Wolves took a point against Manchester United – and fans have been discussing Jhon Arias since the end of the game.
Rob Edwards is finally off the mark with his first point after seven straight defeats beforehand, with Wolves producing one of their best displays of the season at Old Trafford.
Wanderers were good on the ball and fairly strong defensively, and also carved out numerous chances.
Sadly only one of those chances was taken, when Ladislav Krejci nodded in brilliantly just before half-time.
Wolves fans, who was your standout performer in the 1-1 draw with Manchester United? 🐺
But overall it was a really decent performance from the Old Gold, and Edwards deserves credit for the way he set his team up.
He certainly made some decisions that raised eyebrows before kick-off.
Jhon Arias operating as a number eight was not something anyone saw coming.
But a lot of fans were coming to the same conclusion after last night’s 1-1 draw.
Wolves fans want Jhon Arias to continue as a number eight
Arias has had a tough time at Wolves since joining in the summer from Fluminense.
The Colombia international has been unable to find consistency at Molineux, and fans have been very disappointed considering the hype when he signed.
But last night against United, Arias produced a tidy performance operating as one of two number eights, the other being Mateus Mane.
It was an industrious display from the Colombian, who made six tackles according to Sofascore, and he also used the ball well in tight areas.
He played in midfield with Andre suspended. And some fans are now keen for him to keep his place.
Did Jhon Arias give his best performance in a Wolves shirt to date vs Man United? 🤔
The Colombian put in an industrious display playing as a number eight…
@tanton_kian: “Got to keep Arias in the 8 rather than on the wing, he looked so much better. Gomes and Andre and too defensive together, but a midfield three of Andre in the 6 and Arias and Gomes as two 8s could work well.”
@capewell_oliver: “Andre shouldn’t come straight back in. Keep Arias in there.”
@Fizo37: “Ever since a month or two into the season, I’ve thought Arias is more of an 8 in a midfield 3 than he is a forward. We should treat him this way. Tidy player that can link play and protect the ball well, with good pressing as well.”
@Joshdownes2001: “Been saying this as much as I’d love it to Andre and João just doesn’t work I’d have him playing the Kante role with Krejci (for now) in the 6 and then a bit more of a technical 8 like Arias or Bellegarde.”
@powndland: “Play Arias next to João for the remainder of the season, sell Andre, sell JSL, recall Doyle (if we’re allowed to) buy a winger, put Hwang on the bench, sign a striker.”
@MitchDavis_1: “Take point, stop losing rot, kept Cunha quiet and keeper kept them in the game tbf. Small positives. Pointless if they don’t turn up against West Ham at home though. Gomes and Arias much better without Andre in there. Mane MOTM. Credit to the defence though.”
Jhon Arias may have given Rob Edwards a selection headache
The performance of Arias in midfield last night was pleasantly surprising.
It just hasn’t happened for him since he came to Molineux, but in this position he looked quite effective as part of a midfield three.
It will now be fascinating to see what Edwards does against West Ham United, with Andre back available.
Some have claimed Andre and Gomes can’t play together as they’re both limited, so it’ll be interesting to see if Edwards benches Andre to keep with a system that clearly worked last night.
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