Post by GWolf1 on Jan 7, 2017 20:50:37 GMT
It's quick and easy to pick faults in defeat, but praise must be given to each and every Wolves player that was part of the 2-0 victory. I'm so glad to have been wrong with my prediction before the game and when seeing the line-ups of both sides.
I think today, a lot of the cautious approach and safety first went out the window. Wolves deserved to go in at the break, but also the scoreline could and should've been more. Wolves showed their attacking intact right from the off, Bodvarsson having two decent chances that he put wide. Again though, Costa comes up with another goal, he took it well and a decent celebration to go with it.
Stoke were not at the races in the first half, but even then Crouch has to do better with the chance that he put over from close range.
I expected Stoke to make changes at the break, and they did, both Charlie Adam and Joe Allen coming on, both improving Stoke's attacking options and giving the home side more on the front foot.
When results go against Wolves, we often pick faults with how goals are conceded, well the QPR at home game springs to mind, Ikeme didn't do himself much justice with the second goal. But back to today's game, he kept Wolves lead intact, making at least four saves, he was like open season and shots on goal.
The second goal came at the right time, a quality free-kick scored by Doherty, one worth watching over and over, Lee Grant given no chance.
As with the first half, one goal scored, but another one wouldn't have been out of place. Dicko had his effort saved by Grant, but i do feel, before his injury lay-off, a confident Dicko would have scored, same goes for the two chances that Bodvarsson put wide in the first.
To sum up, a great victory in the cup and a long time coming. Ikeme on top form, the back four well marshalled by Williamson, Hause doing well alongside him and he coped well with the threat of Peter Crouch. Both Doherty and Iorfa providing a good outlet going forward, but also proving their worth defensively.
Wolves looked good going forward, and Lee Evans creating numerous openings for those around him. Hopefully up top, the goals will start to flow.
It was good to see another youngster, Gibbs-White, given a run out, just like Connor Ronan, he didn't look out of place at all. Today's win will give Paul Lambert plenty to think about with regards who to select for the Villa home game next Saturday.