Wolves Fans' Verdict v Watford: Relief and elation

Matt Cooper (Talking Wolves)

Reaction to the Result

Wolves started the game on the front foot for the first time since I can remember and it certainly paid dividends. They took the bull by the horns and really took the game to Watford. Wolves sank too deep in the second half nervously as Watford went close on a few occasions, but Wolves made them pay for their missed chances as they made it two. The first Premier League win of the season – the monkey is off our back and it’s time to kick on now.

Man of the Match

Jonny Otto was unbeatable all afternoon, Doc looked back to his best with his goal but Joao Moutinho marshalled the game, snapping at the heels of the Watford midfield. His game management is second to none and his passing was sublime.

Something to Improve

Wolves need to stop dropping so deep once they’ve taken a lead. It invites so much pressure, but it does take real leadership and courage to implement with backs against the wall. Apart from that, a comprehensive performance.

Clive Smith

Reaction to the Result

Realistically it was not a six-pointer, but it sure felt like it at the start. The result was everything and two clinical counter attacks won us the game. Pleasing to get that no-win monkey off our back.

Man of the Match

Jimenez led the line well, especially with his back to goal. Neto, Jonny and Traore made several threatening forward runs. It was though most pleasing to keep a clean sheet with Coady much improved,and Doherty too. Saiss was the MOTM though, winning numerous headers, strong in the challenges and providing good distribution.

Something to Improve

Our passing was poor again. Frequently we gave the ball away needlessly, and too often it was in our own half. Better opposition would more likely have punished us.

Adam Virgo

Reaction to the Result

It feels so good to finally get that first Premier League win of the season and it was fully deserved. A clean sheet will also give everyone confidence going into two tough games. Watford were poor for large parts and although we can still improve in some areas, it was a much improved performance from what we’ve seen this season and hopefully now we can kick on.

Man of the Match

A few players stood out yesterday including Boly, Doherty, Moutinho, Traore and Neto. Boly was absolutely solid all game, Doherty looked back to his best, especially going forward and Moutinho kept everything simple and off the ball he made some brilliant tackles. Neto had his best game so far this season and quite frankly he looks way ahead of where Gibbs-White is currently. Traore had Holebas on toast all game, especially in the second half and delivered a couple of brilliant balls too. Saiss also improved massively on last week, put his body on the line constantly and was calm in possession.

Something to Improve

There were still a couple of moments where we looked a little shaky at the back as a unit but hopefully with the clean sheet that will settle any nerves we had. We started really well again and this time we got an early goal but we let Watford creep back into it more with some sloppy play in possession, thankfully it went unpunished and we eventually got the second goal to kill the game.

Rob Cartwright

Reaction to the Result

Phew - this first league win has been a long time coming. Nuno shuffled the pack once more, with some surprises. It worked to good effect with Wolves showing determination to get the first goal; something we hadn’t managed before. We were entertained by some good passages of play with Moutinho picking out our wide players time after time. Traore and Neto both had success in taking on the Watford defence and delivering good crosses into the box. It was this combination that gave Doherty a simple tap in for his goal. We had a few jitters in the second half, but overall were good value for the win. I thought we showed Watford too much respect and the margin of victory could have been much greater.

Man of the Match

Some good performances from Boly, Jonny and Moutinho. Doherty is looking fitter and more like himself. Saiss was awful first half and kept giving the ball away, but was excellent in the second! Jimenez ran and ran but only had one chance early in the game. He looks like he needs a proper rest. Neto had an excellent full debut. We maybe have another 19 year old gem here. Man of the Match goes to Traore, once more. He still not the finished article but is our most improved player and the one who creates most excitement on the ball. He’s been tried in a number of positions this season. He played further forward alongside Doherty for the second time and its worked to good effect both games.

Something to Improve

We were much more positive in seeking the first goal and this needs to continue. Dendoncker isn’t having a great run at the moment. He seems to slow play down too often when there is a chance to move the ball forward quickly and catch the opposition on the break. Overall though, a great result and a pleasing performance from the team.

Russ Evers (Hatherton Wolves)

Reaction to the Result

A small step to returning to the Wolves of last season. Compact, error-free and hard-working throughout. We allowed Watford to keep the ball in areas where we were not going to get hurt and looked good going forward with Neto looking like Harrods! A much-needed win to lift us half a dozen places up the league table and sets us up nicely for Besiktas and Man City away in the week.

Man of the Match

More of a collective team effort but Boly, Doherty and Neto were the standouts for me.

Something to Improve

We just now need to build on this type of performance and try and bring a little bit of the swagger back, but 13th in the league, in the group stages of the Europa League and last 16 of the League Cup – I would have taken that back in early August!