Mick has been getting some stick lately but he played his cards brilliantly in the much-needed win against Sunderland.
Wolves played well, as usual, but found themselves a goal down, as usual, as the final whistle approached. The manager responded decisively and his two substitutes brought about the victory.
It was a great game against the Black Cats and one that showed the best and worst of Wolves. We worked hard, never stopped trying to play football and put some great sequences together.
Jarvis repeatedly skinned his full back and Doyle gave a man-of-the-match display getting through the work of two strikers with his craft and energy. In the middle, Milijas looked comfortable on the ball and played some incredible passes while Mancienne never stopped tackling.
The full backs contributed too, overlapping whenever possible to join the attack.
Zubar and Hennessey came back after long absences and both looked like they had never been away.
Unfortunately, the defence often looked desperate and we put ourselves under pressure needlessly at times with under-hit back passes and hesitation. Stearman got himself in to trouble on a few occasions and was at fault for the Sunderland equaliser. He was caught flat-footed against one of the fastest and most deadly strikers in the league, Darren Bent.
He's like our version of Titus Bramble - a good defender in all aspects of the game but capable of one calamitous mistake in every game he plays. That's why he hasn't overtaken Jody Craddock in the pecking order yet, despite his teammates' years.
But let's focus on the massive positive of the weekend - three beautiful points. A win is so important because it's so tight in the league this year. Win next weekend and, if other results go our way, we could climb out of the drop-zone which is a nice thought considering we've had what is widely regarded as a poor start to the season.
Compare the start Aston Villa have had to the season. Praise has been heaped on our neighbours for their use of young players. Their fans are happy enough with the manager and nobody has mentioned them being in a relegation battle this season. But Villa are just five points ahead of us - something that could be reversed in 180 minutes of football.
On Saturday, Mick showed that he has got the tactical nous to guide us back to winning ways in the coming weeks. He brought on Hunt and Ebanks-Blake when we were behind and first the striker's header was parried out for the Irishman to tap in. Then Sylvain rocketed home the winner after Doyle had found him in the box. My faith is restored and I bet the Wolves training ground is full of positivity now too.
Blackburn are up next, fresh from conceding seven against Manchester United.
Let's heap on the misery!
Comments
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Posted by RoversFan on 12/02/2010
As a Blackburn supporter, I'll have to contest your very last statement, but apart from our upcoming match, I wish Wolves good luck. Few teams work as hard for results, and I mean that as a genuine compliment, not a backhanded jab that many managers of bigger clubs and the media are so keen to give both our teams when we get a result. Wolves are playing very well and they deserve to have results start going their way soon enough.
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Posted by Terry F on 12/02/2010
I think Mick's a tremendous manager outside of his loyalty to Henry and Ward. But, that's the great thing about Mick. He is loyal. However, it's a cold world, and he needs to awake to the fact that some of the players that put out the most effort don't necessarily have the talent.
I've said all along, our biggest problem is the back four and in midfield, yet we continue to act as if Craddock is ageless and Berra, Ward, Foley and Henry are first rate. I like Berra a lot, but he is susceptible to a big mistake at the wrong time and that kills you in the Premier League. Ward and Foley always panic in the clutch and simply can't be trusted. Stearman simply isn't ready. Elokobi can be listless at times, but when he shows up to play, he far outclasses Ward. Henry is Championship class.
If we're buying in January, I'd like to see us add two players for the back and one in midfield. We desperately need a creative offensive midfielder to create from the middle to take pressure off of Jarvis
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Posted by M. Walter on 12/04/2010
I am amazed at the incompetence Wolves have at all levels: players, coach and management. The team has no discipline and no scoring skill. For years the team has appeared to play for a draw rather than to win. The performance this year in the premier League is an embarrassment. The coach himself was an early defeatist, stating it would be hard to remain in the League. What was he and the management doing in the offseason to build/improve the team. The coach should be fired now.
Posted by Terry F. on 12/07/2010
Well, I think we are toast now. I don't like to be a Mick detractor, but this week's lineup with Foley and Ward? I know there are injury issues, but we need to go out and play a 4-4-2, go aggressive and play for the win, and we're not.
Either we buy two back 4 players, and expensive ones at that, or I think Jarvis and Doyle transfer out in January and Wolves prepare for the inevitable drop.
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