Clinical ‘Boro sink Wolves
Wolves 1 v Middlesbrough 3
There are times when you find yourself sitting in a seat looking out onto an area of turf where 22 individuals are running around trying to coax a ball into a rectangle to which is affixed a net and you ask – what the hell am I doing here ? Wednesday’s game against Brentford was such a night. Not only were Wolves dire they found themselves outplayed by a team assembled on the basis of an algorithm. Google’s tentacles impinge of many aspects of our lives but we have reached a sorry state when they start to poke their noses into a game that should be free from the AI world that awaits us (I fear the day when R2D2 occupies the right back slot).
As Saturday the 24th October approached, the New Zealand v South Africa RWC semi final offered a tempting alternative to another afternoon spent in area W4, row J, seat no. 0115. But the umbilical chord that keeps you wedded to your home town football team is a powerful force. It is beyond reason which explains why, after such an awful game, three days later you find yourself sitting in the same seat, surrounded by the same folk, looking out on the same eleven players who are attempting to raise your spirits by coaxing a ball into a rectangle on which is affixed a net.
And in minute 22 your spirits were duly raised. Collecting the ball in the Middlesbrough half Kevin McDonald advanced into the opposition’s final third before delivering a slide rule pass. It was perfectly weighted allowing left back Scott Golbourne to cross it first time where it was met by a diving David Edwards, whose header rifled through the rectangle before striking the net. It was a goal of consummate beauty and the reason you sit in your seat staring out at the turf where 22 individuals are running around.
One of those 22 individuals was Diego Fabbrini. He was clad in red, is 25 and should be playing in the Premier League. Quick witted, adept with feet, he could beat an opponent with the drop of a shoulder and without fail passed the ball at the optimum time allowing the attack to progress at pace (are you reading this Rajiv van la Parra?). A constant threat it was no surprise when in the 71st minute he collected the ball on the edge of the box before firing, with lazer accuracy, into the bottom left hand corner of the net. By this time he had been joined by Stewart Downing another who should be plying his trade in the Premier League but for whatever reason doesn’t quite have the mental fortitude to hack it. It was his beautifully flighted ball to George Friend that forced the inexperienced Nathan Byrne into a rash challenge just inside the box. The reserve referee had no option but to point to the spot, Grant Leadbitter converting with an assured strike.
Unlike their performance on Wednesday however, Wolves continued to strive, and unlike Wednesday created chances. Benik Afobe went close on at least two occasions, James Henry saw his fine volley brilliantly saved by Dimi Koustantopoulos and Jack Price was unlucky when in the 88th minute his goal bound shot was headed off the line by Fernando Amorebieta. All of which made Downing’s 90th minute tie settling free kick doubly demoralizing. But it’s also why you sit in your seat staring out at the turf watching 22 individuals running around. And why you will be back.
Wolves should not be disheartened. By some distance Middlesbrough gave the best performance by a visiting team since Molineux last played host to a side from the Premier League. Uncompromising at the back, inventive in midfield and with David Nugent up front, they should, on this form, be going up.
As for Wolves, forget the era of spending money. I’m not sure there ever was one, a bit like Tony Blair filling the role of Middle East peace envoy. The parachute payments have gone and in their absence the PR tells us that the Club is turning to youth. Coach Jacket must work with what he has and that being the case it should be 4-5-1 with the following proviso. Doherty in place of Iorfa. Coady as a defensive half back rather than a midfield libero, that role going to Jack Price. Put an arm around his shoulder Kenny, tell him he can play and stick with him rather than chopping and changing. And up front leave Afobe to lead the line in the Doyle mode, with either Edwards or Enobakhari playing off him.
As for those who, from their seat, look out on an area of turf where 22 individuals run around - keep the faith.
Wolves: Martinez 6, Doherty 6, Batth 6, Hause 6 Sub Price, Golbourne 6, McDonald 7, Edwards 7, Coady 6, Van La Parra 5 Sub Henry, Bryne 6 Sub Ojo, Afobe 6
Middlesbrough: Konstantopoulos 7, Kalas 6 Sub Downing 8, Ayala 7, Amorebieta 7, Friend 6, Nsue 6, Clayton 7, Fabbrini 9, Leadbitter 6, De Pena 6 Gibson, Nugent 6,
Attendance: 22,006
Referee: First Half 9 Second Half 7
Mathematical Modelling Watch;
Charlton 0 – Brentford 3. Brentford move up to 12th with 17 points.
©Mark Brennand