Wolves Fans' Verdict v Southampton: Epic comeback!

Matt Cooper (Talking Wolves)

Reaction to the Result

Talk about a game of two halves. Wolves looked jaded in the first half and lacked aggression in the areas that matter. Doherty was at fault for the first but the ball should have been cut out. Dendoncker was at fault for the second. We knew Wolves were a second half team but that resurgence was another level. The switch to go narrower paid off as Wolves’ front three turned the game on its head. We’re crying out for signings but that’s some win.

Man of the Match

Looking past Raul, who looked poor despite his two goals, I thought Neves controlled the midfield really well and found his range with some of his passes. Covered every blade of grass on the St Mary’s pitch against a team full of runners.

Something to Improve

I think it goes without saying that Wolves need to start playing well for 90 minutes, not just 45. Reinforcements are an absolute must if Wolves are to really mount a top-seven finish again this season.

Clive Smith

Reaction to the Result

The less said about the first half the better. Poor in possession and sloppy in defence saw us look well beaten and two goals down. Had we carried on like that the score would have been embarrassing. With few alternative options available Nuno managed to shuffle the pack at the break, adjusting the position of Traore in particular and it worked a treat. A remarkable turnaround, I've not enjoyed a comeback like this since.... well, the City game. Despite our recent run of results, sixth place looks good. Like Nuno, we should be proud of our spirit to turn it around.

Man of the Match

Based on the first half, no-one, well ok, Neto was the pick of the bunch. Far too many players were below par. Overall, by the end though, there was a different view. Our three central defenders, Jonny, Neves and Neto all put in a good shift. Traore again brought his pace, strength and flexibility to the fore and gets MOTM. His body language as well as his effort on the ball was admirable.

Something to Improve

We need to adapt to teams who press us high up. Saints followed Watford's style against us and we struggled to maintain possession. Giving the ball away when our wing-backs are advanced means we get caught short-numbered in defence. Neves repeatedly had to cover for Doherty in our third when this happened.

Rob Cartwright

Reaction to the Result

This was a comeback of quite monumental proportions. We were second best in the first half both in and out of possession. No problem with the effort, but we were sloppy and looked like we were running on gas. This is when Nuno is at his best. The tactical change and a few words of magic turned the game on its head. Neto dropped a little deeper, with Traore coming more central with Jimenez up top. All three players were absolutely superb in the next 45 minutes. It was as though Wolves had topped up with rocket fuel! Southampton continued to play well too and a score of 3-6 would have fairly reflected the shift in power on the pitch. What was Jonny doing so far up the pitch to win the penalty? While on that, how did neither defender get a card for the foul denying a scoring chance?

Man of the Match

Neto gets my vote, simply because he managed to shine for the whole game, until he made way with 10 minutes to go. He was our best player in first half and what a sensible young lad – when he scored, he wasn’t interested in celebrating rather wanting to restart the game, knowing we were now on top. In the second half, the change helped the three forwards and Traore and Jimenez were fantastic too. Traore was involved in all three goals and was on fire for 30 minutes. The link up with Jimenez for the winner was inspiring. Traore picked the ball inside our own half. It was five defenders against our two, and four passes later the ball was in their net.

Something to Improve

We all know the issues – conceding first, needing reinforcements, players fatigued. I’d rather focus on all that’s good. This was an incredible comeback, against a team who have just won five on the bounce. Thank you Wolves for giving us a cracking day out and making us feel proud.

Russ Evers (Hatherton Wolves)

Reaction to the Result

A first half to forget with a jaded looking side and seemingly no way back. Step up the new Wolves with a second wind from the 46th minute and an away end full of belief. Fair play lads as this was heading for a three or four-goal beating, but instead we are back up to 6th.

Man of the Match

In the first half no one really, but all of them in the second half personified by Raul and a shout out to Neto who must have been waiting for VAR to ruin his day again! And as for VAR this time justice was done, but how did the referee not give the penalty in the first place ?

Something to Improve

Playing well in the first half wouldn’t half give us a springboard!