Writer: DJ Wolves
For the second home game in succession, Wolves beat Man Utd 2-1 to prove that the FA Cup Quarter Final win was no fluke and give further evidence of the remarkable progress the club has made. In the first week of April 5 years ago, Wolves played Stevenage away and Peterborough at home. Turn the clock forward to 2019 and we have beaten Man Utd and now look forward to a trip to Wembley for an FA Cup Semi Final.
There were a couple of changes to the team that lost at Burnley at the weekend with Bennett returning to the defence after suspension, Saiss making way. Doherty and Jimenez were reinstated after being rested at Turf Moor with Traore and Cavaleiro dropping to the bench. And Vinagre was given another chance in the left wing back position with Jonny being rested.
The game started in an uncomfortable way for Wolves with United well on top and they could easily have been more than one ahead by midway through the first half. A long range shot from McTominay was all they had to show for their superiority though, and Wolves made them pay after 25 minutes when Fred was dispossessed in midfield and the ball was moved on to Jimenez who cleverly flicked the ball forward for Jota to finish.
The equaliser saw the game change significantly with Wolves now playing with confidence and United looking somewhat deflated. United had their moments with Lukaku shooting just wide and Patricio making a superb save from a McTominay header. But Wolves were the better team, outpassing their opponents, Jota causing havoc with his direct runs on goal, and the midfield trio of Dendoncker, Neves and Moutinho controlling the game. Young and Shaw were both booked for bringing down Jota in full flight and when Young did the same again it was an inevitable red card.
The winner when it came was a scrappy affair with Jimenez winning a header and in the scramble that followed Dendoncker tried to turn the ball in but it bounced off Smalling for an own goal. Jonny had replaced Vinagre and was causing problems on the left and two dangerous low crosses almost resulted in further own goals as United desperately cleared. And at the death Jimenez sent Cavaleiro through only for the sub to smash his shot against the bar.
Patricio 8 – made some good saves and catches including a brilliant one handed save from a close range header in the second half.
Bennett 7 – one or two loose passes but generally as reliable as ever on his return from suspension.
Coady 7 – continues to impress and his reading of the game was shown with a couple of excellent interceptions.
Boly 7 – solid again and enjoyed some physical battles with Lukaku and Pogba.
Doherty 7 – a largely defensive game from the wing back but nothing got past him on the night.
Dendoncker 8 – no coincidence that Wolves have gone to a different level since he has been in the team. Wins the ball on many occasions, sets up attacks, and gets forward into the danger area.
Neves 7 – took control of the midfield after the first 20 minutes and almost gave a replica of his goal of the century against Derby but De Gea saved.
Moutinho 7 – signing of the century at £5m? Pure quality.
Vinagre 8 – what a prospect this guy is. Gaining in strength now, his defending becoming more disciplined, and his wing play is exciting and full of tricks.
Jimenez 8 – a quality centre forward display with two more assists and a rabona cross thrown in for good measure.
Jota 8 – a constant threat to United with his running at the defence. Wolves last 7 goals have been scored by either him or Jimenez.
Cavaleiro, Saiss and Jonny all made good contributions from the bench.
Another Wolves performance where all 11 on the field played well which is telling in the team approach that Nuno has developed. Wolves are 7th with only 6 games to go in the league and tonight gave further evidence that they are not far away from threatening to finish even higher next season. Its a season worth celebrating and no better way than for 35,000 fans to take a trip to Wembley for an FA Cup Semi Final.
