Express & Star

Wolves searching for goal-den formula

Published
Last updated

"We're certainly looking for the right equation going forward."

more

One goal in three games tells its own story – and Kenny Jackett is desperate to rectify that, starting tonight.

A four-game unbeaten run has pleased the Wolves boss, who thinks his settled back five (back six including the defensive-minded Jack Price) have shown impressive resilience.

But Jackett wants to see more creativity from his young side.

He said ahead of tonight's clash at relegation-threatened MK Dons: "We've had a run of draws and while we don't want to undo things at the back we do want to get better going forward, as a side, create more chances and look more potent.

"We're not right where we want to be. We want to be creating more chances, and when we're at our best we do pass the ball very well.

"The back four has been settled and is in quite a good place.

"Carl Ikeme has steadily improved as the season has gone on, and Jack Price coming in has helped us defensively as well.

"We don't want to draw 0-0 at home, we want to be attacking and create chances, and we didn't create enough on Saturday.

"It was difficult for us on Saturday, it's hard to play against Ipswich."

Wolves' last few games have all been fairly tight affairs. And Jackett feels that's indicative of this stage of the season.

"The run we're on where every game has been tight and could have gone either way – they're a feature of this time of the year," he added.

"There aren't that many open, entertaining games. Sides are scrapping wins out, a lot of draws or won by the odd goal, and a lot settled by set-pieces.

"And particularly when you look around at the pitches that aren't the best."

Does the Wolves boss feel his team are still trying to find their identity?

"Since I've been here we've passed the ball, and passed it well," he said.

"In terms of our identity we are a passing club and a passing team, there have just been times where we haven't been quite good enough to impose that on the opposition."

The game marks a return to Stadium mk, two years after 9,000 fans enjoyed one of Wolves' most memorable away days of recent decades, with Liam McAlinden's goal sealing a 1-0 win.

Jackett said of that, and of tonight's clash: "That was certainly a one-off. It was a fantastic build-up and the Wolves supporters saw it through. And we got the win which helped us considerably at that time.

"They're fighting for their lives. They won't want to give that status up easily, they'll be fighting for everything."

One man who'll be hoping to start tonight is Bjorn Sigurdarson, who disappointed on the right wing on Saturday and was withdrawn at half-time.

The Icelandic forward has failed to find the net in 12 appearances since making his comeback from injury and is still waiting for his first Wolves goal since August 2013.

Jackett said of Sigurdarson: "I didn't think it was his best half. He's worked hard since he came back. He's a very good pro, we're trying to get the most out of him and give him a platform.

"Certainly the run of games he had up front, a goal in that period would have really helped him.

"He has to keep working away and when he gets his chance, do everything he can to take it."

[comments_cta header="What do you think?" button="Log in and start commenting"]