Toti scoring

By Ivybridge Wolf
October 7 2023

What a boost, a completely unexpected and fabulous boost, last Saturday afternoon was. A superb performance and excellent tactical effort to see off the European champions, Manchester City. With 3 (or 5) at the back, with pace in attack, it was like the good ole Nuno days had returned as Wolves triumphed to secure 3 desperately needs points. Can that performance and effort be replicated once again at Molineux, versus local rivals Aston Villa. Everyone connected to the old gold will hope so. Statistics are on our side too, in the 8 premier league matches since both being back up in the top division, Wolves have won 5, drawn 2 and lost 1. The last win, another then vital 3 points, was as recent as May 2023 when Toti scored an early header, his first goal for Wolves.

As I write, 24 hours pre-kick off (I’m going to the match), I read that Wolves have no major injury concerns, although both our Bueno’s, Santi and Hugo, are nursing minor knocks. Additionally, Bellegarde is still banned but Tommy Doyle is available again. Without question, Wolves will have picked up a massive amount of confidence from last week and therefore I expect to see and unchanged side, in the same kind of formation with Kilman, Dawson and Toti all selected from the off. Such a performance deserves a starting eleven untouched by tinkering! There still have to be concerns about Cunha up front as a player who cannot score, though his contribution last week was as good as anybody’s in securing the 3 points – take for example his sheer hard work and perfect lay off to Hwang for the goal. Hwang himself is on a bit of a run, our top scorer (who’d have believed that?!) and Neto is really showing signs of his class once again – what a player he is when on form and terrorising defenders.

Being our only derby of the season (again), this fixture will add a bit of spice for players and fans, however the objective must be to take full advantage of the Molineux crowd and secure another 3 points for Wolves. In the context of the season to date, the 3 points are everything to drive us up the table to 10 points, advance us beyond the ‘point per game’ average, achieve back to back wins for the first time this season and in so doing, create even greater confidence at the club. It literally is a win-win situation.

Nonetheless, we must be on it right from the off, this Villa side are proving to be very dangerous. Whilst the Wolves players were preparing for the fine Citizen’s defeat, Villa were already in the process of dismantling a very good Brighton side 6-1 and surging up to 5^th in the table. As good as our win was last week, we can only dream of scoring 6 in a match. Villa have won 5 and lost 2 of their opening 7 fixtures and are now hunting their 4^th win on the trot. They must be stopped!! Local lad Ollie Watkins (he’s from Newton Abbot, just up the road from me!), is on fire, scored a hattrick last week, has been recalled for England and signed a contract extension – not a bad week’s work. Villa are however far from a side reliant on just one player and Emery seems to have galvanised their efforts thus far, and a midweek win, albeit a late winner v Zrinjski Mostar, won’t hinder their belief either.

A few more statistics for you! Of our fine recent form v Villa, it includes 3 wins and 1 draw in the last 2 seasons, including the unforgettable 3-2 victory at Villa Park the season before last. Are we becoming their bogey side? At Molineux in 2023, we have only failed to score in one match … v Bournemouth. Good omens! Hwang has a potential historic opportunity to score in 5 consecutive top-flight home games for the first time since King John in 1973, who managed 6 on the trot, but quite an accolade if Hwang manages it …. Let’s hope! As for Villa, their 15 points from 7 games represents their second best start in the premier league era, only bettered in 1998/99. Additionally, their last 20 premier league matches have accrued 42 points (W13, D3, L4), which only Manchester City can beat and should they score 2 goals v Molineux, that would be Villa’s best goals tally in the first 8 matches since 1932.

A final word on Gary O’Neil. That win last week was massive for him and I was absolutely delighted he managed it. It’s a single victory, yes, but with the knives absolutely out in many quarters, a colossal moment in his career as a manager. I’ve always believed he needs time, not a commodity often afforded in football, and that is based on his tenure at Bournemouth last season where he demonstrated he had ability. Many have expressed concern with our squad and club direction, highly understandable and myself included, nevertheless O’Neil has been dealt a hand with no input in squad acquisition. He showed last week he can get these lads playing and with a collective spirit on the pitch …. Long may it continue. I genuinely wish him all the very best at Wolves, his success will be ours!

With the interweb signals at Molineux often pretty dire during the match, I will be unable to post on match progress, nevertheless hope, as is custom, that you are able to contribute to this thread on all things Wolves v Villa, before, during and after the match.

It’s Wolves v Villa, it’s a special one, lets gerrrin’ to ‘em – Up The Wolves!!!

Enjoy the match!

Postscript 11.45pm after Saturdays results: On top of everything else, what a great opportunity to put some daylight between us and the relegation zone.

Match Thread: Wolves v Aston Villa 8.10.23 2pm KO

Discussion started by Wolves , 07/10/2023 23:49

Wolves
07/10/2023 23:49

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:11:12:21:36:25 by Ivybridge Wolf.

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Cheshire wolf
08/10/2023 06:47

An excellent and comprehensive write-up Ivy. Hope you enjoy the game - we were there for the win in May so hope you bring them luck today. I’m in Malia in Crete and have hopefully made arrangements to watch the game in a local hostelry, so I hope to be able to offer some updates for those struggling for a stream. Fingers crossed for another great performance from our lads and a few more points on the board.

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Lupy
08/10/2023 12:28

It will increase GON stock immeasurably with the fans if he can steer the boys to a win this afternoon. No reason why we shouldn't give a good account of ourselves if the effort shown against City is replicated.
Villa are going well so it's going to be tricky but cmon lads , three points would be fantastic.

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Cheshire wolf
08/10/2023 13:51

An unchanged starting line-up from last week.

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Cheshire wolf
08/10/2023 14:01

Referee is Rob Jones. Here we go.

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Cheshire wolf
08/10/2023 14:06

First corner goes to Villa good ball in but mid controlled by Digne. Wolves break and Kamara gets a yellow card for a tug on Cunha

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Cheshire wolf
08/10/2023 14:08

A fine save by Sa from a fierce shot by Cash.

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Cheshire wolf
08/10/2023 14:16

The passing and offsides upfront are letting Wolves down at the moment. Neto earns a free kick 2 yds outside their area but floats over everyone’s head - even Toti at the back post!

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Cheshire wolf
08/10/2023 14:23

Joao gives the ball away in a dangerous position, it ends up with McGinn and he puts it over the bar. Villa get their third corner already but it’s cleared an RAN breaks to Cunha who earns our first corner which is again too high, but another corner on the other side is earned. McGinn is constantly blocking Dawson in the area. Corner is too high again!!

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Cheshire wolf
08/10/2023 14:26

Neto can’t find his range for passing into area at all at present. 25 minutes gone and pretty even so far

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Cheshire wolf
08/10/2023 14:33

Dawson accidentally catches the back of Watkins’ foot and gets a yellow card!! Now McGinn gets his yellow card for kicking Neto.

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Cheshire wolf
08/10/2023 14:38

At last Hwang puts a decent cross in but RAN miskicks it across the face of goal. Cash takes out RAN with his shoulder to his jaw. He looks hurt. Concussion check being completed but he seems to be OK.

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Cheshire wolf
08/10/2023 14:47

Another corner to Villa from which a shot is well blocked. Into 4 added minutes

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Cheshire wolf
08/10/2023 14:52

Excellent ball to Hwang in the area but he can’t find a Wolves shirt. Half time whistle goes and it’s all square. Fairly even first half with chances for both teams, but Wolves have had to defend the more dangerous shots. Neto’s service into the area has been largely disappointing, and RAN should have scored with his chance, but otherwise little to report.
Wolves 0 Villa 0

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Cheshire wolf
08/10/2023 15:10

Doc replaces RAN as we restart. Villa attack from kick off and a good cross in is met by Watkins and tipped over by Jose Sa. Hwang down hurt after a poor attempt at a tackle. He was hot in the face by Douglas Luizks arm but clearly accidental. He’ll be OK

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Cheshire wolf
08/10/2023 15:14

Corner for Villa headed over. We’re struggling to get any possession yet, but Neto breaks up the right wing and puts a fine ball in for Hwang to convert once again from close in.
Wolves 1 Villa 0

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Cheshire wolf
08/10/2023 15:16

The lead didn’t last long asvCash puts a ball into the area and Torres diverts it past Sa
Wolves 1 Villa1

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Billericay Wolf1
08/10/2023 15:18

No time to enjoy the lead! 1-1.

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Cheshire wolf
08/10/2023 15:28

VAR looked at possible violent conduct by Luiz after another clash with Hwang but cleared. Yellow card for Toti after a foul.

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Cheshire wolf
08/10/2023 15:29

Joao Gomes replaced by Boubakar Traore

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Cheshire wolf
08/10/2023 15:33

Semedo has the perfect opportunity to score and fluffs it- as we would probably expect!

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Cheshire wolf
08/10/2023 15:37

Sasa on for Cunha. We could do with him fulfilling his promise!

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Billericay Wolf1
08/10/2023 15:37

Sasa on.

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Cheshire wolf
08/10/2023 15:38

Sasa puts the perfect ball in from the left for Neto but he ballon’s it over

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Cheshire wolf
08/10/2023 15:41

Our passes forward out of defence just aren’t working at the moment.

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Cheshire wolf
08/10/2023 15:44

Another fine run into area by Neto who passes to Sasa but his shot is more of a misplaced pass. Lemina tries a long distance shot which is easily collected.

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Cheshire wolf
08/10/2023 15:45

Hwang down hurt again & will be replaced by Silva

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Billericay Wolf1
08/10/2023 15:46

Fabio on. Hwang off.

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Cheshire wolf
08/10/2023 15:48

Into the final two minutes of normal time but we can expect quite a bit to be added due to injuries.

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Cheshire wolf
08/10/2023 15:50

Twelve added minutes to play!!

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Cheshire wolf
08/10/2023 15:52

Good break by Villa but Watkins shoots into side netting. Wolves giving too many silly fouls away.

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Cheshire wolf
08/10/2023 15:54

Lemina gets a second yellow card as is dismissed which was on the cards with the foul he made

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Billericay Wolf1
08/10/2023 15:54

Lemina red card for two yellows.

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Cheshire wolf
08/10/2023 15:57

Another stupid foul by Fabio puts us under pressure. Into final five minutes

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Cheshire wolf
08/10/2023 15:59

Corner taken by Villa and it’s put just wide of Sa’s goal

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Cheshire wolf
08/10/2023 16:02

Good save by Jose Sa

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Cheshire wolf
08/10/2023 16:06

Time should be up but Villa have a corner, they hit the post and the whistle goes to end the game. We struggled after going down to ten men but held on for a heard earned point which takes us up to 14th place above Brentford!
Villa showed their class at times and brought out far more saves from Jose than we did from Martinez but all in all it was quite a good game with a lot of end to end play. A draw will suit Wolves better than Villa but keeps up the progress we made last week. Bournemouth away next in two weeks.
Wolves 1 Villa 1

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Lupy
08/10/2023 16:56

Another point and another game where a team on form couldn't get the better of us and their " in form " strikers draw a blank. Well done lads, it's been a tough few weeks against some of the fancied teams and we've done OK. Seems like we are moving in the right direction.

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irishwolf
08/10/2023 18:47

Cheshire.. Was it backs against the wall stuff or did we deserve a point?? ...either way I will take that... onwards and upwards.

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essington wolf
08/10/2023 22:56

Last couple of days of hols in salou so watched the game in a bar with wolves and villa fans, fair to say there was some decent banter but all good natured.
Villa fans saying at ft that we are now their bogey side and I said long may it continue!
Overall I think a draw was probably the right result but as usuall I thought the ref had a poor game and missed most of the villa fouls on wolves players.
Shame neto missed that great chance 2nd half think we would of gone on to win the game.
Not sure where all the injury time came from and was worried villa would get a winner against our 10 men and they nearly did at the death.
We look much more solid with 3 at the back that's for sure.
Happy with how we played especially 2nd half against a decent villa team.
Sa has had some stick lately but he made some decent saves 2nd half.
Now on to the cherries, upwards and onwards.

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Ivybridge Wolf
09/10/2023 09:14

Great to be back at Molineux on a really warm and sunny October afternoon.

I also think a draw was about right. We certainly did enough to earn that point, Neto could have topped it if he hadn’t blazed over from close range after the best Wolves move of the match …. Including and inch perfect pass from Kalajdzic. Having said that, Villa could have won it with the final touch of the match when Watkins hit the post …. In the 13th minute of added time (we thought it would be about 7-8 minutes!!). What a relief that was!

I haven’t seen any highlights yet, nonetheless it was An entertaining but scrappy match where the referee was never far from the action, getting over involved in my opinion and certainly was no ‘Homer’. 1st half was very stop and start where McGinn seemed to be fouling and generally annoying on a regular basis.

I thought Dawson and Kilman looked solid throughout, very positive, Semedo continues to frustrate me … just take the last man on! RAN was okay before he crocked and the Doc was positive in the second half. Lemina was extremely good, breaking up, blocking, getting stuck in. We’ll miss him v Bournemouth. Gomez I felt was the weaker link, looked a bit on the light side. Cunha wasn’t so effective yesterday. Neto continues to show that he’s our main danger man, Villa struggled with his pace and intent, especially in the second 45, if anything, we didn’t get the ball enough to him. Great run and cross for Hwang who is developing the lovely habit of being in the right place and put the ball away! Terrific! Congratulations to Hwang for emulating King John in ‘73 ….. 5 goals in 5 consecutive home matches. Just a shame we lost concentration for a couple of vital moments, a couple of minutes later.

Of the other subs, I thought Boubacar Traore was very good, battled very well, broke up Villa moves and distributed well too. Kalajdzic was okay, Fabio Silva didn’t have a lot of time but it was a very lightweight cameo.

Haven’t seen the two yellows on Lemina close up yet, particularly the second, so unsure if deserved, though it always seemed likely that the ref would dish out a red to somebody, so he didn't disappoint.

Well fought match from both sides, no classic in terms of quality, but a decent watch and was brilliant to be back at Molineux for my first game of this season. A good point I believe. October, it appears, is the new July too … I was fully vindicated in my selection of tee shirt (retro 1983/84 Tatung Wolves shirt) and shorts.

UTW

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Cheshire wolf
09/10/2023 15:32

Quote:

irishwolf
Cheshire.. Was it backs against the wall stuff or did we deserve a point?? ...either way I will take that... onwards and upwards.

Hi Irish. No I wouldn’t call it backs against the wall as we made several good scoring chances, notably Ait-Nouri, Semedo and Neto, but Villa are also a good team, and Jose Sa had to make good saves in both halves. There were a few injuries in the second half plus several substitutions and two goals which is where I think the extra time came from. The only time we really struggled was after we went down to ten men, and our forward line couldn’t hold on to the ball.

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