Wolves Fans' Verdict v Bournemouth: We've come a long way under Gary O'Neil

Stephen Jackson

During the week I read a statistic detailing the difficulty of the beginning eight fixtures of the season. Wolves had the toughest set of opening fixtures of the 20 teams in the league according to this ranking system. It is quite remarkable that we find ourselves only a few points shy of the European places in the table and it is still early doors, but huge credit must go to Gary and his team for the current points haul and position in the table.

It is also very encouraging that Gary’s post match comments indicate they are keeping their feet firmly on the ground. His response to the three points seem to indicate there is a lot more to come in terms of playing style, tactics, and what he wants to see from his team on the match day. He must have been so personally satisfied to get one over his old employers but publicly didn’t say a word about it. What class.

The switch to the back three is paying dividends with all three centre-backs playing at a much higher level and lapses in concentration way down. Lemina was barely missed in midfield against Bournemouth, with Tommy Doyle coming on at half time and having a huge impact. We now have some strength in depth and competition for places that will push the first XI even harder. Gary must be very pleased with that. It will be very interesting to see if Doherty retains his place once Semedo is eligible again.

Albeit it is only Bournemouth but each game is massive and to ruthlessly capitalise on the opponents' defensive mistake was a nice change. Great finish from the big man after a lovely little ball from Hwang. Keeping Hwang fit will be a bonus. Lastly, Cunha’s unselfish celebration deserves a mention, highlighting Neto’s involvement after his goal. For Cunha it could have been easy to boast in his exquisite finish but by drawing attention to Neto we see the togetherness and belief in each other that Gary is building amongst the squad. Long may that continue and we are now onto a fantastic fixture at home vs Newcastle under the Molineux lights. Our front three can really get at the Toon back line which could set this up for a cracking fixture!

Rob Cartwright

This was another significant step forward, as Gary O’Neil was able to make the changes required to win an away game, after being behind at the break.

Wolves were in control for most of the game, but lacked urgency in the first half. This was put right by the introduction of Doyle who showed his worth having come on at half-time. He looks comfortable with the ball and certainly knows how to pick out an attacking pass. I think we saw enough to feel he must start from now on. Quite a decision for O’Neil to make with regards to who he leaves out?

It was a dream start to the second half, as Cunha scored a great equaliser after just two minutes. Doyle started the move with an excellent ball through to Neto, he crossed to Cunha in the box who fired while on the move. A great goal and deserved.

We were well on top by the Bournemouth red card, after 57 minutes. I didn’t think there was much in it, to be honest, but replays show a deliberate head butt, albeit a soft one.