Wolves Fans' Verdict v Arsenal: The fairytale continues

Gulraj Kular (Musings from Molineux)

What's your verdict on the match? As sure as clockwork, the victory against a top six side arrives.

To be quite honest, this wasn’t like any of the other games we’ve had against the big guns, in a number of ways. For a start, Arsenal looked good for about 20 minutes. We simply couldn’t get a foothold in the game, with every tackle landing at an Arsenal player’s feet and for a short while we were simply chasing shadows.

Then Diogo decided to roll his sleeves up. The first time he really got into his stride, it actually amounted to nothing, but he imprinted a part of his personality on the game and his next driving run led to the first goal, a sumptuous free kick that despite the assertions of the Sky commentators, nobody truly expected to go in. Neves’ radar has been pretty off this season but he found his range in a lovely manner here.

It’s a glitch of modern-day football how often sides seem to wilt at the sign of pressure and Arsenal did just that over the course of the next 20 minutes. We weren’t creating a bucketload of chances but they were caught up in a frenzy, made a number of poor decisions and Bernd Leno in particular just lost his way entirely.

The rest of the game just trundled along in much the same manner as the first part of the game, although we failed to break out as often as we would have liked. The work was done though, and a 40 year hoodoo was dispelled.

Who played well – and who didn't impress? There was much good about Wolves and honourable mentions go to the back three and the wing-backs in particular.

But the vast majority of the credit has to go to Diogo Jota, who dragged us up from our bootstraps like a disciplinarian parent and whipped us into shape, with his drive, determination and outstanding ability to pummel his way past opponents.

I remember his first few outings in a Wolves shirt being similar, but as an unknown to the division it could have been argued that teams just didn’t know what to expect. Now though, he really is unstoppable, against the highest class of opposition as well. It’s no longer Ruben Neves’ exit I fear now...

Chris Hughes

What's your verdict on the match? We knew it was coming, didn’t we?

If this rollercoaster of a season has taught us anything, it’s that a visit from one of the big boys sees us raise our game and deliver an excellent performance.

Personally, Arsenal were the one top side I was yet to see us get a victory against. We went close at the Emirates but the other games against them I’ve witnessed have either seen us outclassed or on the wrong end of some questionable refereeing decisions and unable to get a win. It’s great to finally have ‘done them’.

It was encouraging that this wasn’t our usual performance against the big sides either. Where we usually sit deep and look to counter, we were on the offensive here and looking to attack their unreliable defence as often as possible during a first half where we could have scored more than the three goals we managed. It probably helped that Arsenal had Jay Leno in goal rather than Bernd Leno.

The difference-maker at the Emirates to prevent us getting a win there, the German was awful here and made a mess with all three goals with poor positioning, choices and celebrating Easter a few days late with some chocolate wrists for the third.

Back up to seventh with the win, with everyone back on parity for games played, it’s now all in our own hands to see if we can finish the season on a high and, just maybe, have some of these great Molineux evenings against some teams from the continent next season...

Who played well – and who didn't impress? Another excellent performance all round. Boly was imperious at the back, winning pretty much everything in the air all night, as was Bennett, with one absolutely brilliant second-half block to deny Arsenal pulling a goal back earlier than they eventually did.

Neves, Moutinho and Dendoncker were unspectacular but worked tremendously hard to win the midfield battle and Neves delivered a lovely free-kick to open the scoring.

Both wing-backs got forward well and were solid defensively, with Doc grabbing another goal in this prolific season.

Raúl left his shooting boots at home but did a lot of good work with and without the ball to help our cause but his strike partner was the undoubted star of the show.

It’s a real shame that Jota started this season with some niggly injuries and a seeming lack of belief in himself because, since returning from under-21 duty with a couple of goals for Portugal, he’s been almost unplayable.

From the off he was full of direct running at the Arsenal backline, creating chances and drawing fouls as they struggled to cope with his pace and ability to get his body between the ball and his opponent quickly.

I can’t wait to see how good he can be next season if he hits the ground running from August and has a whole season playing with this confidence.

Russ Evers (Hatherton Wolves)

What's your verdict on the match? That will not please the moaners. No plan B needed when you can tear a team to shreds with plan A!

First win over Arsenal since the days of Hibbitt, Gray and Richards and for 25 minutes or so we were almost as good as the half hour or so in 1971 when we put five past the then double winners.

And it could have been 5-0 as Jota hit the post and Neves was denied a second free kick delicacy by the merest of touches.

After the break it was just keep what we have, but even then we could have added a couple more before Arsenal gained their consolation.

Smiles back on faces and the Euro dream remains!

Rob Cartwright

What's your verdict on the match? Another special night, under the lights, at Molineux. We’ve had a few this season; oh how we’ve been spoiled.

The masses arrived confident of a win. The pre match odds of 2/1 looked too good to turn down, as the national press boys were already writing their “Arsenal were poor” headlines.

Arsenal played right into our hands, dominating the early possession. It was 0-0 after 15 minutes and we’d hardly seen the ball. Arsenal had not yet had a shot and I was certain we would go on to win. I couldn’t have dreamt how well we would take them apart in the following 30 minutes leading to half time.

We were well organised, looked hungry and ready to pounce. Patience was a virtue as we had to wait until the 28th minute for our first real chance. As soon as Jonny was fouled on the edge of the D, we all knew Neves would score.

I knew, Neves knew, the Arsenal fans knew and I even think their goalkeeper knew. Worthy of note is that it was Moutinho who won possession on the edge of our box, before setting Jota on one of his runs.

We were running Arsenal ragged for the next 10 minutes, with Moutinho and Jonny again involved, as Doherty scores from a short corner routine we had practiced (and practiced) against Brighton.

It begs the question - did Arsenal send anyone to watch the Brighton game? If they did, check their expense receipts, as I think they spent the afternoon at Dudley Zoo!

We’d all have settled for 2-0 at half time, but we weren’t finished yet. Torreira was lucky not to see red for a two footed foul on Neves, midway in our own half. Thirty seconds later, Jota received the ball and ran to goal dragging three defenders wide, before his trademark left foot shot into goal.

Wolves had completely taken Arsenal apart in 20 minutes. It could have been much more with Moutinho, Jimenez, Jota and Neves all having further good chances of goal.

Who played well – and who didn't impress? In reality, we didn’t play that different to the Brighton game. We did get Jonny and Jota on the ball more and moved forward with more urgency. You can do this when you have less of the ball. Arsenal had 70 per cent possession; as we did against Brighton!

Jimenez had three good scoring opportunities which went begging to be put away. The crowd were superb here applauding him loud and long each time. He’s earned that.

He looked tired to me throughout. I hope he’s ready for Watford away...what I’d give to see him score there.

The defence were good. I have a massive regret that Bennett did not start at Wembley!

Rui had virtually nothing to do all game but should have done better with their goal, a header in the six yard box. A firm glove would have dealt with that.

Moutinho and Neves were at their best together. Dendoncker looks to be lacking confidence with passes going astray. He’ll get over it soon, no doubt. Doherty had a good game, especially after an early booking. Another goal for him. What a season he’s having?

Man of the match was Jota. When he’s on song, he’s awesome. Liverpool will be more worried about him than anyone else.

Jonny was a very close second. Played a fabulous game, when many were calling for a Vinagre start.

So a great night and an overwhelming feeling of satisfaction. We were so unlucky not to beat them at the Emirates in November.

This morning I’m feeling very old. All this talk of not beating Arsenal for 40 years...this was the sixth time I’ve seen us beat Arsenal. It won’t be the last!

Clive Smith

What's your verdict on the match? If you listen to the media (national media – Ed), Arsenal lost. From where I sat though it looked a thoroughly good Wolves win. We spent the first 15 minutes on the back foot, looking somewhat sloppy in possession and it was not a great watch at the time.

Suddenly though, as if a switch had been pressed, we turned into the impressive side we have been most of the season. Passes started to flow, with a neatness and tempo that is something we will never tire of. Chances began to come, Moutinho, Doherty and Jimenez had attempts while Otto and Jota were running forward with constant pace. Arsenal didn't look so classy on the back foot – they were the ones looking sloppy then.

Neves probably owed us a decent shot after a few wayward efforts in recent games. His high quality free kick looked a goal as soon as he hit it. Brilliant technique. His second one looked goal bound too until it flicked the top of the wall.

After Jota got to the byline and nearly scored we added to our lead straight after. Don't you just love a short corner? When it works! This one worked a treat as the cross from Otto had goal written all over it. It was our other wing back, the high scoring one, who finished it off. 2-0 against Arsenal - we never beat Arsenal!

Then, like another Arsenal bus turning up, we put the game away bang on half time. A Jota run, on the diagonal, into the box, saw him get a true low shot through the keeper.

The second half was a bit more of a slow burner, but hey, when you are 3-0 up, what is there not to like. Possession - who needs it?

And yet, we still had chances to add to our lead and looked more likely to do so by just giving the ball to Jota.

One late blemish saw us concede, close range, from a corner, but the bogey that is beating Arsenal has been put to bed.

Who played well – and who didn't impress? Patricio had little to do, but could surely have prevented the goal with a routine punch.

Doherty was slow to get going, picking up a soft yellow, but then looked to enjoy his night out.

Otto was fast-forward most of the game. Plenty of lung busting charges, one of which won the free kick for Neves. Some of us Amateur Manager's might have started Vinagre - we would have been wrong to - apologies to Jonny.

Boly had some early wayward passes before getting up to speed and looking in control. Coady too was off with his passing early on and was the least worked of the three backs.

Bennett nearly had an assist with a long throw, met a corner with a strong attacking header while also making two excellent block tackles. First time in a while, but he was our best centre half tonight.

Boy do we love a Neves goal. Will he ever have a tap in other than a penalty!? He found more time and space and open colleagues than against Brighton. He looks a star in games like that. We have not seen enough of his trademark goal celebration.

Moutinho for once did not show up a much as his sidekick but still had a good enough game.

Besides one poor square pass, Dendoncker showed plenty of energy and a willingness to get forward more often than in some games. Interesting that after his mistake, that he put his hands up to acknowledge and looked forlorn, no fewer than four players gave him a high five before play re-commenced.

Jota was superb again. Man of the match and with an end product to show for his efforts this week. Better passing from others around the box to him could well have seen him score more. When he drills a shot like he did, you want him to have more.

Jimenez continues with his great work ethic but for the third game running he snatched at a good chance and shot well over the bar. A couple other chances were wasted - his edge has just been lacking of late.

From the bench Cavaleiro, Traore and Gibbs-White all had a few minutes but contributed little.