sa looking fully fit and sharp off his line. Kilman very good. Neto nearly back to full throttle. Neves still oozing class. Ait-Nouri the best player on the pitch and destined for great things.

Moutinho a little off the pace but he’s been excellent in the other pre-season games. Clearly lacking a focal point up front.

Nunes looks like he’d be ideal for us. Decent technically, drives with the ball and surprisingly physical (and occasionally cynical). Think he’d fit really well into either a 4-2-3-1 next to Neves or a 4-3-3.

Would love to see something like:

Sa
Semedo, Collins, Kilman, Ait-Nouri
Nunes, Neves
MGW, Podence, Neto
Raul

Sarkic, Jonny, Boly, Coady, Dendoncker, Moutinho, Adama, New Striker, Hwang/Campbell

Or in a controversial 4-3-3

Sa
Semedo, Collins, Kilman, Jonny
Nunes, Neves, Ait-Nouri
MGW, Raul, Neto

 

[Jayjaywolves]

They aren't too happy with Trincao...
"Trincao, so much fuss why???"
The comments are funny to be fair.

 

[Supadavewolf]

Workmanlike.

Some flashes of quality.

Fairly solid in defence.

Umm, that's about it.

 

[moseleyite]

I'll dump the one I put in the match thread

FT: 1-1. MOTM for me: RAN... for his interplay, his ridiculous skills and for somehow not punching that forward

Food for thought going into the first match of the season this time next week. As a team, we look more unified and our general interplay is at time exceptional. I thought we looked... okay... defensively against a decentish side but I'll be interested to see how we fare against a full-intensity match at Elland Road (to be fair, this was fairly intense).

We still don't create a great number of shots on goal and that's the biggest worry for most fans (not that I mean to speak on their behalf) coming out of last season: our paucity in attack. I would say, however, that we got in better positions with this formation and it was noticeable that with an attacker who, for my money, is a player who's best in the centre (Hwang) making runs in behind, we showed what we might be able to do. Sure, he didn't take those chances but it perhaps highlights the need for an on-the-shoulder type forward (we used to call them strikers I think ).

The concern is that we're only seeing this with a week to go. It's all very well me saying that with a specialist central attacker we look more threatening but ... do we have one? I mean, do we have one other than Raul who's up to the level?

Damn, I started this out meaning to be really positive and... I kind of am! There were green shoots and the sort of neat interplay that the fans have been crying out for but the spectre of last season's poor goal scoring record still haunts us a little bit. We're most definitely not the finished article... over to you Chairman Guo... please??

As an aside, I kept half an eye on Porto's number 8 who I'm hearing we're quite interested in? He only played around the first hour or so but what I saw (not seen him play before) was impressive. What really catches the eye is how he receives the ball and quickly accelerates away from his markers/opposition midfielders. Not dribbling so much as just "stepping out" with the ball to make space and deliver a pass. I don't think it's something we really have in the midfield three at the moment. We can't be his only suitors so I'm unsure we could get him but if he could replicate what I saw tonight for us then I'd be happy with him as a signing... as I say, first time I've ever seen him touch a football so it's not exactly an in-depth look at him!

 

[Rhoswolf]

Workmanlike.

Some flashes of quality.

Fairly solid in defence.

Umm, that's about it.

Agreed, better than i expected and gave me some cause for optimism, hopefully can sign 2 first team ready players in the next 4 weeks.

 

[WeAreTheWolvesII]

Pretty pointless in terms of learning anything new.

We may have had a back four but we played in the way we have done over the years - admittedly towards the better end of that for the first half.

We counter attacked very well, Neto was excellent and the combination between the front three was good.

But unless you're a top, top, top team then you just can't play without a striker and dominate. You need to have a focal point, to hold the ball up, to bring others into play, to allow others to run from deep.

Just little things that some don't realise but every clearance usually came back. They'd push up as a result, squeeze the game and press us.

That has to be the massive worry for Leeds. They're going to be in our faces and without a striker we'll have to play around their relentless press and I don't think we can do it.

With that in mind, if we haven't got a striker in by next week (which would be a disgrace), then I'd go with a back three. Accept what we are. Soak up the pressure and try to counter. If we're going to get forced into it anyway, then we may as well do it properly and Coady playing gives us added security.

What are the benefits of a four?
Getting more men in the box - didn't happen.
Creating more chances - didn't happen.

You need a striker to fully benefit from this way so I don't see the point in persisting with it if we don't have one.

There were obviously some positives. We generally competed very well against a good opponent, who played with real intensity, so that was a proper test and we didn't crumble.

Just please get a striker in, Wolves.

 

[BrierleyHillWolves]

Was a bit confused by MGW he wasn't that great and subbed off on 82 minutes and went off like someone had just insulted he's mother

 

[MasWolf]

A very decent game to be fair. We seemed pretty evenly matched. Have to say Hwang is rubbish though.

 

[reanswolf]

We are not capable of not trailering off I’m afraid but I know that’s harsh.

Looked sharp in forward play tho Neto and Podence routinely lost the ball. It’s still the same as it has been for 2 years even with a back 4. We still don’t have enough fluidity and mobility in midfield and it’s obvious.

Ok, we look tight enough but it’s not going to fundamentally change until that midfielder comes in. Fingers crossed the club realise this. Otherwise expect a lot of Wolves 1 Norwich 1- type performances.

Thing is, generally we had 8-9 very good players on the pitch but it’s crying out for a striker and a different cM.

Sorry still think Donk is substandard.

 

[Hrothgar]

Thought we looked very good most of the first half - until MGW was injured.surprised he came on second half and clearly wasnt 100%.
As per usual plenty of endeavour and neat attacking play but pretty toothless in front of goal. We have a thin veneer of quality and for as long as all goes well re injuries/ suspensions we look OK-to-pretty good on occasion. Sadly though I think we are constantly just another injury or two away from real trouble. Hope Im wrong!

 

[Ned]

No real lessons learned from that game for the fans. Need a forward, need a midfielder. I’m glad we’ve gone 4 at the back but, with the lack of pace in midfield and actual forward we are just going to end up defending deep and in numbers, even if it’s not by design.

RAN has been fantastic in pre season and I hope he continues this form into the league campaign, I also hate saying this phrase but MGW is actually like a new signing… errrgh.

Anyway, please sign a good striker in the next week and go and get Nunes this window if it’s at all possible. That would turn a poor transfer window into a very good one.

 

[wwbug]

All the same problems as last year. Just without the backup of Silva, Trincao , Hoever, Saiss and Marcal on the bench.
We will have a very difficult season with this talented squad . Because it is thin and misses out with obvious weaknesses.
Oh dear. Get ready for a very difficult season. And hope for the best., or a couple or game changing purchases.
And if Coady has his nose put out we are in the **** .

 

[Bill McCai]

Thought Neto was really wasteful, should have put MGW in a few times.

 

[sillytuna]

All the same problems as last year. Just without the backup of Silva, Trincao , Hoever, Saiss and Marcal on the bench.

We will have a very difficult season with this talented squad . Because it is thin and misses out with obvious weaknesses.

Oh dear. Get ready for a very difficult season.

Not dismissing a thin squad but you did miss out mgw, collins, bueno, ronan, toti and a returning traore (but no chiquinho).

Mgw > trincao, collins/toti perhaps better but certainly with age on their side vs saiss and marcal, and bueno is an unknown while hoever was pretty awful. Plus ronan - we'll see.

Striker issue apart, the only other player I'd have from the above is saiss for his experience, and he was awful for the second half of the season.

 

[Fenrir_]

Saw most of the game, thought we were alright against what is a decent side. Clearly lacking a centre forward but there was plenty of bright (if ultimately fruitless) attacking play, and the standout was Ait-Nouri

First time I've seen anything of Matheus Nunes, and a midfielder with those attributes would go down a treat! Let's hope we bring him back with us!

 

[wwbug]

Not dismissing a thin squad but you did miss out mgw, collins, bueno, ronan, toti and a returning traore (but no chiquinho).

Striker issue apart, the only other player I'd have from the above is saiss for his experience, and he was awful for the second half of the season.

Thanks for the hope . But a thin squad and no goals will be a handicap we may not overcome. We have had at least two seasons of poor goals scoring its is just depressing to imagine watching a third season. But its almost a certainty as things stand.

 

[JOSWolf]

Still looks like we are going to struggle to score, whatever formation we play. The defensive back 4 of today looked easily the best, compared to the previous attempts we've made. Jonny and RaN look comfortable as fullbacks. Kilman definitely good enough for the role, Collins looks like he's not used to playing out from the back (especially when pressed by good opponents) , but otherwise did his job.

Though some of the approach play was excellent, we still had the same old situation of "nobody in the box". Repeatedly.

Thats what happens when you have no strikers.

 

[sillytuna]

Thanks for the hope . But a thin squad and no goals will be a handicap we may not overcome.

It's the goals for column we're all worried about. Today did little to ease those worries. 4 defenders, same old problem.

 

[northnorfolkwolf]

Confirmed everything we knew already. No one up top to put the ball away. If we don't bring someone in, scoring will be as bad as last season. Dendonker adds nothing and I wonder if Moutinho can do it for another season? Defence is ok so I think there may be lots of 0-0 games this season! The interplay between Podence, Neto and MGW is exhilarating at times but we still need that 15-20 goal a season striker to get us above mid-table. Can't believe Neves is still with us.

 

[Contrarian]

Saw most of the game, thought we were alright against what is a decent side. Clearly lacking a centre forward but there was plenty of bright (if ultimately fruitless) attacking play, and the standout was Ait-Nouri

First time I've seen anything of Matheus Nunes, and a midfielder with those attributes would go down a treat! Let's hope we bring him back with us!

Yes, very impressive, sad that we know it is very unlikely to happen. Would be more of a surprise than Neves or Patricio turning up.

 

[Summer_Wolf]

Thought the performance was okay, but the obvious gaps and shortcomings which have been discussed to death came home to roost. The squad mismanagement from Fosun has been abhorrent, to say the least. Look at the state of that subs bench. CM and CF the bare minimum we need. A lot of work to do! Striker needed in this week Jeff!!

 

[TheConcourse]

Played against a very good side with no #9.

Moutinho looked like he played on the periphery and Dendoncker is clearly being asked to do a job that he isn’t capable of because of injuries/lack of transfer activity.

Thought the boys at the back were excellent.

 

[WolfLing]

Or in a controversial 4-3-3

Sa
Semedo, Collins, Kilman, Jonny
Nunes, Neves, Ait-Nouri
MGW, Raul, Neto

Woulldn't surprise me if we see a version of this at some stage this season.

Maybe more of a 4-4-1-1 though, with Ait-Nouri ahead of Jonny and MGW right side drifting in.

 

[Fenrir_]

Yes, very impressive, sad that we know it is very unlikely to happen. Would be more of a surprise than Neves or Patricio turning up.

Think it's one of those where he fancies a move to the PL but wants a side that aren't that likely to come in for him. Liverpool seem to be waiting for their preferred option (Bellingham), just needs one or two more to declare themselves out the race and suddenly we're the best offer on the table

That's the optimistic part of my thinking anyway!

 

[Contrarian]

Think it's one of those where he fancies a move to the PL but wants a side that aren't that likely to come in for him. Liverpool seem to be waiting for their preferred option (Bellingham), just needs one or two more to declare themselves out the race and suddenly we're the best offer on the table

That's the optimistic part of my thinking anyway!

Let's hope he's smart enough to see how we proved a great stepping stone for Jota.

 

[wwbug]

Let's hope he's smart enough to see how we proved a great stepping stone for Jota.

I think he is a lot further advanced in his career.

 

[wwbug]

The highlight of the night was that Guo was there.
We havent fallen in to his waste paper bin.

 

[manchesterwolf17]

The highlight of the night was that Guo was there.
We havent fallen in to his waste paper bin.

Didn't know that. You're right though, that is positive news.

 

[Ercall Wolves]

After a good first half, sadly a disappointing second period ensured a deserved share of the spoils. Despite fielding no striker, Wolves' marauding forwards looked bright in the first half, especially Neto, but couldn't manage to find any end product, and it took a suspect penalty decision for Wolves to open the scoring through Neves. Nevertheless it was deserved, as Wolves opened the sharper and more purposeful of the two sides, delivering a high intensity opening 35 minutes before a few wobbly moments leading up to half time triggered a defiant Sporting to come out the better side in the second

Despite struggling to gain a foothold in the second period, Wolves still had the better chances, with Hwang almost snatching a goal after managing to get around the keeper, but Sporting got back and crowded him out - a characteristic of Wolves counter attacks as home advantage played into Sporting's favour.

MOTM - Aît-Nouri, after a mesmerising display of tricky footwork and attacking intent mixed with solid defensive play and some clever interceptions.

Sa - 7
Jonny - 7
Kilman - 7
Collins - 6
Aît-Nouri - 8
Dendoncker - 6
Moutinho - 6.5
Neves - 7
MGW - 6
Podence - 6.5
Neto - 6.5

Subs:

Campbell - 6
Bueno - 6
Hwang - 6
Coady - 6

Dendocker 3 and it’s about right IMO

 

[Ercall Wolves]

Replace Dendocker with Hwang as a central striker and play Podence on the right and that team will comfortably beat Leeds

 

[Mugwump]

Played against a very good side with no #9.

Moutinho looked like he played on the periphery and Dendoncker is clearly being asked to do a job that he isn’t capable of because of injuries/lack of transfer activity.

Thought the boys at the back were excellent.

I think Donk gets a fair bit of crtiticism because we do ask him to play a role he just cant do.

 

[Mugwump]

The highlight of the night was that Guo was there.
We havent fallen in to his waste paper bin.

Maybe they have bought the bigs guns out to try to convince Nunes to join.

 

[Adrian_Monk]

Dendocker 3 and it’s about right IMO

I thought he did ok for most of the first half, second half he was garbage though. Everywhere the ball wasn't.

 

[WalsallWolf]

We need a CF. At this point I am not sure Raul of 2021 unfortunately is that man either

Some really good movement in the final third.

Wolves, please, strengthen from a position of strength because amazingly after 2 or 3 years of this team, we are still 1 perhaps even only 2 max from genuinely competing.

 

[Rabid Wolf]

Maybe they have bought the bigs guns out to try to convince Nunes to join.

Says a lot for our recruitment team\Chairman if they can't convince Nunes to join us that we need our owner to convince him.