Wolves’ 1-1 draw with Arsenal at the Emirates was both encouraging and disappointing.
The result extends our unbeaten run in the Premier League to six games- not be scoffed at. However, we’ve now had three draws in a row that probably should’ve been wins.
Wolves out shot Arsenal 25-10 on Saturday, and on an other day could easily have come away with three points. We started the game like we had nothing to fear, and every player can be proud of their efforts. However, there were three clear stand-out performances for Wolves on Saturday who were crucial to the team’s overall play.
Raul Jimenez:
The obvious stand-out performance from a Wolves player on Saturday was the goalscorer, Señor Jimenez himself. Raul expertly finished his one clear-cut chance of the game, with a well-timed jump and powerful low header.
This was his 11th goal in all competitions for Wolves this season and he is more than proving his worth so far. Not only did he get the goal, but also worked tirelessly for the team all game. Jimenez won 4 tackles, 6 aerial duels, and was crucial in holding the ball-up for Wolves.
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The front-three of Jota-Jimenez-Traore looks a real threat going forward and should help Wolves to increase their goal tally throughout the season.
João Moutinho:
The man who got the assist for Raul’s headed goal, was another stand-out performer for Wolves at the Emirates. Moutinho’s ball into the box may have looked hopeful but the Portuguese magician should be praised for his run to get the ball from Jonny’s throw-in, and for putting the ball in between Chambers and Sokratis where Jimenez could make a play on the ball.
Moutinho was also as tenacious as ever, winning 5 tackles (the most in the team). He also completed 85% of his passes and his overall play was crucial in Wolves dominating the game against Arsenal.
Jonny Otto:
Jonny was another player who was crucial in Wolves’ goal on Saturday. The Spaniard moved to right wing-back after Doherty’s injury and saw an opportunity for a quick throw-in, supplying Moutinho in behind the Arsenal defence. All afternoon, Jonny worked tirelessly up and down both flanks, connecting well with Jota down the left in the first-half. In defence, Jonny was excellent as usual. The wing-back had 4 tackles, and generally prevented any Arsenal attacks down his wing.
Honourable mentions must go to Neves, Dendoncker and Jota who also played brilliantly. But, like most weeks, the three stand-out performers for Wolves on Saturday were Raul, João and Jonny.