The Joe Edwards debrief – Sheffield United 0 Wolves 2
Wolves got the new Premier League campaign off to to a great start as they won at Sheffield United.
There were plenty of positives for Nuno Espirito Santo to take from the clash, especially after such a short pre-season.
Signs of evolution
Nuno, having committed his future to the club by signing a fresh three-year deal, outlined how this was a ‘new cycle’ for Wolves. He urged them to be ‘more dominant’ – and this performance was very promising.
On quite a few occasions last term, his side were perhaps a bit too tentative, taking a while to get into games, so it was fantastic to see them grab this one by the scruff of the neck right from the first whistle.
Hopefully, this was the start of a new trend for Wolves and they will come flying out of the traps more often.
Of course, some matches will require a more cautious approach, but the Blades were blown away in the first six minutes. The fluid patterns of play pointed towards an evolution of the style under Nuno, too.
They were still robust defensively, but going forward, there seemed to be more freedom. Long may it continue.
Stunning Saiss
Romain Saiss was magnificent. What a header it was to make it 2-0, and he almost scored a couple more.
The Moroccan also cleared an Oli McBurnie header off the line, was Wolves’ most accurate passer and the joint-best for headers and clearances.
It was an all-action display and a real statement from the 30-year-old.
Saiss is determined to keep hold of that spot on the left side of the back three, so well done to him.
Conor Coady – with England boss Gareth Southgate watching on – put in a top display as well.
Attacking prowess
Raul Jimenez carried on right where he left off last season by scoring another stunner, while Daniel Podence and Pedro Neto were constantly asking questions.
Podence and Neto, rather than playing as conventional wingers, were often switching around – Podence almost like a second striker, Neto in the hole.
United really struggled to keep tabs on them. This could be a big season for them two.
Lots of options
Wolves did not even have to bring on £35million record signing Fabio Silva.
Diogo Jota was an unused substitute, too, while Ruben Neves only came on towards the end.
It remains a small squad, but there is certainly more quality within it now. Nuno will be a happy man.
