Steve Bull: Wolves should stick with Ivan Cavaleiro for Arsenal trip
Ivan Cavaleiro did not have his best game for Wolves against Spurs last weekend – but I would stick with him for tomorrow’s trip to Arsenal.
It was the Portuguese winger’s first Premier League start and it can take a bit of time to fully adjust to the demands of a new division, so he deserves at least the clash at the Emirates to show what he is all about.
His speed and trickery could be vital against the Gunners. Unai Emery’s side are likely to have the lion’s share of possession so Cavaleiro, with his attacking prowess and improved defensive work, has the potential to be a game-changer.
Life in the top flight is tough, as we have all been reminded of over the past few weeks, and it does not get much more difficult than going over to Arsenal, especially with the free-flowing football they have been playing under the Spaniard – they look reinvigorated.
But I genuinely feel we can go to north London and get something.
After all, while we have lost our last three games, there has not been a vast amount wrong with the performances.
We have created chances in all of those matches, particularly against Brighton and Spurs, but have just lacked a cutting edge.
For the first 10 minutes last weekend, we were all over them. We really started brightly.
Then a lapse in concentration saw us go 2-0 down – and it only takes the slightest switch-off in the Premier as the quality of some of the players you come up against is unbelievable.
We probably would have got away with taking our eye off the ball like that last season, but not now.
We responded well after the break before going 3-0 down, but then we carried on fighting and almost got ourselves a point – thanks in no small part to substitute Morgan Gibbs-White.
The fighting spirit was really pleasing so I just want to see more of that against Arsenal, but with that ruthlessness at both ends of the pitch.
I was also happy to see Raul Jimenez get his goal against Spurs from the penalty spot.
He is a workhorse, a real grafter who truly gives his all for the team.
Let’s hope him, Cavaleiro, and probably Helder Costa as the front three, can be clinical and bring our losing run to a halt.
