Triumph of money over mathematical modelling
Wolverhampton Wanderers 3 v Brentford 1
It is nearly twelve months since Brentford strolled into town and left Wolverhampton with a two love victory. Last season the epithet “Fortress Molineux” was not one to be attached to the Old Gold who seemed cowed whenever they strode onto the home turf. Two less than assured performances at home to Burton Albion (draw) and Barnsley (defeat) seemed to suggest that the problem had not been lanced. Until, that is, today, Ivan Cavaleiro’s stoppage time goal giving a two goal victory margin that at times during the second half was not always on the cards.
As for Brentford they are now managed by Dean Smith, Mark Warburton having left for the wilds of Glasgow at the end of last season. Despite the change the club still adheres to the cult like beliefs of its owner, Matthew Benham, selecting players based on a system of mathematical modelling (players are recruited based on their rank in terms of the most number of passes completed, headers/tackles made). Last year I poo pooed the whole concept but a finishing league position of 9th (ahead of the Wolves) tended to suggest that there was more sense than madness to the method, particularly when funds are limited.
When they are not (as is the case for Wolves this season) the problems are of a different dimension. Who to pick from the plethora of players on offer and which eleven will best function as a team. In this regard last week’s win away at Newcastle certainly helped Manager Zenga, who prior to today, had not picked an unchanged side.
Not that you would have known it during a first half of complete boredom. The only moment of note was in minute 23 when Brito Teixeira was clipped in the box. It looked for all the world a penalty but the judgment of only one person counts and Referee Davies waved play on. And that, bar a weak shot from Dave Edwards which barely tested keeper Daniel Bentley was it.
Thankfully things started more brightly in the second period when with only a minute on the clock Teixeira collected the ball from Helda Costa before deftly cutting inside John Egan to fire under the advancing Bentley and into the net. Ten minutes later Teixeira made it a brace when his in-swinging free kick from the left evaded everyone, including keeper Bentley, before nestling in the right hand corner of the net.
Wolves then sat back, allowing the visitors to dominate possession which ended in the 66th minute with a fine goal. Moving the ball across the Wolves box it was finally fed to Sullay Kaikai on the left. From from eighteen yards out his fizzing drive caught Carl Ikeme unawares, the ball squeezing through his outstretched hands and into the net. Brentford continued to press and in minute 80 should have equalised but substitute Lasse Vibe failed to make sufficient contact with a cross from the right, his tame header running safely into touch.
Wolves finally put matters beyond doubt in stoppage time, Jon Dadi Bodvarsson’s half way line header setting Ivan Cavaleiro free. Advancing on goal his right footed shot gave Bentley no chance. The homes sides’ performance was not quite as convincing as the two goal margin would suggest. But in contrast to previous outings the team is now taking on a more settled feel, with better balance, resilience and cohesion. Perhaps Manager Zenga is steering clear of the Peroni’s.
Wolves: Ikeme 6, Doherty 6, Iorfa 6, Batth 6, Borthwick Jackson 5, Edwards 6, Oniangue 6 Sub Coady, Saiss 6, Teixeira 7 Sub Mason, Costa 6 Sub Cavaleiro, Bodvarrson 7
Brentford: Bentley 6, Colin 6, Dean 6, Egan 6, Barbet 6, MacLoed 6 Sub Vibe, McEachran 6 Sub Yennaris, Woods 7, Kalkai 7, Sawyers 6, Hogan 6
Attendance: 20, 637
Referee: Andy Davies 6
©Mark Brennand