A simply outstanding second half performance ensured Wolves got all 3 points, coming back from a one goal deficit, to win 4-1 against a very tricky Wednesday side!
With Iwelumo retaining his place in the starting line-up for the cat like Andy Keogh, he more than made a name for himself. The tall Scotsman grabbed a superb brace to end Wednesday`s chances of going top of the League after 2 games.
The match started at a frantic pace, with chances coming from here, there, and everywhere. With Wolves attacking their preferred Southbank stand, they almost took the lead on 2 minutes. Kevin Foley sent in a delicious cross which was met by the head of Matt Jarvis, who`s header no doubt burnt the fingers of Lee Grant, who did brilliantly to stop the ball hitting the back of the net.
After 7 minutes, Wolves` skipper Jody Craddock took a knock, and on came shaky legs Neil Collins. My heart suddenly sunk a foot. A Wednesday team looking Premiership standard when attacking, Wolves` very week centre back Neil Collins was up for a hard time.
And no sooner than 8 minutes later, the obvious happened. Deon Burton fed a hungry Esajas who easily broke through and slotted home beating the helpless Wayne Hennessey. 1-0 Sheffield Wednesday.
3 minutes later, there is no doubt about it, it should have been 2-0 to the away team. Burton found himself in acres of space, but to hurriedly shoot straight into the arms of big Wayne to gift Wolves another chance of getting back into the game.
And guess what? 28 minutes gone, and Wolves had somehow grabbed an equalizer. Sickening for the away team who were all over a pretty average Wolves side. Once again, Foleys excellent cross was met by the large shiny head of Chris Iwelumo who coolly placed his glancing header past the helpless Grant.
A few more chances for either team before half time, but nothing materializing. 45 minutes played. Wolverhampton Wanderers 1 – 1 Sheffield Wednesday.
Former Wolves favourite (LOL) Leon ‘who ate all the pies` Clarke came on at half time for the lively Dutchman Esajas, who we later found out came off after feeling a tight hamstring. Good news for Wolves!
The second half started off very similarly to the first, with Sheffield taking control, and Wolves struggling to get a foothold into the game. However, in the 54th minute, wolves grabbed a second. Kightly`s prefect through ball found the feet of Matt Jarvis, who raced forward into the opposition`s box, only to have his feet clipped by Sean McAllister. Ebanks Blake took the reigns, and did what all Wolves fans were praying for, a perfect penalty. Grant went left, SEB put it slightly right. 2-1 Wolves. Come on!!
Chances continued to come for both teams, with Iwelumo looking a class above the rest.
And it was that man again who got his second of the afternoon. Ebanks Blake put Kightly through who out paced his marker and looked destined to score? Off the post and Iwelumo was there to put the rebound in. 3-1 Wolves.
Hennessey pulled off a superb save from a Wednesday attack, proving his worth to the impressive Wolves team, and then claimed a Steve Watson free kick, which never really looked like it was going in. That summed the second half up for the pretty disappointing Wednesday who showed more than signs of brilliance with their first half display.
Jarvis raced through again with 20 minutes to go, but missed the far post with his shot by a whisker. Iwelumo would have got his hat-trick if only he would have slid in for it and been a tad more greedy. Unlucky lads!
Keogh came on for the shattered Jarvis with 15 minutes to go, and Wolves almost grabbed a 4th when Karl Henrys 20 yard effort took a pretty useful deflection and missed the goal by a matter of inches.
The only bit of bad news for both sets of supporters came just before Wolves settled the game with their forth. Wednesday defender Richard Hinds took a knock and was later took to hospital with a suspected broken ankle. We wish him all the best from everyone associated with Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club, and hope for a speedy recovery.
Kightly was replaced by David Edwards with 5 minutes to go, and his short appearance became quite fruitful. Keogh`s punt forward was superbly chested down by the ever present Chris Iwelumo to SEB, who`s awesome awareness slid the ball straight through to the on running Edwards, whose shot went in off the inside of the far post. 4-1 Wolves and 3 points in the bag.
Overall a very fortunate result, but nonetheless, a vital 3 points. Sheffield Wednesday could easily have come away with all 3 points and looked simply awesome in the first half. Wolves had that little bit of luck that all clubs wish for, just hanging on to the game while 1-0 down. When they grabbed the equaliser, I knew we were in for a few more goals, and yes they came. 3 more of the best. Brian Laws is disappointed clearly, but he shouldn`t be. His team were beaten by this seasons Champions, and by the start they made yesterday, will clearly be taking one of the top 6 positions come the end of the season. A very entertaining game, and after that 90 minutes yesterday, I`m so glad ive got my season ticket! Roll on next Saturday. Wolves away at Ipswich. 3pm K.O.
Manager Rating
Mick McCarthy – Realising his team were second best in the first half, sorted out the leaky defence once again, and did well with his subs. Collins on for the injured Craddock was a no brainer. Matt Jarvis ran his heart out so Keogh came on for him. Not the best replacement in my opinion as Keogh did very little. Probably sulking for losing his starting place. And finally, a usefull David Edwards came on for Michael Kightly. An unusual performance from Kites. My opinion was that he looked fairly average, whereas my mum thought he could have been man of the match? Overall – McCarthy’s tactics were clearly spot on, with wolves simply brilliant in the second half. 4-1 4-1 4-1 😀
Opponent Rating
Brian Laws – Terrible. His team looked like they could have run away with the League in the first half, but taking off Jermaine Johnson really cost his team. Also, the loss of Esajas hurt Wednesday big time. He caused Wanderers no end of problems, finding space all over the pitch.
