Wolves took all three points against Manchester City yesterday thanks in-part to some absolutely brilliant defending.
Pedro Neto and Hwang Hee-chan are coming in for lots of praise today for their contributions to the 2-1 victory.
Neto forced an own goal from Ruben Dias, and in the second-half Hwang scored a winner for Wolves after Julian Alvarez had equalised.
But the efforts of those at the back cannot be overstated.
Gary O’Neil brought in Toti Gomes to form a back three with Craig Dawson and Max Kilman – and the trio were outstanding.
Dawson came in for praise from Match of the Day last night, with Micah Richards starting that he was ‘fantastic’.
Yesterday was also probably Kilman’s best display of the season so far – and his performance impressed former skipper Conor Coady…
Conor Coady sends message to Max Kilman after Wolves win over Manchester City
Kilman has had a bit of shaky start to the new season.
He is now wearing the captain’s armband at Wolves, and it has perhaps weighed a little heavy in these opening weeks.
But yesterday he was absolutely superb, playing on the right of a back three – a position he was so good in under Bruno Lage in 2021/22.
Kilman gave Phil Foden absolutely nothing and was really dominant.
And his display was lapped up by Coady, who sent a message to Kilman on social media last night.
Kilman uploaded a couple pf photos from the game, and wrote: “Enjoyed that. Atmosphere was unreal from the fans! What an incredible win. Let’s continue to work and keep improving.
Former captain Coady replied to the new skipper, ‘Top drawer big man’.
Kilman must build on City display
Coady is spot on with his assessment about Kilman.
He really was top drawer yesterday, against the most lethal team in the world.
The 26-year-old was in the zone from minute one, and made a number of brilliant clearances.
Kilman must now build on this display.
He wasn’t quite at is for the first few weeks of the new season but yesterday he provided a reminder of how good a player he is.
If Wolves can become a bit more solid at the back, then that is going to help massively.