Unsettled Wolves secure draw
Wolverhampton Wanderers 1 v Sheffield United 1
Mention the name Chris Wilder and it elicits a certain vagueness of gaze on the listener. “Don’t know him”, they reply followed by “Who is he?” Even the response “He’s the current manager of Sheffield United” tends to engender a certain amount of indifference. Which is something of a shame for of the three recently promoted sides to the Premier League, Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United is fairing the best.
Not uncommonly for someone demonstrating aptitude in the managerial trade Wilder’s background is one of journeyman pro amongst the lesser lights of the football league of whom Sheffield United (twice), Rotherham United, Notts County and Halifax Town were a small sample. His 414 league games would have taught him a lot not least the need for frugality and that there are nuggets of footballing talent to be found lurking in the lower leagues. The journeyman moniker also ranks him alongside the Sir Alex Fergusson and Arsene Wenger, neither of whom as footballers were particularly adept with the ball at their feet. Whilst it’s a tad too early to compare his managerial achievements with these two there is no doubt that his record since 2016, when he took over as manager at Bramall Lane, is to be commended. Promotion from League One in his first season as manager. Promotion to the Premier League after two further seasons and in their first Premier League campaign getting his charges to a highly creditable 7th position. Commenting on today’s visit to the Molineux, Wilder spoke of his admiration for what Wolves have achieved during their 18 months in the PL saying that “It would be fantastic to follow in their footsteps, coming out of the Championship and doing well in the Premier League. We are in good nick at the moment but need to keep our feet on the ground”.
Which for 63 minutes of this game, when Matt Doherty managed to score a hard fought equalizer, was certainly the case. Showing solid organisation in defence and not a deal of guile going forward Sheffield United were good value for their lead which arrived as a number of folk were still settling into their seats. In virtually their first attack of the game the ball was moved to George Baldock whose right wing cross evaded both Conor Coady and Leander Dendoncker to fall at the feet of Lys Mousset. Turning and shooting in one movement, his effort evaded Rui Patricio to nestle in the net. Not for the first time the home side found themselves behind early doors.
Unfazed Wolves regrouped but struggled for consistency the occasional foray by Adama Traore interspersed with him getting caught on the half way line or choosing the wrong option when in possession. For their part Sheffield were far from overwhelmed and should have extended their lead either side of half time. The first in minute 37 followed a delightful nutmeg by Mousset on Dendoncker which put John Fleck free, but his shot was easily saved by Patricio. Then on 51 David McGoldrick went close following an excellent one two with Fleck.
That said the longer the game progressed the more threatening Wolves looked though in minute 57 the elaborate reverse kick by Raul Jimenez, when he could have fed either Diogo Jota or Matt Doherty, was not universally praised. Six minutes later he made up for his profligacy with a beautifully flighted cross to Matt Doherty who headed home at the far post.
One might have thought that the goal would have settled Wolves, but it was not to be as the visitors continued to press, McGoldrick going close again in minute 68 with a glancing header which shaved an upright. Perhaps the home side were ruminating on the news that their talismanic Manager was in the frame for a job at The Emirates. Either way they held on for a draw and in so doing equalled their top flight unbeaten run (1973) of seven games.
As for Nuno, a small piece in today’s Sunday Times claims that he is falling out of contention for the Arsenal job. It would appear that his “communication skills” are not up to scratch. When that trumps an ability to create a successful football team then you know that a club is losing its way.
Wolves: Patricio 6, Dendoncker 7, Coady 6, Kilman 6, Doherty 7, Castro Otto 6, Neves 6, Moutinho 7, Traore 6, Jota 5, Jimenez 6
Sheffield United: Henderson 6, Basham 6, Egan 7, O’Connell 6, Baldock 7, Lundstrom 6 Sub Freeman, Norwood 6, Fleck 7, Stevens 6, Mousset 7 Sub Robinson, McGoldrick 6 Sub McBurnie
Attendance: 31,642
Referee: David Coote 7
©Mark Brennand