Great stats

By Ivybridge Wolf
August 31 2022

Wolves travel down to Bournemouth for this evenings Premier League fixture (kick off 7.30pm) at a time when both clubs are desperate for 3 points. On paper, especially if referring to the weekend papers results section, this should be a comfortable win for Wolves, though as all Wolves fans know, things are rarely straight forward. For this match, we have a team which concedes for fun versus another who have lost the ability to turn possession and promise into goals. Which side will prevail? Can Wolves demonstrate that they have not completely lost the art of winning a football match?

Bournemouth, it appears, are in disarray and following their 9-0 defeat at the hands of a rampant Liverpool, they have responded by sacking Scott Parker. They are being managed on a caretaker basis by Gary O’Neil, who apparently has no fresh injury concerns, though I’m sure his main role will be to sooth the psychological injuries of that crushing defeat.

At the time of writing, (1pm 31/8/2022), I haven’t heard of any selection problems for Bruno either, though his selection process must surely focus on the right balance to get a vital 3 points tonight. I do read with interest that Hwang is generating a lot of interest at Elland Road, so perhaps he won’t be travelling south?

What does Bruno do?

Well, Sasa Kalajdzic has signed, an Austrian international giant of a centre forward (at 6’7”, shades of Stefan Maierhofer 13 years ago) though with work permits etc to organise I am assuming he’ll take no part other than maybe spectating? Briefly on him, there is no doubt he offers something quite different, though we likely require a change in style of attack …. And a greater degree accuracy of crossing. As for the rest of the team, I can’t see Bruno doing much different to the starting line-up versus Newcastle (but you never know!!!) ….. in the hope that the likes of Nunes and Guedes continue to grow as Wolves players and gel with teammates. Neto and Jimenez need to do better individually and collectively. Their positioning, passing, decision making and ball retention wasn’t great v Toon, with exception to the lead up to the correctly disallowed goal. Neves on the other hand was masterful on Sunday …. More of the same today and am sure he will (and please no late bids, thank you). As for the defence, the full backs are still attempting to play as wing backs, positive in some respects, though leading to some hairy moments, for me at least! Generally, the four at the back is not yet leading to the intended outcome of more sustained and attacking football and that is a concern. At times on Sunday, despite the lauded objective of the formation shift, we were playing so deep with absolutely no outlet up front that it was difficult to see any real change. Bruno must adjust this, if not in personnel, then in style and coaching. Granted, we’re still not letting many goals in but a constant string of individual errors are costing us very dear.

Bruno has also got to be prepared to mix it up with more effect with his subs. Many, myself included, were mystified by the substitutions at the weekend which did nothing materially to change our fortunes to get us on the front foot. Has Bruno lost all hope with Traore? Okay, he’s had many chances, however he is one player that can turn a match.

Surely a win is a must tonight ….. even if not a ‘must win’. A real opportunity to get the three points and get things moving, perhaps even advancing us to the heady heights of 13^th in the league (depending on results), albeit still at this very early stage. We play Southampton on Saturday at Molineux (they beat Chelsea last night, so no pushovers) followed by extremely difficult games versus Manchester City and Liverpool. We simply must start picking up points soon. Whilst Bournemouth were the whipping boys at the weekend and it would be lovely to dream of repeating similar tonight, even just halving that score line, though in reality and in true Wolves style I expect something much closer and tighter but would nevertheless happily accept a dirt, ugly, scruffy win to restore us to winning ways.

In terms of omens, we’ve played Bournemouth four times in the premier league, winning 3 and drawing one. The good news is that Jimenez has scored in all 4 of these matches …. Hope this trend continues! Relatively speaking we haven’t played them much, only 15 matches in all competitions. The first was an FA Cup match in 1948 (we won) with the first league match in 1985 (we lost) on our travels down to the 4^th Division.

Finally, a bit of Wolves trivia history – 31^st August 1946, 76 years ago to the day. Did you know that Billy Wright, Bert Williams, Johnny Hancocks and Jessie Pye all made their First Division debuts on this day v Arsenal …. And we won 6-1. All we’ve got to do tonight is beat Bournemouth!!! What could possibly go wrong ……. !

Enjoy the match, it’s on BT for those who have it (apparently BT Sport 5, via the BT red button) and please feel free to post your thoughts and comments, pre, peri or post match!!

UTW!!

Match Thread: AFC Bournemouth v Wolves 31/8/22 KO 7.30pm

Discussion started by Wolves , 31/08/2022 14:01

Wolves
31/08/2022 14:01

What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2022:09:16:10:25:29 by Cheshire wolf.

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Risca TM
31/08/2022 17:01

Good work Ivy, tidy preview.

I'm anticipating a nerve jangling ghost train ride, with Hwang netting the 96th minute winner off his backside.

On a more serious note, I am concerned about what seems like Bruno's passivity in using subs to change the direction of the game when the tide has turned against his first team lineup.

We played like the away team holding on for points in the second half against Newcastle (mirroring the away second half against Spurs). I'd like to see more decisiveness around using the right subs to win the game, rather than sitting back and trying to sneak the result.

Over and out from this armchair expert / keyboard guru.

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Lupy
31/08/2022 17:30

Let's make no bones about it, this is a must win game. Newly promoted Bournemouth who haven't spent heavily against Wolves, established premier team who have spent heavily during this window to get the type of players that Bruno wants. Our lack of wins in the previous 17 matches must be brought to an end tonight or serious questions will start to be asked. Bruno complained about the strength of the bench, no excuses now, just needs to use them more effectively. A good win might just ignite our season and get us moving in the right direction.
3~1 to Wolves, fingers crossed.

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Ivybridge Wolf
31/08/2022 18:50

Hwang is on the bench, so will he actually move up to Yorkshire

Team much as expected subs as follows:

Sarkic, Toti, Ait-Nouri, Ronan, Dendoncker, Podence, Traore, Hwang, Campbell







Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:08:31:18:52:04 by Ivybridge Wolf.

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Cheshire wolf
31/08/2022 18:56

The window doesn’t close until tomorrow evening Ivy!! It does seem as though Leeds are interested in Hwank especially after Rodrigo damaged his shoulder somewhat innocuously last pm. It may depend on Spurs furthering their interest in Daniel James or of course how much Wolves want for him. Either way I think most of us would be very happy to pay his taxi fare!!

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Ivybridge Wolf
31/08/2022 19:06

Had forgotten it was tomorrow , doh!! Yeah, I’ll chip in a fiver for the taxi

UTW!!





Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:08:31:19:30:27 by Ivybridge Wolf.

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Cheshire wolf
31/08/2022 19:28

Our referee this evening is Tuchel’s nemesis Anthony Taylor with Aussie ref Jarred Gillett on VAR duty

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Cheshire wolf
31/08/2022 19:33

Early free kick for Neto to take just outside their area but it slams into the wall

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Cheshire wolf
31/08/2022 19:39

Zemura falls over in our area by put doesn’t convince with his penalty appeal

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Cheshire wolf
31/08/2022 19:41

Neto heads back to Nunes but his shot hits the bar

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Ivybridge Wolf
31/08/2022 19:43

Great effort hitting the bar from Nunes. Decent start

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Cheshire wolf
31/08/2022 19:50

Semedo puts a cross over for Raul & gets a corner played short, Neto gets a good shot away but just wide. Their keeper (Neto!!) doesn’t look to comfortable under high balls

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An angry wolf
31/08/2022 19:55

Neto has 2 goals in the last 39 appearances, raul is finished as a premier league striker. I'd like to see the back of both of them and once again even against a team like bournemouth goals will be as rare as hens teeth. Maybe a goal from midfield or own goal might nick the 3 points ...just score you useless b*stards

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Cheshire wolf
31/08/2022 19:56

Guedes gets a knock to the face from Smith but no further action as it was clearly unintentional

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Cheshire wolf
31/08/2022 20:08

Wolves are making some good breaks forward but it seems to me they are trying to play it in to Raul’s feet rather than his head -possibly related to his lack of post-injury headed goals

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An angry wolf
31/08/2022 20:09

What a dreadful spectacle between two pitiful teams... it's the footballing equivalent of 2 bald men fighting over a comb for a night out.

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Cheshire wolf
31/08/2022 20:14

B’mouth mount a counter attack but a well timed interception by NC. Wolves attack & Guedes gets a shot away but well taken by Neto



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:08:31:20:16:31 by Cheshire wolf.

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Cheshire wolf
31/08/2022 20:22

An overhit free kick by Nunez brings half time. Wolves have clearly been the better team carving out lots of chances but still failed to capitalise. Nunez hit the bar and Neto just hit wide, but they don’t seem to know where Raul will be or how to find him. Nunez has been quite involved in midfield and Guedes has seen quite a bit of the ball down the left wing.
I suppose it’s just a guessing game now as to how long we have to wait before Hwang comes on!!!
Bournemouth 0 Wolves 0

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Lupy
31/08/2022 20:25

Bournemouth are becoming more confident as this match progresses which is not what we need. Toothless again, just no real cutting edge pretty as the play can be at times. Let Adama off the lead and let's drive at this suspect Bournemouth defence.

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Ivybridge Wolf
31/08/2022 20:27

Bournemouth are dire.

Having said that, I’d take a win of any description this evening.

Nunes was our best player in that first half, for me at least.

Can we break them down. Can we score a goal?

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An angry wolf
31/08/2022 20:27

They don't find Raul cheshire because he is completely static showing less movement than the statue of liberty . We had the same when Adama was playing criticised for lack of assists.. Raul is the problem and I wish the club would thank him for his prior service, pay off his contract and wish him well for the future.

I suspect the assist rate of our midfielders will dramatically improved when Raul is out of the team and the new target man who looks decent on paper starts next game (hopefully).



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:08:31:20:29:14 by An angry wolf.

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Cheshire wolf
31/08/2022 20:39

Wolves having to defend early in 2nd half. Max Kilman standing up well. Nothing is going right for Raul

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Cheshire wolf
31/08/2022 20:41

New boy Isak puts Newcastle ahead at Anfield

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Cheshire wolf
31/08/2022 20:45

Free kick to Wolves just outside their area goes off the wall for a corner. Neves effort charged down

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Cheshire wolf
31/08/2022 20:47

Not sure how many more fouls on Guedes Smith will get away with, it must be 6 already. RAN coming on to replace NS

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Cheshire wolf
31/08/2022 20:51

Even with the alleged extra forward we break up the pitch from a Sa throw out and still,pass backwards and give their defence time to regroup!!

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Risca TM
31/08/2022 20:54

Grim viewing.

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Cheshire wolf
31/08/2022 20:57

Good build up play then Neto puts the ball just wide again. Keeper Neto gets a yellow card for time wasting

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Cheshire wolf
31/08/2022 21:00

Fans calling for Traore. Another corner for Wolves wasted between Nunes & Neves

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Cheshire wolf
31/08/2022 21:03

Podence and Traore coming on to replace Nunes and Guedes

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Cheshire wolf
31/08/2022 21:06

Former Wolves target Kieffer Moore replaces Billing - another big blighter. Raul misses a golden opportunity putting it wide!

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Cheshire wolf
31/08/2022 21:12

Jonny heads well wide from another corner

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Cheshire wolf
31/08/2022 21:28

All over and the ‘must win’ game ends in another draw. Bournemouth defended in numbers but were also capable of breaking in attack. Wolves huffed and puffed but once again lacked any incisiveness. I can’t recall seeing Raul Jimenez have such a poor game but doubt he will start in Saturday if Sasa is all we read about him.
Better than a loss but not much!!!
Bournemouth 0 Wolves 0



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:08:31:21:29:10 by Cheshire wolf.

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Risca TM
31/08/2022 21:29

Oh dear. Pleasant dreams everyone.

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Lupy
31/08/2022 21:30

Bruno must be running out of excuses, another tepid performance and a further two points lost. It must be a decision that the owners have to make, is the team inept or is it the coach?
The next three matches may well help them to make that assessment.

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Billericay Wolf1
31/08/2022 21:37

I have to agree with Angry; Raul seems to have lost whatever he had a couple of years ago. Just hope that the new centre forward knows where the goal is.
Off to Molineux on Saturday, hope springs eternal!

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Ivybridge Wolf
31/08/2022 22:07

What a thoroughly disappointing effort. Thought we were okay ish in the first half but let’s not get too excited, the opposition were dreadful. Neto (of the goalkeeping variety) wasn’t tested is any way.

Then the second half, Bournemouth actually looked dangerous at times, embarrassing.

I really am at a loss as to the solution. We’re 5 matches in now and just 3 points and 2 bloody goals. I’ve tried to separate the finish of last season to this, new formation, ‘Bruno’s preferred way’, etc but now it looks like this start now stands on it’s own merits - poor stuff.

Raul and Neto - again below par. Raul in particular. Yes, the one on one miss was truly awful and magnified because it was practically our only big chance. Nevertheless his heading, positional sense and all round performance was not good at all. Has he lost it following the injury, is he suffering a terrible loss of confidence? I’ve always said class is permanent but can he turn it around? What will Bruno now do? Keep with Raul or throw our new signing straight in on saturday?

Overall, another poor, frustrating, below par, low key, lack of entertaining Wolves football match to endure and not enjoy. I am persuaded that the Southampton match is now a must win. For Bruno’s sake that is.

Is this football club too much for Bruno?

UTW!

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An angry wolf
31/08/2022 22:08

I actually nodded off briefly in the second half but apparently it got no better.. there's more penetration in a nuns convent than our strike force let's face it. I thought we might get a pen or own goal to win but clearly I was too optimistic.

Anyway not to worry, apparently we are playing with a new formation and more defenders which makes us a more attacking team according to the mix based on meaningless pre season games 🤡 .The giant needs to start at the weekend, I can see flaws with the " new formation " and the more defenders = more goals b*llocks 🤣

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essington wolf
31/08/2022 22:18

Bruno said the goals would come, they haven't. If the new striker doesn't hit the ground running it's the end for bruno. With the players we had on the pitch tonight no disrespect to the cherries but we should be winning that game,that wasnt good enough again. Worrying times after saints on saturday its liverpool and city. Something needs to change fast. These results have been going on like this since the last 12 or 13 games last season. Fosun won't wait much longer to pull the trigger on bruno. I honestly think he's needs a win Saturday or he will be gone. Its not just that we are not winning games the football sends you to sleep!

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Ivybridge Wolf
31/08/2022 22:23

Coady apparently played well in a back 4 for Everton last night!!

In theory with more attacking players on the pitch we should be offering more up front, but it is simply not happening and that has to have something due to organisation and preparation. Irrespective of how many players we have in defence or attack or midfield, if we remain so ponderous, slow and one dimensional when attacking (many of our attacks have the speed and purpose of drugged slug) then we will achieve nothing.

We should have won that match, no excuses. I would have accepted an ugly win.

I forgot to post a few positives, nice to end on positives …. Thought Nunes had a good first half, then faded, thought defence was good overall (but it was Bournemouth) and liked the effort that Traore put in when he come on …. He added some urgency.

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Lupy
31/08/2022 22:25

If there are any historians out there could you please let me know when we last won a game.

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An angry wolf
31/08/2022 22:40

The season is panning out as I predicted pre season... Bruno will be sacked soon, a new guy will come in with the remit of keeping us in the division and the whole sorry saga of yet another "building plan" begins again when he heroically keeps us in the league. 🎻

The only change of view I have is Bruno probably deserves to be sacked now as even with no strikers bar the giant, the tactical substitutions and slow play is more gruesome to watch than the elephant man getting his end away in a brothel.

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Cheshire wolf
31/08/2022 23:01

Quote:

Lupy
If there are any historians out there could you please let me know when we last won a game.

2nd April when we best Villa at the Mol Lupy - aided by a Young own goal!!

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Ivybridge Wolf
01/09/2022 00:06

Quote:

Cheshire wolf

Quote:

Lupy
If there are any historians out there could you please let me know when we last won a game.

2nd April when we best Villa at the Mol Lupy - aided by a Young own goal!!

For us stato’s, please elaborate …. What year was that?

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Lupy
01/09/2022 06:26

Something significant needs to change.

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