SEB and Siggy keep Wolves on a roll

It’s 3 wins in a week for Wolves now as they go from nearly bottom to nearly top and set themselves up for a bold attempt to get back to the top flight at the first attempt under new manager Stale Solbakken. It was a pretty comprehensive win over the Championship’s bottom team and there is still the impression that there is plenty of improvement to come from the new look Wolves. Solbakken continued his rotation policy with Kevin Foley making a welcome return from injury and there were recalls also for Doumbia, Peszko and Ebanks Blake, as Stearman, Edwards, Boukari and Sigurdarsen dropped to the bench;

Ikeme
Foley, Johnson, Berra, Ward
Peszko, Henry, Doumbia, Sako
Ebanks Blake, Doyle

Ikeme was the first keeper to need to make a save as he dived to save a McCann drive, but Wolves were looking comfortable without creating chances. Foley was making a sound return to the defence with Johnson and Berra looking solid and Henry providing good protection from midfield. All of Wolves best attacking play centred around Doyle and Sako, although it was Doumbia that came closest to breaking the deadlock with a similar effort to his goal in midweek at Ipswich, but this time he was just wide.

Peterborough did create a good chance when ex Wolves youngster Mark Little was given too much space by Ward and he found the head of Barnett with his cross but the former Hednesford striker’s attempt was poor and well wide. And Wolves were soon to break the deadlock when Doyle found Ebanks Blake in the box and as the striker turned he was caught by McCann and it was a straightforward decision to award the penalty. SEB slammed home the spot kick in typical style. Wolves were well on top after the goal and after Doyle was narrowly wide with a shot from the edge of the box, Doumbia made a storming run down the inside right position and was sent tumbling. A 2nd penalty looked a sure thing with the only doubt being whether the foul was inside the penalty area, but amazingly the referee gave no foul at all.

Doyle again went close after being set up by Foley and then Wolves had another good shout for a penalty. Peszko made a tremendous run going past three home defenders and appeared to be pushed just as he got his shot away. And Wolves should have got the second goal they deserved just before the break when a typically dangerous delivery from a Sako free kick presented SEB with a clear chance but he did not react quickly enough to capitalise.

Posh had their best period of the game just after the break and Wolves had to show their improved defending to hold the lead. Berra, Johnson and Foley all looked solid and Ikeme made a couple of good saves. But as the half moved on Wolves looked increasingly dangerous on the break with Ward making some good attacking sorties and Doumbia making positive runs. Sako twice had shooting opportunities from the edge of the box but blasted high and wide. Solbakken made some changes to get Wolves going again with Boukari replacing Peszko and Sigurdarsen for SEB. Boukari certainly showed some raw promise with some positive runs. The final change saw Stearman replace Foley and immediately after that change Wolves clinched the game.

Sigurdarsen robbed the Posh centre back Zakuani and when the ball ran away it was a race for the ball between the Wolves striker and the outcoming Peterborough keeper. But the Icelandic striker showed lightning pace to get their first and produce an excellent finish.

Ikeme – certainly taken his chance well in Hennessey’s absence, and no need for the Welshman to rush back
Foley – his first start under the new manager who cannot fail to have been impressed with the Irishman immediately looking the part
Johnson – looking as solid as a rock nowadays and his nightmare debut season is all but forgotten now
Berra – equally as good as Johnson and the defence has looked more solid since he was recalled
Ward – caught out a couple of time defensively but made some good attacking runs 2nd half
Peszko – still not getting into the games too much but there is certainly promise there and one first half run was outstanding
Doumbia – a real powerhouse in the middle of the park and an exciting player when he bursts forward
Henry – surely no better defensive midfield player in this division
Sako – didn’t have his shooting boots on but looked the most likely to create something first half and his dead ball delivery is excellent
Ebanks Blake – won and took his penalty well and looks capable of adding quite a few to his impressive scoring record at this level
Doyle – right back to his best and probably edged the man of the match
Boukari – looks a bit raw at times but there is pace and skill there and will be a good addition once he gets a few games
Sigurdarsen – took his goal really well and looks another where there is plenty more to come
Stearman – didn’t have a lot to do as a late change

So Wolves sit in a play off position after this third successive win and there is plenty of encouragement to be drawn from the performances. There is a much more solid look about the defence and the new players brought in all look full of promise. And the likes of Henry and Doyle look outstanding at this level. After the nothing to lose League Cup trip to Chelsea on Tuesday, the next two league games are at Molineux with Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday and Crystal Palace the following Tuesday. And there will be a welcome return of enthusiasm in the air to greet the players to their home ground.

Category: Team News