Current pundit and ex-Wolves player Jamie O’Hara has made a bold claim about the club’s chances in the Europa League.
The former central midfielder believes that out of the British teams that are still in the competition – Manchester United, Arsenal, Celtic and Rangers – Wolves are the best out of the lot.
Yesterday was a watershed moment for the club – and perhaps it was a moment where the rest of teams across the Europa League sat up and realised that they have a really good opportunity of going far.
Having to wait almost 40 years since the last time they were in a European competition, it is clear that they are not there to make up the numbers like many seventh-placed sides have done in the past from the Premier League. The 4-0 drubbing of Espanyol was a clinical performance, and it has already pretty much put the tie to bed, meaning they will advance to the final 16 of the contest, barring a minor miracle.
While speaking on talkSPORT, O’Hara said: “I genuinely think Wolves are the favourites of all the British teams to go and win it.
“I think they’re the best British team left – Wolves are better than Manchester United and Arsenal.
“The changes I’ve seen there since the new owners and new manager have come in and the regime they’ve brought into the club is nothing short of incredible.”
What stage will we reach in the Europa League?
Quarter Final
Round of 16
Semi Final
Final
It is hard to argue with what the pundit is saying. When you look at the league table, Arsenal are trailing them, and Manchester United, who are likely to be without their star player Marcus Rashford until the final weeks of the season, are only one place above them in the league.
In all honesty, with Arsenal and United hugely off the boil this season, England haven’t brought through a great calibre of sides this year, and it really hard to separate the teams – especially Wolves and United. In fact, they have played each other four times already this season, and three have been draws, and one has gone United’s way in the FA Cup replay.
Nevertheless, Nuno Espirito Santo has a fearless culture within their team, and they tend to give even the very best a good run for their money, as the double over Manchester City in the league suggests – so they will back themselves against any side.
