Poor end to season of consolidation

Wolverhampton Wanderers 1 v Norwich City 1

Two home games barely four days apart. Yet how different in character. One set the pulse racing; the other did not. One displayed an abundance of footballing talent; the other did not. One had an outcome which still mattered. The other did not. One was a game few will forget. The other few will remember. Indeed, it is perhaps a comment on the quality of the game that the half time filler between teams of disabled Wolves and Norwich players offered greater entertainment.

By then Norwich should have been three to the good their striker Teemu Pukki missing two guilt edged opportunities before finally converting his third, wrong footing keeper John Ruddy with a less than assured strike through a copse of legs.

Following the break Wolves went to a far more progressive 4-2-4 formation and were certainly more enterprising. But the equaliser, when it arrived, was an ugly affair, Ryan Ait-Nourri heading home in the 54th minute following a corner and subsequent goalmouth scramble. Thereafter Wolves dominated possession without ever creating a chance of note against a stubborn Norwich defence.

Whatever the outcome at Anfield next Sunday this has been a poor end to Wolves’ season. Two points from a potential 18 is a disappointing return for a side that at the end of February was dreaming of Europe. Inconsistency has blighted their season. Good runs, followed by bad runs, followed by good and no real home form to speak of. It’s also telling that goalkeeper Jose Sa was voted player of the season by both fans and players alike.

Yet given how uncertain things seemed following the departure of Nuno Espirito Santo and the three games lost at the start of the season, one could say that Wolves have once again over-achieved. A top half slot in the premier league is no mean feat. As for next season the departure of talismanic midfielder Ruben Neves will be a big loss. But if the defence can remain unscathed and Joao Moutinho stays then the Old Gold have something to build on.

Wolverhampton Wanderers: Ruddy 6, Castro Otto 6, Boly 6, Coady 6 Sub Tomas Oliveira 6, Gomes 6, Ait Nouri 7, Neves 6, Moutinho 6, Jimenez 6, Neto 6 Sub Podence, Hee-Chan 6 Sub Silva

Norwich City: Gunn 6, Byram 6, Hanley 6, Gibson 6, Aarons 6, Lees-Melou 6, Gilmour 6 Sub Rupp, Normann 6 Sub Sorenson, Giannoulis 6, Dowell 6 Sub Rowe, Pukki 6,

Attendance: 31,219

Referee: T Harrington 8

©Mark Brennand