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GSPSN Daily Wolves - Match Reaction - Bournemouth 0 - 1 Wolves
29 Plays7 days ago
Chris and Simon discuss a massive 3 points as we come away with another win at the Vitality Stadium.
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Transcript
Introduction and Welcome
Wolves' Recent Success
00:00:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Welcome in everyone. Welcome into Daily Wolves. As always, I am your host Chris and I'm accompanied today by James. Welcome back, James. I missed you.
00:00:20
James
Yes, thank you. It's been a while. Need to get back into the groove. So yeah.
00:00:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, you just busy living the high life on Wolves upbeat spirit that we've got right now. I think that's all that it is.
00:00:31
James
Yeah, yeah, no, great form now. I think three wins from four. So yeah, kind of back up, back on, back in our groove now.
00:00:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, yeah. um I was super, there was a lot of debate going into this, well, as always, lots of debate going into this weekend about how we'd fare against Bournemouth. um I was actually feeling a
Victory at Bournemouth and Upcoming Cup Match
00:00:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
little bit optimistic. I predicted 2-1.
00:00:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
um I'm just as happy with a 1-0 and a clean sheet. I mean, that's even better, to be honest. Going back to keeping another clean sheet is outstanding, especially with Agbidou out injured. um That's even better than I could have imagined.
00:01:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
um But we are, of course, reacting to a beautiful away victory at Bournemouth and we're going to have them again soon in the Cup. So let's hope we can do the double ah because that would be nice.
00:01:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
But um as for when the starting lineups came out, James, there was a lot of debate, I think, beforehand about who was going to start ah particularly up front because we'd seen Minetsi...
Minetsi's Performance Analysis
00:01:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
come in a couple of times as that kind of false nine and uh strand larsen recovering from injury and uh what did you make a lineup with minetsi starting ah essentially up front it wasn't even a false nine it was basically just like a number nine
00:01:40
James
Um, yeah, oh I was pretty optimistic after seeing him come on against Liverpool. I think it was quite interesting because, but you know, we signed him as a defensive midfielder back, um, back in France. Um, but yeah, after watching against Liverpool, he was very, great positioning. He'd get into spaces all the time. He'd always be in the right spot, but it's very obvious to see he's not trained to put the ball in the back of the net.
00:02:08
James
So, um, I was, yeah, I was, Pretty excited to see what he could come up with. And again, he did the exact same against Liverpool. He'd get in the spots, but it was the final product, really.
Squad Depth and Lineup Decisions
00:02:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, we um I was chatting in one of the early episodes in the previous week saying we were after the Liverpool match, if he could just stay on side and if he could just put the ball in that net, he'd be an outstanding striker because those are the weaknesses. But then, like you say, he's not, that's technically not why we boss him, ah but he's doing a little, a good job of filling in, I think, while, because not only Larson is because he has also apparently picked up a small knock as well.
00:02:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
um so it's And Huang obviously already out So I suppose it's just square pegs in round hole for a moment But he's actually doing, I think He's been getting a little bit of stick for all these options Because he could have had several like six probably six goals in his first two games or something But I think the fact he's getting in those positions as a defensive midfielder is okay it's okay
00:03:09
James
Yeah, no, I totally agree. i think I think it kind of shows to our squad depth at the moment as well. Like you you would have looked two months ago at our squad like really thin. And after this transfer window, I know we give Jeff a lot of stick, but it is picking up a little bit and it's quite obvious to see that our squad's kind of getting there now.
00:03:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, for sure. And I mean, it sounds a little bit cheesy, but Bellegarde has almost become like a new signing because he's out of the blue, just become this outstanding central midfielder, ah which we'll get onto, I think, some of his performances or the player performances during the game.
00:03:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
But so, yeah, I was kind of happy to see Minetsi up front, even though, you know, he's not a striker, just because he I think he does put at least puts himself about and puts the centre-backs under pressure, having because he's a big guy.
00:03:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
And he can move at speed. So at least he does make them think about where he's going to be and create opportunities for other people to to move into space behind him because they've always got to be aware of his presence.
00:04:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
um So overall, that was fine. Bueno filling in for Agbidou, I think we kind of expected that to be the case as well. And ah outside of that, it was pretty much the standard regulars that we've been expecting.
00:04:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
And then after kickoff, though, what did you make of the first half?
First Half Review Against Bournemouth
00:04:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean, there was most of the big incidents kind of happened in the first half, if we go a little bit in order. But ah ah as a whole, though, what did you make of the first half?
00:04:33
James
Um, yeah, first half, i would have said extremely positive. I mean, we we absolutely went for that game. know it's clear after the second half of Liverpool, we had we were full of confidence.
00:04:45
James
um Yeah, we didn' we didn't get bullied by them. We were very, like, our wing backs really pushed up high and wide and really went for it. And I was really happy to see that. I didn't ah hate it when we kind of are really naive and sit back and just kind of,
00:05:01
James
try and absorb pressure for a bit and don't concede for the first half an hour. But we didn't do that, which I was really glad to see.
00:05:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I mean, Vitor spoke recently in a few couple of press conferences about the fact that he's not going to these, like for Liverpool, he wasn't going for a draw or shut up shop. He wanted to to compete and try and win the game. And the same with Bournemouth. And he's mentioned how he feels that the team can compete with anyone.
00:05:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
And to be honest, it just makes me so happy because all the time under O'Neill, we were just hearing how, you know, the squad isn't good enough or like we've got tough battle ahead of us and these are strong opponents. And it always felt like we were being spoken of as an underdog rather than, and and we had a similar thing with Lopetegui in his last few months as well, always moaning that the players weren't good enough and this squad isn't good enough to compete and it must drop like it must get you down as a player and almost get you questioning things or just make morale a bit low I I can't I mean I'm just guessing but it's so not it feels nice to have someone talking about the fact that we can compete and we should be going there to try and get three points
00:06:08
James
Yeah, I think it was shown kind of by the aftermath of some games, especially like West Ham and Ipswich, showing the confidence obviously wasn't there for the team. And after the games, their heads were completely gone.
00:06:19
James
But I totally agree in press conferences where he's saying how he thinks we've got some of the best players in the league, which are ah I agree to some extent with the likes of Kunja and Aik Nori. And it is great to see ah manager actually back our players for once and give them confidence.
00:06:36
James
It's been a while since that.
00:06:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, yeah, for sure. And I think first half, I think even before the sending off, it was a fairly competitive
Red Card Debate
00:06:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
game. i thought Bournemouth did as you'd expect the first few minutes, you know, first five, 10 minutes. They kind of came at us a little bit more.
00:06:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
But then we got it felt like we were getting into the game. We the clearer chances. We had Sumedho hit the post. um You know, we had a couple of good opportunities early on. And so I think even at 11 versus 11, we were in contention to push on to try and take the three points.
00:07:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
But then obviously the sending off was a massive point in the game. I've got my opinions on on what I but think of that. But what did you make of the the call? And ah then the v because obviously initially it's a yellow card and then VAR have stepped in. What did you make of the the red card?
00:07:27
James
I think it's one of those. It could have gone either way. think if it wasn't sent off the Wolves fans were being uproar, if it was obviously the Bournemouth fans were in uproar. it was it was obviously high, but it wasn't intentional because you could see he went for the ball. He kind of bounced off the top of the ball and went into the shin of Ike Norrie, think it was.
00:07:50
James
um And it wasn't intentional. He was looking at the ball. it was He wasn't trying to He wasn't trying to be dangerous in any way. But at the same time, it is high.
00:08:02
James
And those are those are the laws. If it's a high tackle, and these yeah idea it's just it could have gone either way. And I think people are kind of overreacting a little bit about it.
00:08:15
James
ah Lots of people saying are saying, oh, it's crazy decision. cra I don't think it's that crazy. It might be my Wolves bias coming out, but I think 50-50 could have gone either way.
00:08:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, i I don't think it's crazy. i personally think it was because you kind of answered a little bit yourself. It's in the law, in the letters of the game. It is a red card because he's over the ball.
00:08:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's like above the ankle. It's it's a high tackle and he's off. He's virtually off the ground. Now, we you mentioned intent, which is really interesting because I've refereed in other sports.
00:08:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
and the rule is in a lot of ah circumstances you you don't you not you don't judge on intent intent doesn't come into it because then you're getting into opinion you can't make a call on intent because you you don't know if someone intended like you can guess but that is your opinion as to whether someone intended to do something and what was the impact So that's generally how how it would go.
00:09:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
And so I think based on that, you know, he didn't need to lunge in the way he did. And he's gone by by laws of the book. He's gone over the ball. He hasn't got it. And he's gone in to the leg with the st studs.
00:09:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
So I think by the way, yeah, I would be similarly frustrated if it was on that if it was flipped. Not going to deny that. But I think. by the letters of the rule book, it is in the modern it is in the modern game, ah fairly standard sending off, in my personal opinion, in my intent with my intent.
00:09:45
James
yeah yeah Yeah, it could have gone either way. I mean, you see you see them every week now and it's like, I do sort feel bad for the referees at some point because I think whatever decision they make, it's just going to cause uproar and then an apology will come out and back. And it's just, then they need ah they they need to kind of rewrite the rules a little bit and kind of get exacts for them instead of people kind of not knowing what's going on.
00:10:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, it's true. It's true. But I mean, it's yeah, it's a
Impact of the Goal Post-Red Card
00:10:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
tricky one. But I think, yeah, in this day and age, I think it is a pretty clear card. um And it was interesting that VAR stepped in. But then again, we've had so many decisions go against us over the previous season or two. I mean, know literally only last week, it felt like we were playing 12 men.
00:10:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
So I will take it. But as I say, I think we would have been in contention at the very least for a draw if not the win even without the sending off obviously you have no idea what's going happen but it but as i said we were having the clearer chances at that point so i feel like it wouldn't necessarily have made a massive massive impact on the game um then before we move on to ah the goal because we're still in the first half i will just take a moment to share a message from one of our a mutual friends
00:11:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
Don't settle, James, because you're unique. right. just wanted to say that just in case you didn't know. um
00:11:49
James
Thanks.
00:11:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
So after that, shortly, you're welcome. so And everyone out there, you're all unique. Shortly after that, though, the goal came and it was that man again. Four goals in four games.
00:12:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah I mean, happy day. Happy days. What did you talk me through the goal from your perspective?
00:12:08
James
ah Yeah, huge relief. good we We had to be the ones to kind of get there first, get that first goal in. And then ah it wasn't, plane sailing from there, but we were in a very comfortable position from then on.
00:12:22
James
And it was, um we did capitalise on Bournemouth kind of not being prepared enough. It was, ah I think, five minutes after the red card, so they were all a bit shaken and not really in shape.
00:12:33
James
um Yeah, and it was kind of uncharacteristic defensive error from them, which you don't see many of this season, as one of their centre-backs and another player went to head the ball and missed.
00:12:46
James
And just falls to the guy that you don't want it to, doesn't it? And he wasn't going to miss from there. Four and four, yeah. I was over the moon when he scored. just Because, it yeah we we had to be the people to score first after that red card.
00:13:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, the ball comes in from Samedo and it looks like it's not gonna get anywhere because it goes past like two Bournemouth heads, like you say, at least one of them seem to go for it, another one seems to leave It it just kind of, and Kunja looked almost surprised that it came to him. The initial touch, it almost kind of went and and underneath his like foot, he almost tripped tripped over it and then managed to get himself together.
00:13:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
And as the keeper's rushing out, manages to lift it over him. You know, there was no panic. He just calmly slotted it high enough that it beat the keeper. And
Vitor's Substitution Strategy
00:13:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
I suppose that's the form he's in and that's the difference he makes. And that's why we're so fortunate that he's staying at least till the summer.
00:13:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
heaven You know, because we all know that's probably the the time he's going to move on. But yeah, it it was delightful. Like you say, I think it was that so soon after the sending off, because I feel like, yeah, they were probably still a little bit shell shocked. And then they made some changes to rejig the formation shortly after that.
00:13:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
But yeah, huge turning point. And it was interesting that, I think you're right, we didn't look for the rest of the first half and even throughout the second, whilst we had some opportunities and and I think we should have put stuff ah to bed much earlier because I'm sure we'll talk about some of the other chances.
00:14:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
We never really felt a threat. I don't think Sarah had to make really any particularly massive stops or anything um it was ah don't know about you though i was highly frustrated when gomez picked up that yellow at the end of the first half because he just can't resist he can't resist getting stuck in even when the guy is running down the touchline wouldn't really know where to go just lunging in with one of his classic i can't quite make it but i'm just gonna go for it anyway tackles um did you like me did you did you have your head in your hands i was like what are you doing
00:14:49
James
it's it's to The bookies must hate him because it's yellow card every game. It is vintage Gomez. and I was a bit like, he's just unneeded, isn't it?
00:15:00
James
He just didn't need to do that. um But thus that's what you get when you sign a bulldog like him. me just You know what you're getting yourself into. um ah they Going back to you talking about not having much to do, he did have that one save against, i think it was Klivert,
00:15:18
James
which was a great save. He it came rushing out really quick, made himself big. But apart from that, I actually can't remember a save he made, not even in the second half. And yeah, I think that's kudos to the defence playing well the whole game. so
00:15:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, you're right. That was the one moment and he managed to not draw a penalty after his instant incidents in the last game against Bournemouth. So that was that must have been a nice little moment for him as well to get through with a clean sheet and no penalties after his nightmare last time out.
00:15:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
And that was great. I thought it was interesting at halftime because we mentioned, and then part of the reason I touched Gomez getting the yellow card was obviously we saw it against Arsenal where he was asked at halftime if he could...
00:16:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
you know, if he was good to control himself and stay in the game, not get another yellow and lo and behold, he gets sent off and it all falls apart. Vitor didn't even give him the chance this time to do that because right before halftime, he gets the yellow card.
00:16:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
We're a man up. He's seen how the refereeing can be up and down and so many people getting booked for random things already in this. I mean, Bueno got booked four minutes in and so Vitor just yanks him off at halftime and, uh,
00:16:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
So as Strand Larson came on for his return. And it was interesting because obviously that meant Minetsi dropped back a bit more into midfield. But what it did you, so what what I'm getting at is, and some of the other substitutions we'll touch on to come, it felt like Vitor was a lot more on it with his squad management in this game in terms of seeing the game out and making the substitutions and using the whole, so like using the squad, the depth that we spoke about as well, even with injuries to kind of see out this one nil win.
00:17:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
and put to out of risk any more yellow card situations that could have caused us trauma.
00:17:09
James
Yeah. Well, I think he's learning, isn't It's still a kind of new team for him and he's just figuring out everyone. And yeah, like you said, yeah think he's figured out Gomez, which is a pretty big thing to figure out with his kind of lashing out tendencies.
00:17:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:17:27
James
But um yeah, it is great to see um him kind of coming accustomed to the team now. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, I don't really have have much to add to it because I think he didn't put a foot wrong today. He just made every decision correct.
00:17:46
James
I think it was a bit frustrating seeing us only win 1-0 from the position we were in. but you But you look back at it now and you think, yeah, he made the right decisions there.
00:17:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, now we touched you, um we discussed a little bit before we came on air about Minetsi and Strand
Who Should Start Upfront?
00:18:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Larsson. And I want to move on to that now that we're speaking about him coming on the pitch, particularly because you you mentioned how we we didn't put the game to bed and and get another goal.
00:18:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
Now Minetsi had a huge chance to make it 2-0 when he was about four yards out and the ball comes in and he somehow doesn't even hit the target. And we mentioned he's not a striker, but he's doing, I think, a good job of putting himself about.
00:18:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
And then Larson comes on. And I think actually, you know, first game back from injury ah coming into a competitive game, I think I think he still did quite well. Like he actually was involved and almost got an assist at one point.
00:18:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think he was involved in that build up actually as well. And various moments where he again, he's not always the guy on the end of it, but he is helping the team around him. But there's discussion about him not being good enough to hold the ball up, not necessarily being, you know, even though he scored seven goals for us and had a couple of assists, not actually doing very well.
00:19:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
Minetsi's come in and put himself about, but not putting away chances. Who should we have up front? And is Larsson? Do you think Larsson comes to back into the starting lineup next game?
00:19:13
James
um Yeah, I think he does. just i really don't think he he should get the hate he gets online from some Wolves fans. I don't understand how half of us don't rate him.
00:19:27
James
I think he's absolutely class. he His hold-up play may not be brilliant, and I would agree Minetsi is better at it, but he just he is ah a complete striker in my eyes.
00:19:38
James
is yeah he He kind of takes from Harry Kane's book a little bit with dropping deep and getting the ball, creating chances. And I think we're a better team with him. um Although Minetsi's done a fantastic job and it is harsh to drop him.
00:19:54
James
But like you said, um he was in that build-up for when Minetsi should have put it in the back of the net. He played it over to the left to Bellaguard, I think it was. And yeah, it was harder to miss and score that chance. I don't know how he dragged it wide, but... um Yeah, I think I would say Larson should start next game.
00:20:14
James
and he just But now he's got someone to compete with him and he does need to prove himself. And I think that's going to be a good thing.
00:20:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I love Larson. ah Even before all of that some of this, you know, debate, because but even before he was injured, there was discussion about maybe, you know, he needed a break or I mean, I think he might arguably did need a break because he played like every minute of every game pretty much prior to to the injury and he did look maybe look like you maybe some of that injury was fatigue you know because he's run himself into the ground in his first premier league season but i don't think when you consider that it is his first season here and so many people struggle coming into the pace of the premier league
00:20:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
I don't think you can really argue with seven goals and ah and and some assists and and the performances he's put in. ah and I think he does a lot of work off the ball. i know ah know, you know, he's not always... People expect because of his size he should be holding up the ball more often and arguably he should...
00:21:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
But some of the runs he makes to drag people in certain different directions as well and open up play similarly in a different manner to Minetzi because he's a different stature. But I still think he does a lot for the team, like you say, to bring other people in and provide opportunities, even if he's not the one putting the the ball in the net.
00:21:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
Would you agree?
00:21:30
James
Yeah, no, totally. Yeah, he's he's fantastic. i don't ah ah I'll say again. I don't know how he gets the hate he does. He works his socks off and he obviously has a real passion for playing for the club And that's what we need. And after good two years of not having a proper striker, because Jimenez is good with injury, ah Diego Costa, that sort of era.
00:21:56
James
I mean, he he is so obviously the best striker we've had and a couple of years. And people aren't appreciating that, don't think.
00:22:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I mean, that finish against Tottenham when he made it 2-2 late in the game on his left foot high into the near post was just, you know, fantastic. And he's done some other... And I know he's missed some sitters at points, but again, all strikers do have moments where they'll miss...
00:22:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
But again, it's about being in the right place. And more often than not, I think he has scored some like when he's through one on one or he's like he's got the opportunity more often than not, he's put the ball in the net.
00:22:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
So I don't think you can argue. I think he is one of the like you say, I think since Jimenez, he's the best striker we've had. and Not that we've had many of them. But ah but i think he I think he is a good all-round forward player and i i think I think we are better for him. And Gage has shown that he is a good player, but maybe more of an impact sub or more of a winger on that front three because it because of the pace he's got.
00:22:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
He creates opportunities, but maybe he's not that that focal point to that someone like Strand Larsson can be.
00:23:05
James
Yeah, I think that was definitely shown in the um the Villa win where Gredez could have, I mean, he could have had a hat-trick that game. was bit like Minetsi, he just can couldn't find the back of the net that game.
00:23:17
James
um Yeah, yeah he think I think the the only other striker I can think about is Kolaicic. He had that tiny period where he scored two or three goals in a few games, but apart from that.
00:23:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, what i do think is interesting because we mentioned squad depth earlier is when all these change. So in the second half, Larsson comes on because of the quality of the midfielders and their abilities at the moment and the depth there.
00:23:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
Minetsi drops back. Bellegarde moved back in basically alongside um Andre. And so you've you've got three workhorses kind of there doing Andre was so much. I mean, we'll get on to him, I think, because he was I think he was fantastic. Like he's just getting better and better.
00:24:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
um But that trio all have so much ability to kind of shift around and support the front three. and And then you've got people on the bench. I mean, ah you know, Bubacar Traore has been on the last couple of benches because he's recovered from injury. We haven't seen him.
00:24:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'm curious what Vitor makes him in if he's ever going to get an appearance. But he's so far down the list now when you think about all these people that we've now got. coming into play. I mean, it just, does it make you smile? It makes me smile to look at these names and see how that they, in this second half, were all utilised in different ways.
00:24:34
James
Yeah, yeah i totally agree. It brings back to my point when talking about squad depth. You just look at the quality we have in midfield. think I would say we have some of the best midfielders in the league.
00:24:47
James
i They are fantastic and they did run the show today, especially and Andre. and I'll let you start with that because he was unbelievable yesterday.
00:24:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I think many people agree he was like the unsung man of the
Andre's Defensive Contributions
00:25:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
match. He, in know in a in that 1-0, you know, and keeping the clean sheet, he is very much that kind of guardian of the back three, isn't He just sits in front of them and covers ground ah to protect everyone and he and he's there tracking back. If something breaks away, he's often there to mop up.
00:25:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean, that moment where late in the game, they're driving into the penalty area and he's just strong and just kind of glides his way past and barges the guy, I forgot the name of the opponent, barges him off the ball and the celebration he gives because he's so happy to have to have stopped the attack as the ball runs out play.
00:25:36
James
Thank you.
00:25:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean, it was just, you can see the, the fire in, in his desire just to, just to like deny the the opportunity for a cross or anything. And he was doing that throughout and he, he doesn't do anything.
00:25:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, say doesn't do anything fancy. There's a few moments where even his passing ability is starting to creep in a little bit more. Some range passes where he's doing some like over the chip through balls and things to people to run on to.
00:26:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
But generally, a lot of the time he's just like, get it, give it, and that's it. You know, just just cleans up and then passes it forward. I don't know if you've got anything more to comment, but that's what I see from him is just that kind of, I'm just going to sit here and I'm going to guard everyone. And then I'm just going to play it forward and let everyone else do what they need to do.
00:26:20
James
yeah Yeah, you kind of took the words right out of my mouth there with everything you said.
00:26:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:26:24
James
i mean, he the type of player that just, it's effortless. You don't really look at him after a game and go, oh, Andre was brilliant, because he just if blends in so well and he's just he just works it so effortlessly.
00:26:40
James
I was going to bring up that tackle at the end where I think it was Brooksy just kind of shoved out of the way and straight to the home fans, just giving giving it to them. It was just great to see. It's just what you want to see for ah from a player
00:26:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, yeah. What I am curious is about is if you're there, I can't talk today, curious about is if you've made any, because we spoke about squad depth and people coming in to cover yellow cards and, you know, see out the game.
Jiga's Debut Performance
00:27:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
We saw the debut of Giga in the 73rd minute come on for Bueno, who'd been on a yellow card for most of the game. And I was thinking, is he going to creep on? Is he going to help? like Because I was worried about that yellow card all game. um did Did you have any thoughts on, did you watch him closely?
00:27:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
mean, he didn't have very long in the game, but it was his debut. i mean, it's the first we've seen of him.
00:27:32
James
Yeah, I didn't really see much of him. I saw a few highlights of him back at Red Star and e he looks versatile, quick. He looks great for a high-pressing team who play high, which is what Pereira is trying to integrate into this team because he can track back so quickly. mean, with people like Bueno, he's just he's not got the pace on him really.
00:27:54
James
And i I would say i was worried when Bueno was starting today, but he... actually had a pretty good performance, which kudos to him. But um yeah, he um I didn't see much of him in the game, but he obviously didn't put a foot wrong because there's nothing that comes to mind. I think, ah you should have done this, should have done that. So I think that's a positive we can take from it.
00:28:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I think he did okay when he finally got on the pitch because there was some confusion over his substitution because apparently he hadn't taped over his wedding ring or something and then they had to delay getting him on. I mean, he's learned a lesson there and I'm sure Vitor was probably, he's probably got told off for that one.
00:28:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
for delaying the sub. um But there was one moment where the ball kind of bounced awkwardly and he flailed leg at it and Bournemouth almost got through, but Totty mopped up and and he chased back to kind of cover his mistake.
00:28:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
um But for the most part, from what I could see, you know, he was kind of, There was a moment where you know he he threw himself down to to block across ah at the touchline.
00:29:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
And generally, he did all right, I think, in the short space of time. He went straight into Buena's spot. I was curious if, for example, maybe Doc or Totti were going to... Well, Doc was going to shift into the middle and he might have gone to the right. I was curious if he was just going to go straight into the same spot. And he did um cover that center position.
00:29:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
I have a feeling that that's going to be... Agbedou's slot always when he's fit and maybe if Jiga in future is needed it might be in the place of Doc on that right hand side as he gets more experience in the Premier League but that's just that's just my my gut instinct I don't know if you've had any thoughts about the long-term plan for Jiga
00:29:40
James
um I think it's obvious that he's going to be a long-term project. um He's definitely not going to kind of slip into the team yet. um Although I think Doherty's getting on a bit and obviously centre-back isn't what he's been playing his whole career.
00:29:56
James
Although he has been fantastic since he's been there. He's really rejuvenated his Wolves career. um But yeah, I agree. Agbadoo, 100% central centre-back and he's been incredible since he's been a best player player.
00:30:10
James
second half season so far, 100%. And then Totty on the left, he's been great since he's come back. i mean, it it feels weird talking about a solid Wolves defence once. mean, you don't get to talk about it very often.
00:30:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I mean, we've had a few more clean sheets since Vito's come in. Totti has been involved in all of the clean sheets that we've had. And um it is great. And I think what's helping, though, is the consistency of the formation, because you spoke about Bueno even doing well, even though you're uncertain.
00:30:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think even for someone like Bueno, the fact that before that one week it could be a four and then it could be a three and you never knew, seemed to know who was playing alongside each other because he seemed to chop and change. who was in the formation all of the time, ah that can't be helpful.
00:30:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
And when you're a centre-back, you need to understand, or I think in any of the positions in the team, but it's particularly at centre-back, you need to know what the people alongside you are doing, what the routines are in in terms of when you're in line and who's doing what and who's covering what. And so if you're constantly changing the personnel and the formation alongside that,
00:31:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
it can't be helpful. And I just think having them always be in this, Vito has a clear structure. You can see a bit like Nuno, if they're going to play in this way and they're going to do it week in, week out, and no matter what, who we're playing pretty much. And that's got to be helpful for someone to just then, when there's one injury, like, yeah, Aga comes out, but sure, Bueno or Giga or whoever it is can, because there's a couple more options now.
00:31:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
can just come in and know exactly what they need to do because it's the same week in week out. ah Again, I'm rambling and I'm going to ask you the same question. i don't know if I'm just talking like a madman or does that make any sense?
00:31:53
James
No, I do agree, especially with the um yeah the signings he's made. i think it's clear he has a vision of what what he wants with kind of getting more centre-backs in to cover that three-back role.
00:32:06
James
um And he's played his whole his whole career. he played Especially under Porto, um winning the titles, he played three back. I think it was um the of the five at the back, the two in midfield, then the three up top.
00:32:23
James
um with kind of Kunja on the left dropping in in the pocket and he's kept that the whole time and it's obviously working because now we're five points to away from relegation um yeah so really even though I was sceptical when he came in really pleased with how he's kind of structuring the team now and it's much more solid yeah to with all the clean sheets we're getting in at the moment
00:32:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, for sure. Before we move on to any more like thoughts on the second half and just closing out ah with with any afterthoughts, I will take a moment to remind you all out there that here at the Global Sports Podcast Network, we did spend a lot of time selecting our delivery platform and Zencaster came out the clear winner.
00:33:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
With 4K video recording from your phone and AI editing that automatically removes all those ums and ahs, it's super easy to start a podcast that sounds great and is delivered efficiently. If you're ready to tell me your story, check out the link in the show description to learn more about Zencastr.
Zencastr's Podcasting Features
00:33:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
So, you know what made me so happy, James? though When we had all these subs coming on late to just close out the game, like we saw Doyle come on, ah even, who doesn't get as much, but apparently he is now training pretty much as a right winger.
00:33:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
or like a right-sided midfielder because he's been told you're not going to get in that central two. So he's, i I feel like Tommy Doyle is the kind of guy who's gone, all right, tell me what I can do to get in the squad.
00:33:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Like hands up, you know, I want to be a professional, I want to play. And he's just like, okay, I'll play on the right wing then. And he seems to be, we saw at the end of Liverpool coming in late and putting a great ball for that opportunity that Minetsi got blocked at the last moment.
00:34:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
um We saw Sarabia come on who actually did a really good long range effort. i thought that only just went over the bar. But the thing that made me so happy was we saw Pedro Lima.
00:34:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
And he almost scored.
00:34:12
James
Yeah, ah I know, finally.
00:34:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean, Pedro Lima, do you feel my Pedro Lima love? I want to see more of this kid. And I feel like seeing him again, we didn't see hide nor hair of him under O'Neill, apart from the one cup match, I think. And yet we've seen him a couple of times more recently under Pereira. And again, it's just a sign that that he's using the squad and getting to know them.
00:34:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I just, and just, yeah, rotating people and just talk to me, tell me something about Pedro Lima because I want to smile.
00:34:36
James
Yeah, I remember, was it Forrest?
Pedro Lima's Potential
00:34:40
James
e had his start, or am I thinking wrong game, for Pedro Lima.
00:34:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
don't think it was forest but i have i don't haven't checked i'd have to check i'm i'm old my memory's bad
00:34:51
James
Anyway, yeah, it was what what one of the games he first played. he would he He looked fantastic, and I know he's young, and I know he'd come from the Brazilian second tier, so, yeah i mean, you can't throw him into the Prem straight away, but he did look fantastic, and he did again against Bournemouth.
00:35:10
James
And I was thinking to myself, well what I was like, how has this guy not been playing previously? Because he just, he looks really good, like bombing forward. It's obvious he's going to be coming in maybe when Semedo's leaving, as there's been news around that.
00:35:27
James
um Yeah, he looks great, comfortable on the ball. He's happy to take shots from distance and it wasn't a bad effort either. So ah ah totally agree with you.
00:35:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
No.
00:35:37
James
I'm very excited to see what he can do.
00:35:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, he looks nippy. I mean, the opportunity you spoke about where we've mentioned where he had the shot, it was a decent shot from range, I think. And he kind of made the opportunity. He nicked the ball off someone, drove 10, 15 yards and then and then had a pop.
00:35:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
But there was runners around him. But it wasn't a bad shot at all, I don't think. and it made the goalie work. I mean, that's that's that's the main focus, right, is get a shot on target, make the goalie work for it, if nothing else. And and he did just that. And at that late stage of the game, when we want to be up their end of the pitch, are you know, that's that's that's taking their momentum off them. So I'm i'm happy with that.
00:36:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
um And he's nippy and he wants to get a crossing. Obviously, maybe it needs a bit more, from what I've seen of him, he looks sharp, reasonably sharp defensively, but he's very slight. So maybe he needs a bit more work.
00:36:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
on the man marking, but then being in a kind of back five or the wing back position is arguably again better for him. It was interesting to see that he came on for 8-0, but Semedo went to the left wing back position when he came on and Pedro Lima went right wing back. So he's obviously a lot more right-sided and Semedo covered the 8-0 vacancy, just ah as a point of note to anyone who was unaware of that.
00:36:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
um But overall, like you say, I'm happy. Five points clear of the drop zone because we had some good results go on for for in from our perspective from the teams
Current Standing and Future Fixtures
00:37:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
around us. Not that we want to be relying on on that, but it all kind of went in our favor.
00:37:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
um Was there anything from the game that we didn't touch on, James, that you wanted to cover? cover
00:37:11
James
Oh, I don't think so. i think i think we've covered it all, really. I don't know if there's something that you want to talk about or
00:37:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think the main thing I've mentioned is that I was just overall happy with the fact that it's another clean sheet. I mean, I would have liked us to get another goal, but we showed that we we were creating more opportunities, even though was, but we were always looked fairly secure.
00:37:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
We're looking a lot more stable, even without AGA just as a unit. um they're looking very cohesive and overall I was just really happy with the as I mentioned the man management of the coach actually making proactive substitutions to make sure that there was no like wobbly moments of people potentially getting sent off or just you know just seeing it out in a classic go go away from home drum out a one nil victory and and and be professional. And that's what it came across as because it wasn't there wasn't necessarily as much silky football as we saw in the second half at Liverpool.
00:38:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
But it was what needed to be done. And it never felt kind of too dangerous. So I'm happy. I'm happy. Five points clear. The future is in our hands, James. The future is in our hands.
00:38:25
James
It totally is. I totally agree. Yeah. Five points adrift. It was a professional performance. That's what I'll say. We did exactly what we needed to, nothing more, nothing less. And yeah, it's good to see a secure team and he's obviously really worked that team well.
00:38:43
James
um Yeah. I think, I think it's eight points off Man United now as well. So, and West Ham and would have,
00:38:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
Crazy.
00:38:53
James
I know if you would have told me that at the start of the season, i would have been like, oh, great.
00:38:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's crazy.
00:38:58
James
Look at it now.
00:38:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:38:59
James
But yeah, I am chuffed with it.
00:39:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
No.
00:39:01
James
it was It was one of those games where if we won, we it might be one the point in the season where we go, yeah, we might be all right. And we've had a really tough run of games recently as well. So from here a on, I think it's going to get a little bit easier fixture wise. So yeah, I'm happy.
00:39:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I mean, we have a good run now just to sign off with. So obviously our next game is this Tuesday ah home. First home game in a while, home to Fulham, which obviously they've had a pretty, I think by their standards, a pretty strong season. And they they are by you know they're definitely still a danger, but it's at home.
00:39:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
And it's we've shown, i mean, we beat Villa and we've beaten Bournemouth, who are both pretty strong teams nowadays. So we've shown that that is not a game to be afraid of. And with this form, if we can take it in there, then i you know i'm I'm up for another three points, I'll be honest.
00:39:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
um But then after that, obviously, we've got Bournemouth away in the Cup and then at home to Everton and away to Southampton in March. I mean, the next few games, they are huge in terms of points potential. We just can't throw it away now. We have to keep, let's just hope, let's just hope that they can keep this momentum going.
00:40:15
James
yeah Yeah, and I think the last four games are really going G them up. i mean The three wins against Blackburn, against Bournemouth yesterday Villa, and a good performance against Liverpool, I think it is exactly what we need coming into these kind of better run of fixtures.
00:40:36
James
um Yeah, Fulham's going to be tough one because they've had a couple of really good wins recently against Newcastle and um and Forest.
00:40:48
James
but ah and they looked But they did lose to Palace yesterday. ah Yeah, but just need to kind of keep it going for a little bit longer and then I think we'll be all right.
00:41:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, fingers crossed, fingers crossed, run away. all right, everyone. i think we have um covered pretty much everything we need to cover for to for tonight. um I hope everyone goes into this week as this episode comes out feeling rejuvenate you rejuvenated because it's always good to go into the new week off the back of a Wolves win.
00:41:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
And hopefully we'll get another one on Tuesday. um James, it's been amazing to have you back with me. It's been a long time and I missed your face. And just remember, everyone, that as the mighty wolves have shown us again, people, out of darkness come flight.