Besiktas v Wolves Europa League - Group K Matchday Thread

[Woking88]

Wokes...isn't it wonderful that you and I can watch the same game and yet have such diverse opinions. As match plans go, I don't believe this was one of Nuno's best. Alright, I know we won in the end and I am as pleased about the result as you are, but feel that you and I must agree to differ about this one. Firstly, I would remind you that in the first half of this game we (Wolves) made zero shots on target and zero attempts otherwise, zero corners (our first occurred in the 61st minute) and zero offsides. I know that statistics are often misleading, however, in this instance they support my opinion that if this was Nuno at his tactical best then I'd much prefer the collossus that steered us to prominence during the past two seasons. When I referred to Besiktas' criminal 'waste of opportunities' I was was not implying they frittered away gilt-edged chances to score, but rather their inability to take advantage of the numerous chances provided by Lens (on the right wing) who had the better of Jonny for most of the game. Lens, consistently managed to get round Jonny and provide crosses into the centre where, unfortunately (for Besiktas), his team-mates were rarely in a position to take advantage of his endeavour. As you say, much credit must go to a Wolves defence who played well, but faced with a more creative and determined opposition the outcome could so easily have been different. On another day Besiktas may well have been 2-0 up at the break and we would have been playing catch-up. Sometimes, circumstances may call for a defensive approach to a game, but if it means purposely withholding any serious intention of attacking the opposition goal then, surely, we may just as well not bother at all.
During the last ten minutes of this game, a desperate Wolves made more attempts on the opposition goal than they had done so during the previous 80 minutes. In the absence of a more aggressive approach I believe our victory in this match was largely due to an element of good fortune. Of course, you may regard it as an example of Nuno's tactical brilliance, but frankly, I much prefer the man who, last season, created for Wolves an ability to counter-attack that was the envy of most teams in the 'Prem'. Such an approach was absent against Besiktas.

Hi Grizz. I have a log of all goal attempts from both sides. The first on-target effort from Besiktas was a blocked header from Elneny at 42 minutes. Also at 42 minutes was a blocked shot from Tokoz and then at 44 minutes a blocked shot from Nayir and that was the sum total of their first-half efforts. It matters not what they nearly did or might have done on another day, we defended very, very well indeed.

The Man City game today was not dissimilar in tactics and is the typical base of many wolves performances.

[GrizzledWolf]

Wokes, due to other commitments I was not able to watch the City game 'live' and only just now have I finished watching a recording of same. For once, I'm almost lost for words. I rather think my disgruntled criticism on this thread has now been rendered redundant, but you don't have to agree.

Against City, our defence was magnificent, a perfect example of how a combination of skill, concentration and determination can frustrate and bring down even the most formidable opposition. How good it was to see the mighty Wolves counter-attack back in action, long overdue as far as I was concerned. Of course, the treasured moment was the sight of Jimenez at speed, slipping past two bemused City defenders before laying off the inch perfect pass for Traore to run onto. Traore struck the ball with confidence and slid it past Ederson into the City goal. The movement was a study in ruthless finishing. For a brief moment I stared in joyous disbelief and found it hard to stop my eyes from welling-up. Strange, isn't it ? how an intense feeling of pride can sometimes affect us. The second goal was icing on the cake and after the final whistle the look of despair and bewilderment on the faces of some M.C. players said it all.

Let's hope it's a sign of things to come.

[GrizzledWolf]

A mighty post Grizz!! To be honest it reflects a lot of the feelings I have watching the Wolves play. In all honesty it bores my tit$ off a lot of the time. Always glad when we win of course but I don't think I could turn up week in and week out, home and away to watch it. Of course well done to those that do we wouldn't be the club we are without them. Also there is something wrong/missing so far this season don't know what it is but that spark and bit of swagger just doesn't seem to be there. Until we recover it we will continue to struggle.

Woodie, thank you for your kind words, mate. It was nice to know that I wasn't the only Wolfie feeling the way I did. However, now that we know the result of the Wolves/City game, perhaps you and I can look forward to a return of the passion and skilled performances of last season.

[Woking88]

Wokes, due to other commitments I was not able to watch the City game 'live' and only just now have I finished watching a recording of same. For once, I'm almost lost for words. I rather think my disgruntled criticism on this thread has now been rendered redundant, but you don't have to agree.

Against City, our defence was magnificent, a perfect example of how a combination of skill, concentration and determination can frustrate and bring down even the most formidable opposition. How good it was to see the mighty Wolves counter-attack back in action, long overdue as far as I was concerned. Of course, the treasured moment was the sight of Jimenez at speed, slipping past two bemused City defenders before laying off the inch perfect pass for Traore to run onto. Traore struck the ball with confidence and slid it past Ederson into the City goal. The movement was a study in ruthless finishing. For a brief moment I stared in joyous disbelief and found it hard to stop my eyes from welling-up. Strange, isn't it ? how an intense feeling of pride can sometimes affect us. The second goal was icing on the cake and after the final whistle the look of despair and bewilderment on the faces of some M.C. players said it all.

Let's hope it's a sign of things to come.

Grizz, I don't know if you are able to access 'Match of the Day 2' which is available on BBC iplayer? If you are you will see a detailed analysis of how our defence worked in the Man City match. It can look as if we are 'under the cosh' at times, but City had limited genuine scoring attempts. Fortunately Rui was at his absolute best when needed. Woody talks about "something missing", can I suggest that it is a, largely, enforced lack of continuity in team selection due to the number of games and the odd injury. Last season we played an unchanged team for the first 9 matches and it gave us a massive impetus.

I remember some people bemoaning the 1980 League Cup Final against Forest as being boring. As a spectacle they were probably right, but as a football match, for me, it was a 'tactical masterclass' as Robertson was constantly nullified, cutting off the supply to the Forest attack.

Anyway, our team is much better placed now as we enter the International break with positivity and optimism!