Wolves rue missed chances

Wolverhampton Wanderers 1 v Norwich City 2

So the pantomime villain was back. I always felt that Jez Moxey got a bad rap, but as a new broom swept through, the Wolves CEO bid farewell and headed east for a new challenge with Norwich City. Yes, the £5.00 booking fee simply to renew one’s season ticket always irked, but no one could deny Moxey’s commercial and administrative acumen. He also ensured that the club lived within its means rather than spending profligately, as many would have preferred him to do. For a suitable counter argument one need only point the disgruntled in the direction of Bolton Wanderers (£75m in debt and rising), Leeds United (Peter Ridsdale anyone) and Portsmouth (Premier league to fourth division in the blink of an eye). Somewhat predictably half way through the first half his close “friends” in the South Bank gave a suitably friendly welcome. But on this first return since leaving, it was he who, come the end of the game, had the bigger smile.

This was not and will not be Wolves’ worst performance. They should have at least salvaged a point but second half misses by Joao Teixeira (trying to beat a player when he should have shot first time) and Nouha Dicko (a heavy first touch when in front of goal) meant that their only goal came in the form of a fine header by David Edwards in minute 79. By then Norwich were 2-0 up and good for it although their opening goal with barely two minutes on the clock was something of a gift. I can only think that Danny Batth and Dominic Iorfa still had their heads in the changing room as Cameron Jerome latched on to a tame cross from the left to head home. Even he looked surprised.

For the remainder of the first half Norwich dominated, all the while prompted by Graham Dorrans and Wes Hoolahan playing as a classic defensive wing half, attacking inside forward pairing. Furthermore they were strong at the back and moved the ball with greater urgency than their opponents. For all their dominance however it did take them another 70 minutes to add to their tally, Robbie Brady’s beautiful curling strike from 25 yards giving Carl Ikeme no chance.

For Wolves both Helder Costa and Ivan Cavaleiro caused problems aided by a strong performance from Dave Edwards. But, it goes without saying that if you don’t take your chances you will get punished. Which is where Wolves found themselves today.

Wolves: Ikeme 6, Docherty 6, Iorfa 7, Batth 6, Borthwick-Jackson 6 Sub Mason, Helda Costa 7, Oniangue 5 Sub Coady, Edwards 8, Saiss 6, Teixeira 5 Sub Dicko, Cavaleiro 6

Norwich City: McClaren 6, Pinto 7, Martin 7, Klose 6, Olsson 7, Murphy 6 Sub Howson, Dorrans 7, Hoolahan 8 Sub Oliveira, Brady 7, Tettey 6, Jerome 6 Sub Bennett

Attendance: 18,793

Referee: Geoff Eltringham 8