Wolves Fans' Verdict v Arsenal: A great display

Matt Cooper (Talking Wolves)

Reaction to the Result

That was a really good performance from a Wolves side who may feel disappointed not to have come away from the Emirates with all three points. The switch to a 3-4-3 meant Wolves started on the front foot and caused Arsenal problems from the get-go – something they’ve rarely done this season. Having the option of an under/overlapping winger gives Wolves a much bigger attacking threat. The inclusion at Dendoncker at centre back, twinned with Saiss meant the distribution from the defence was terrific.

Man of the Match

Playing Neves further forward really does highlight the calibre of player and he was much improved but I have to go with Jonny as my MOTM. Defensively dependant as ever, he’s really added to his attacking game too and was a constant threat down the left.

Something to Improve

If Wolves could take their chances, then they’d have been coming away from the Emirates with two more points. We’ve got the potential to hurt teams, now let’s start to make those chances count.

Clive Smith

Reaction to the Result

A much-deserved point in a game when we had more shots than we have in a while. After starting on the front foot, it was disappointing not to be ahead, never mind being behind. A great spirit and attitude to bounce back and an impressive header for the goal.

Man of the Match

Jonny did excellent at right and left wing-back. Traore was, Traore! Neves had his best game for quite a while. Yet again though, Jimenez led the line fantastically and was MOTM.

Something to Improve

We played the ball into their box ten times in the first ten minutes, then having twenty five shots, with eight on target should result in more than one goal. Jota had several chances, he really needs to convert more.

Adam Virgo

Reaction to the Result

A fair result in the end, however both teams will feel like they could have won it. We started the game well and with good intensity but after about 10-15 minutes, Arsenal turned it up, got the goal which was poor defending from us and from then on until half time they were the better side. We deserved the equaliser though, brilliant header from Jimenez, obviously it would have been nice to get a winner but it’s a good point and now onto two big games this week.

Man of the Match

Jonny was absolutely superb all game, defended well when he needed to and he played a crucial part in our equaliser. He had to move to RWB when Doherty came off but he did brilliantly on that side too. Jimenez back on the scoresheet and from open play this time which is good to see but his header was fantastic and he worked hard all afternoon.

Something to Improve

Some of our attacking play at times was very good but then at other times it was poor, so a little more consistency. I don’t feel as though Adama got into the game much which could have made more of a difference if he had because when he did have the ball and ran at Arsenal, they were fearing the worst. Another slight defensive mistake too but without Boly it’s tough and when they have attacking players of Ozil, Lacazette and Aubameyang’s quality, it’s never going to be easy stopping them.

Rob Cartwright

Reaction to the Result

For the second consecutive season, we came away disappointed with just a draw against the (once) mighty Arsenal. Lots of compliments from Gunners fans about the way we played and rightly so; this was our best performance this season, in my opinion. The only exception may be Torino away! I’ve urged us to be more positive in the first half and we finally did it. With our strongest team of fit players, we clearly went three at back and three up front. With Dendoncker being in defence, we allowed Neves to operate further up the field and he did this so well. It makes all the difference. We went for Arsenal straight from the kick off and maintained high pressure for 20 minutes. They didn’t know what had hit them and there fans were stunned into silence. The referee was giving Wolves nothing, as free-kicks, throw-ins and corners were all given wrongly to Arsenal. I’d take referee mistakes any day over the VAR monstrosity. Of course, Arsenal would score with their first real effort on goal. They were twice offside in the build up, which we cleared for a throw-in. A blind eye was turned to a clear foul throw and Aubameyang made just the room he needed to score from inside the box. Wolves continued to press forward and Arsenal were looking likely to get another in what was turning out to be a very good game. We probably needed the half time break more than they did to be fair. The second half started the same with Wolves on the front foot and on top. This time, we maintained the intensity for the whole of the half. We created chance after chance, amassing 25 shots on goal. It was a header from Raul following a quick throw-in and a smart cross by Moutinho that got us level. Doherty could have got the second and a Jota run into the box nearly did. This was a fine performance, which deserved more than a draw.

Man of the Match

There were a number of very good performances – all the back three did well. Doherty and Jonny were dangerous and played more on the attack than in defence. Neves looked good higher up the pitch and Moutinho was Moutinho! The front three worked tirelessly all through. Things didn’t quite work for a Traore though he did take on the wing back and get crosses into the box. My man of the match was Jonny.

Something to Improve

It’s hard to find fault, though we must make our dominance of games show in goals. We had more shots and corners than Arsenal, but didn’t test their keeper enough. Overall though, this was a very good game and I’m happy with our performance.

Russ Evers (Hatherton Wolves)

Reaction to the Result

A lot of similarities to last Saturday's draw at Newcastle as we retained our 1-1 draw specialist stage. Yet again we went behind – against the run of play – having easily been the better side without creating too many clear-cut chances. To recover, equalise and be slightly disappointed at the final whistle just shows how far we have come and the likes of Arsenal are no longer in front of our relentless pursuit of bigger and better things.

Man of the Match

This was more of a team performance and it would be difficult to pick anyone out who did more than a colleague.

Something to Improve

We need to start winning more games against teams who are starting to be our inferiors – like that lot next weekend.