Match Thread: Wolves vs West Ham United
The Young Pretender
By Wolves
April 5 2021
Wolves have a chance to finally put a distance between them and the relegation battle this evening when they face high-flying West Ham United at Molineux
Three points this evening could see Wolves move up into 12th place in the table (providing Palace lose at Everton!!) which should be enough to rid themselves of any risk of being dragged into a relegation battle, a risk which still exists at the moment even though it is unlikely. However West Ham have been enjoying their best season for some time under David Moyes' leadership and will be looking for three points to take advantage of poor results for Leicester, Chelsea and Spurs and elevate them to 4th place in the League.
After the International break which has seen many Wolves players away in action, Coach Nuno Espirito Santo has concerns about Joao Moutinho, and one or two other players, but has given little information about the extent of any injuries, However it has surely been good for all Wolves fans to see Raul Jiminez joining in the training sessions, although he has to be careful when the ball is in the air and he cannot yet head the ball. Daniel Podence has also returned to training and Rui Patricio has been declared fit after his collision with Conor Coady at the end of the Liverpool game.
Wolves will be hoping for a repeat of last season's win against West Ham, and desperately trying to avoid suffering the first double for the Hammers since the 1922/23 season!!
The match will kick off at 20:15Hr and will be screened on Sky's Monday Night Football programme.
Our referee tonight will be Michael Oliver (who gave West Brom two penalties in his last visit) with David Coote on VAR duties
This board will carry regular updates on the progress of the game. Members are encouraged to post their own observations for the benefit of those unable to otherwise follow the game
Match Thread: Wolves vs West Ham United
Posted by: Wolves (IP Logged)
Date: 05/04/2021 13:04
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:04:25:13:32:50 by Cheshire wolf.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:04:25:13:32:50 by Cheshire wolf.
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs West Ham United
Posted by: Ivybridge Wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 05/04/2021 16:52
After loads of matches close together, how long has it been since we played?!! We’ve had 3 episodes of Line of Duty in the interim!
Looking forward to this one, wished I could say with confidence and just hope we can go some way to erase the memory of the very poor display at West Ham - a match which probably told us all we needed to know about our likely progress this season.
UTW!
Looking forward to this one, wished I could say with confidence and just hope we can go some way to erase the memory of the very poor display at West Ham - a match which probably told us all we needed to know about our likely progress this season.
UTW!
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs West Ham United
Posted by: Lupy (IP Logged)
Date: 05/04/2021 19:03
Not helped tonight with further cal injury for Jonny!!!
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs West Ham United
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 05/04/2021 19:17
Dreadful news before the teams are announced - Jonny has re-injured his MCL and ACL and will require further surgery, so that is his season finished prematurely again. Joao Moutinho is unfit to start, and Willy Boly has tested positive for COVID-19 and is isolating!!
At least West Ham will also be without Declan Rice too!!
At least West Ham will also be without Declan Rice too!!
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs West Ham United
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 05/04/2021 19:39
It looks like Wolves will turn to a back four again this evening with Coady and Saiss as centre backs, with Donk stepping up to midfield, and Podence joining Neto, Traore and Jose in attack. Our bench is almost threadbare though!! Line-up:
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs West Ham United
Posted by: chicagowolf (IP Logged)
Date: 05/04/2021 19:44
We are looking down the league so that we get relief when Villa beat Fulham. Was hoping for a good run-in to lift spirits ; new opportunities for marginal players to shine; maybe? In any event a chance to avenge that drubbing down there early on.
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs West Ham United
Posted by: Ivybridge Wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 05/04/2021 19:57
Dreadful news about Jonny, he’s been a very positive ray of light since he’s come back. Another ACL and MCL. Hope this is not a career ending injury.
Tonights team looks a decent attacking line up and somewhat sketchy in defence. Fingers crossed.
Tonights team looks a decent attacking line up and somewhat sketchy in defence. Fingers crossed.
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs West Ham United
Posted by: Andy Fincher (IP Logged)
Date: 05/04/2021 20:11
A real blow about Jonny. Don't know why Kilman is overlooked given the situation with Boly.
Personally I was hoping we had seen the last of a back four, at least this season. Hopefully we can out-score them.
Personally I was hoping we had seen the last of a back four, at least this season. Hopefully we can out-score them.
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs West Ham United
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 05/04/2021 20:15
I’m disappointed to see Massuaku back in the Utd team tonight as I thought he was superb in their win earlier this season. It will be interesting to see how Donk & Neves get on back together in midfield. Utd have such a lot to play for tonight but hopefully Podence will link up well with our attack on his return.
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs West Ham United
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 05/04/2021 20:18
Good turn & shot in the area from Jose but wide. Good play between Neto & PD to supply him. Then Utd break & Rui does well to keep out an Antonio shot
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs West Ham United
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 05/04/2021 20:21
Dawson fouls Neto & gets the first yellow card.
Jesse Lingard breaks after a promising Wolves attack and waltzes through our defence to score.
Wolves 0 Utd 1
Jesse Lingard breaks after a promising Wolves attack and waltzes through our defence to score.
Wolves 0 Utd 1
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs West Ham United
Posted by: Billericay Wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 05/04/2021 20:22
0-1 Lingard.
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs West Ham United
Posted by: Ivybridge Wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 05/04/2021 20:24
Lingard - brilliant goal to be honest.
Alas, he was determined to show a great impression of Moses and our defence obliged with terrific demonstration of the parting of the Red Sea
Alas, he was determined to show a great impression of Moses and our defence obliged with terrific demonstration of the parting of the Red Sea
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs West Ham United
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 05/04/2021 20:26
RAN only just wide with a shot. Diop brings down Adama to stop him & gets a yellow card
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:04:05:20:27:57 by Cheshire wolf.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:04:05:20:27:57 by Cheshire wolf.
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs West Ham United
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 05/04/2021 20:30
More excellent work by Lingard then Massuaku to put it in a plate for Fornalls. Rui no chance
Wolves 0 Utd 2
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:04:05:20:30:36 by Cheshire wolf.
Wolves 0 Utd 2
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:04:05:20:30:36 by Cheshire wolf.
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs West Ham United
Posted by: Billericay Wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 05/04/2021 20:30
0-2 Sod.
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs West Ham United
Posted by: Ivybridge Wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 05/04/2021 20:31
Oh dear, this is dreadful defending. Semedo to start with, nobody picking up Fornals ay all (3-4 gold shirts leaving it to one another).
Credit again for Lingard - purposeful attacking play, the type that would be welcome in WV1
Credit again for Lingard - purposeful attacking play, the type that would be welcome in WV1
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs West Ham United
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 05/04/2021 20:39
Neto puts the ball on to Podence’s head but he hits the top of the bar. We look very exposed at the back every time Utd attack.
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs West Ham United
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 05/04/2021 20:48
Antonio gets a shot away into the side netting after beating three defenders, but then needs treatment and leaves the game
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs West Ham United
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 05/04/2021 20:54
Jarrod Bowen on for Utd. Jose sets up Adama and his shot is well held by Fabianski.
Utd break and Bowen scores with a great shot in a repeat of the first goal
Wolves 0 Utd 3
Utd break and Bowen scores with a great shot in a repeat of the first goal
Wolves 0 Utd 3
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs West Ham United
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 05/04/2021 20:57
Jose misses the best chance he’s ever likely to get, then Neto scuffs the rebound wide. Utter rubbish!
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs West Ham United
Posted by: Ivybridge Wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 05/04/2021 20:57
We’ve had our chances, Willians early and late miss, Neto’s header, Podence clipping the bar, Traore’s shot and a few scruffy chances but West Ham have now got 3 goals and could have scored at least a few more.
Lingard is on fire and we represent a damp squib / powder puff defensive outfit. Schoolboy stuff at the back. Some great finishing to. Patricio should have done better at his near post for the third
Lingard is on fire and we represent a damp squib / powder puff defensive outfit. Schoolboy stuff at the back. Some great finishing to. Patricio should have done better at his near post for the third
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs West Ham United
Posted by: Ivybridge Wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 05/04/2021 20:59
Wow. What a great goal with some excellent Traore wing play, scintillating cross and bullet Donk header
1-3
1-3
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs West Ham United
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 05/04/2021 20:59
Fantastic run down the left by Adama & his cross is headed in by Donk - at last!!
Wolves 1 Utd 3
Wolves 1 Utd 3
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs West Ham United
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 05/04/2021 21:01
That is Adams’s first assist & Donk’s 1st goal of the season!!
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs West Ham United
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 05/04/2021 21:08
3 added minutes have been played & half time whistle sounds. A quite bizarre first half with West Ham taking absolute control through three well taken goals on the break, through a non-existent defence. Then from a corner Adama goes on a mazy run, sends over a perfect cross from the left which is met by a Donk header. Can Wolves do the same as Arsenal and come back from 3-0 down? I doubt it but at least we only need another two goals for a point!
It’ clearly been difficult for Nuno losing Boly at short notice & having to play a back four again.
Wolves 1 West Ham 3
It’ clearly been difficult for Nuno losing Boly at short notice & having to play a back four again.
Wolves 1 West Ham 3
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs West Ham United
Posted by: Lupy (IP Logged)
Date: 05/04/2021 21:13
Not the greatest display so far, too slow out of the blocks and too much respect being shown to Lingard who should have been on the receiving end of some hearty tackles. Looked the better team when Antonio left the field and West Ham were on the back foot for the last ten minutes, just have to keep up the same level of pressure for the whole of the second half and we may yet squeeze something out of this.
Fabulous by Traore, more of the same please.
Fabulous by Traore, more of the same please.
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs West Ham United
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 05/04/2021 21:18
Fabio Silva will replace Daniel Podence which is a shame as DP has been creative and attacking
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs West Ham United
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 05/04/2021 21:23
Willian Jose can’t shoot because he doesn’t have a left foot& loses the ball!!
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs West Ham United
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 05/04/2021 21:25
Adama Traore always seems to take too long recovering after losing the ball, usually claiming a foul. He needs to get on with the game.
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs West Ham United
Posted by: Ivybridge Wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 05/04/2021 21:28
True on both counts Chesh. Jose had a golden chance to test Fabianski but failed to even get a shot in and Traore seems to be falling over for fun tonight.
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs West Ham United
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 05/04/2021 21:33
Soucek puts it in the net but handball given against him - a let off as Bowen should have scored first!
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs West Ham United
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 05/04/2021 21:38
Good effort by Neto stopped by Fabianski. Some good attacking play by Wolves but no real threat in front of goal
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs West Ham United
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 05/04/2021 21:40
Good adventurous run by RAN until fouled by Noble. Neves plays in Neto but he puts it over the bar.
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs West Ham United
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 05/04/2021 21:42
A fine goal from Fabio Silva after a great pass from Neto. Just need Jose to get his finger out now!!
Wolves 2 Utd 3
Wolves 2 Utd 3
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs West Ham United
Posted by: Ivybridge Wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 05/04/2021 21:43
Wow. Another great goal. Great ball, great control and finish by Silva!!
We have a sniff
We have a sniff
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs West Ham United
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 05/04/2021 21:44
Donk smashes a great chance over the bar after more good play from Neto
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs West Ham United
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 05/04/2021 21:45
Willian Jose’s time is up & he’s replaced by Vitinha
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs West Ham United
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 05/04/2021 21:51
Period of good consistent passing by Wolves ends with a wild shot from Neto.
Fornalls replaced by Benrahma for Utd
Fornalls replaced by Benrahma for Utd
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs West Ham United
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 05/04/2021 21:55
Romain Saiss sees a pass and hits it far too hard - again!!
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs West Ham United
Posted by: Ivybridge Wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 05/04/2021 21:55
Whatever the final score here - there’s a West Ham injury at the moment - we can take heart in a much better second half performance which suggests we can play with 4 at the back . What a shame about the first 40 minutes.
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs West Ham United
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 05/04/2021 21:59
Neves fouls Lingard & gets a deserved yellow card. Five minutes plus AT to find at least another goal
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs West Ham United
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 05/04/2021 22:03
Neto wastes another good opportunity, with another wayward pass.
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs West Ham United
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 05/04/2021 22:04
Ki-Jana Hoever replaces RAN who has played well.
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs West Ham United
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 05/04/2021 22:08
Lingard rightly booked for time wasting. Corner for Wolves but comes to nothing.
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs West Ham United
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 05/04/2021 22:12
Final whistle goes and it’s a disappointing outcome after some good play and a second goal for Wolves in the 2nd half. A positive half for Fabio Silva and a well taken goal, which should see him replace the useless article that is Willian Jose. Too much freedom for West Ham in the 1st half to take a commanding lead which we were unlikely to recover from
We now play at Fulham on Friday and need a result there.
Wolves 2 West Ham Utd 3
We now play at Fulham on Friday and need a result there.
Wolves 2 West Ham Utd 3
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs West Ham United
Posted by: Andy Fincher (IP Logged)
Date: 05/04/2021 22:26
Three good goals by West Ham. Cut us to ribbons at times. If a frigging idiot like me can see we struggle playing with a back four I don't know why no-one else can.
The double miss by Jose and Neto was beyond rubbish. I wouldn't pay the pair of them for a week.
On the positive side, a decent attempt at a comeback. I've had a downer on Traore enough times but the run and cross for Dendoncker's goal was excellent. If only he could produce it more often than once in a blue moon and, as others have said, when he loses the ball stop sitting on his ar5e waving his arms around at the referee.
Good to see Fabio score again and Dendoncker our best player.
The double miss by Jose and Neto was beyond rubbish. I wouldn't pay the pair of them for a week.
On the positive side, a decent attempt at a comeback. I've had a downer on Traore enough times but the run and cross for Dendoncker's goal was excellent. If only he could produce it more often than once in a blue moon and, as others have said, when he loses the ball stop sitting on his ar5e waving his arms around at the referee.
Good to see Fabio score again and Dendoncker our best player.
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs West Ham United
Posted by: Lupy (IP Logged)
Date: 05/04/2021 22:27
Well a much better second half performance but hasn’t that been the story of this whole season.
Very well taken goal by Fabio which will do his confidence the world of good and he seemed to be more on the same wavelength with the other players than Willian who still seems to be a bit of a lost sheep.
Neto should have had at least one goal, seemed to lack a bit of confidence, not his usual effervescent self. Where did Traore go in the second half? Good showing by Vitinha when he came on.
Leaves us in a precarious position unless we start putting points on the table and with our unpredictable form and lack of goals nothing is certain.
Very well taken goal by Fabio which will do his confidence the world of good and he seemed to be more on the same wavelength with the other players than Willian who still seems to be a bit of a lost sheep.
Neto should have had at least one goal, seemed to lack a bit of confidence, not his usual effervescent self. Where did Traore go in the second half? Good showing by Vitinha when he came on.
Leaves us in a precarious position unless we start putting points on the table and with our unpredictable form and lack of goals nothing is certain.
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs West Ham United
Posted by: irishwolf (IP Logged)
Date: 05/04/2021 22:28
No point in waiting until we are 3-0 down to start playing well! Our only saving grace this season is the fact that there are a few shocking teams in the league , we wont go down this season but next year could see us in the relegation zone. Someone needs to tell Nuno that his honeymoon period is over. We are averaging 1 goal a game and the majority of our first half performances have been dreadful. Overall it has been a miserable and boring season.
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs West Ham United
Posted by: Ivybridge Wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 05/04/2021 22:28
Story of our season. Frustrating stuff. Despite two really good goals it’s a night when other chances did come our way and we failed badly - plus a first half of chaotic defending against a bright attacking opposition. We got the second goal but then failed to push on in a way I thought we would.
The debate about 3 +2 and 4 at the back will continue and that match won’t help. We were pitiful in defence in the first half but much more solid second half. There is no doubt we create more with 4 but there again, so do the opposition. What’s the solution? In the short term, despite my earlier comments, surely it has to be 3+2 and pray we can score a goal. I think we have to look to get a set of defenders that can play either way.
With the news about Jonny earlier and that performance / result, not a good day for Wolves at all.
Fulham on Friday now, feels like a real challenge at the moment.
UTW
The debate about 3 +2 and 4 at the back will continue and that match won’t help. We were pitiful in defence in the first half but much more solid second half. There is no doubt we create more with 4 but there again, so do the opposition. What’s the solution? In the short term, despite my earlier comments, surely it has to be 3+2 and pray we can score a goal. I think we have to look to get a set of defenders that can play either way.
With the news about Jonny earlier and that performance / result, not a good day for Wolves at all.
Fulham on Friday now, feels like a real challenge at the moment.
UTW
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs West Ham United
Posted by: essington wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 05/04/2021 22:38
Awful first 40 minutes, we defended like a pub team with nobody putting a tackle in, it was embarrassing. Much better second half, fabio took his chance well but we gave ourselves to much to do. Don't think jose brings anything to the team, he's simply not good enough. Gutted for johnny I pray he can come back but it's going to be tough. Be glad when the seasons over it's not been one I've enjoyed that's for sure!
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs West Ham United
Posted by: Andy Fincher (IP Logged)
Date: 05/04/2021 22:41
Agree with Ivy's comment regarding bringing in defenders. If Nuno sees a back four as the way forward next season, one or two players who can play that way need to be brought in because the lads we have now look fine in a three but not in a four.
Forgot to mention earlier that Rui should have done better with their third.
Forgot to mention earlier that Rui should have done better with their third.
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs West Ham United
Posted by: Billericay Wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 05/04/2021 22:47
It's starting to look that the Friday game away against Fulham could be a 6 pointer!
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs West Ham United
Posted by: Lupy (IP Logged)
Date: 06/04/2021 09:02
The performance of our team throughout this season brings to mind that great quote by Eric Morecambe, “all the right notes but not necessarily in the right order “.
Last night we were missing three stalwarts of the team and it showed, however we do seem to be a team without an identity and the players often look uncomfortable in their positions or with the role they are asked to play. Two of our defenders were originally midfielders and it showed in last nights formation, Semedo and RAN should be effective going forward but were shackled by their defensive roles, a shame as they were brought in to offer that attacking option. Terrific effort by Traore last night but it glosses over the fact that it was probably his only real contribution when we really need much more from him to warrant a place in the team. Having wingbacks does negate the need for wide players and there didn’t seem to be any great understanding between RAN and Traore or between Semedo and Neto so why we persist is baffling.
We have quality players but not a quality system, it seems to confuse the players so they overly rely on the simple routines (going backwards) rather than being inventive and creative in their approach.
Neto would be far more of a threat played more centrally, perhaps in tandem with Fabio with Podence sitting behind.
A solid back three is required and Kilman must surely be due a run in the team, always looks reasonable to me, either that or bring in a suitable candidate for the job and stop filling those positions with midfielders.
We too often try to put square pegs in round holes, and praise the players for being adaptable or utilitarian, not the best way forward as has been shown this season.
Let’s hope that next season we get all the right notes in the right order or it’s likely to be a repeat of this miserable excuse for progress.
Last night we were missing three stalwarts of the team and it showed, however we do seem to be a team without an identity and the players often look uncomfortable in their positions or with the role they are asked to play. Two of our defenders were originally midfielders and it showed in last nights formation, Semedo and RAN should be effective going forward but were shackled by their defensive roles, a shame as they were brought in to offer that attacking option. Terrific effort by Traore last night but it glosses over the fact that it was probably his only real contribution when we really need much more from him to warrant a place in the team. Having wingbacks does negate the need for wide players and there didn’t seem to be any great understanding between RAN and Traore or between Semedo and Neto so why we persist is baffling.
We have quality players but not a quality system, it seems to confuse the players so they overly rely on the simple routines (going backwards) rather than being inventive and creative in their approach.
Neto would be far more of a threat played more centrally, perhaps in tandem with Fabio with Podence sitting behind.
A solid back three is required and Kilman must surely be due a run in the team, always looks reasonable to me, either that or bring in a suitable candidate for the job and stop filling those positions with midfielders.
We too often try to put square pegs in round holes, and praise the players for being adaptable or utilitarian, not the best way forward as has been shown this season.
Let’s hope that next season we get all the right notes in the right order or it’s likely to be a repeat of this miserable excuse for progress.
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