West Brom win 'felt like statement of intent'
· Yahoo Sports
This was probably the most comprehensive 90-minute performance Wolves have produced so far this season.
The team has not fully clicked yet, and there is still a long way to go, but that is what makes this result so encouraging.
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Wolves are showing signs of becoming a side capable of controlling matches in different ways, even while there is still plenty of room to improve.
The 1-0 scoreline does not tell the full story.
West Brom had more possession, but Wolves controlled the parts of the game that mattered. They pressed with purpose, won the important duels, created the better chances and defended their lead with impressive discipline.
That is a significant step forward.
There was a clear plan from Cesar Peixoto, and the players carried it out with real belief.
Wolves pressed high when the opportunity was there, but also knew when to drop into a more organised shape. West Brom were rarely allowed to build any meaningful momentum, managing only 0.27 expected goals and one shot on target against Jose Sa.
At the other end, Wolves created 1.96 expected goals, had six shots on target and repeatedly caused problems from set-pieces.
Fer Lopez's winning goal was also a product of the team's aggressive pressing. Wolves forced the mistake and punished it.
The contribution of the crowd should not be overlooked. Molineux was loud from the start and stayed fully engaged through the tense final stages.
This was the first Black Country derby at the stadium in 14 years with supporters present, and the fans made sure the players understood exactly what the occasion meant. Their backing helped Wolves maintain their intensity when tired legs and nerves began to show.
Kieran Trippier also explained that John Ruddy, who returned to Wolves this summer after a successful first spell, spoke to the squad before the game about the importance of the derby.
Trippier said Ruddy's words helped inspire the team, adding that, despite playing in many derbies, this one was "certainly up there".
Wolves now have 14 points from seven games and are beginning to look like a side that expects to win.
This felt like more than three points. It felt like a statement of intent.
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