24 Nov 2021 10:03:22
Just thinking about how this season may unfold. Some on here and other forums have suggested that a mid table finish would be "ok with them", why?
Since Fosun took over and since our promotion our 'mean position' in the Prem is actually higher. I know last year was a bit poor for, as I see it, 3 reasons. 1) The sale of Jota and Doherty. 2) Appalling injuries to key players. 3) Nuno trying to compensate by tinkering with the playing style and failing.
So 2 successive 7th place finishes then the dip and now a quarter of the way into this season sitting in 6th following a change in Manager/Coach. This even though we have suffered long term injuries to other key players.
I know this change was from the start of season so we didn't really get a sense of 'new Manager bounce', maybe in performances, but not results. Personally, I prefer t watching the team and Manager grow into a relationship rather than a couple of quick results before resorting back to type. Even so we are sitting in 6th.
Is it unreasonable to conclude, therefore, that Wolves really are an upper top half Premier side and should be respected as such.
24 Nov 2021 11:07:34
I suppose mid table depends on definition, places 10 - 11 is narrow 8 - 13 wider definition. let's see after we have played 19 matches against all the other teams. At the moment we are about 7 points to the good on like for like matches the games against Villa Everton and West Ham producing 9 points compared to none If I have calculated correctly. The next 2 against Burnley and Norwich will tell us a great deal, at times in the past we have slipped up in these type of fixtures when the going looked good, anything against Chelsea, City, Arsenal and Liverpool this year will be a huge bonus. 25+ points after 19 matches would put us close to 7th again 19 after 19 is squeaky bum time.
24 Nov 2021 11:59:45
7th to 10th is a good season for me based on:
1: Performances last season and the incoming players so far this season.
2: Other clubs spending more than us.
3: Injuries to 2 of our key players (Neto and Jonny)
4: Lage only having a partial pre season due to the Euros to implement his tactics.
24 Nov 2021 12:55:43
Some good points raised and actually Jas the partial pre-season probably contributed to the first 3 results.
This year feels different to me, I know we aren't scoring many but we aren't conceding a lot either. I think we will mostly beat the teams below us and as for the top 6, well who would have predicted the West Ham result. Wolves made a side that has been on fire look decidedly average and should of won that game 3-0.
As for the others in that group, I'd say don't write us off, history proves otherwise.
24 Nov 2021 13:20:36
10th or above would be a good season for us then push on
24 Nov 2021 16:18:35
I'm taking nothing for granted yet. Wolves always make a habit of doing things the hard way. We could just as easily lose to Norwich and Burnley then go on to beat Chelsea and Man City afterwards.
We could finish 6th just as easily as 16th, but the future looks good to me.
24 Nov 2021 17:26:22
It really is a game by game season so far with a bit of luck both for and against. I think we're growing in confidence and if we had that killing goal scoring finish we'd be a real top 6 bet. As said before Burnley and Norwich are games we can slip up in and then do the top runners. If we are to finish 6-7th the next two games are must wins and then 4-5 points more before January. After that we don't know what players we may or may not have so it's fingers crossed. Above 10th finish for me.
24 Nov 2021 18:30:30
Now we are in
sixth spot,no less for me,top four our aim now.
And a good Jan transfer window ??
Anythings possible
24 Nov 2021 20:07:35
Greylegwolf. I see your point but I suspect top four is going to just be an aspiration for some time. I think its possible for another team to break up the so called big boys but its going to be the ability to stay there will be the problem. A consistent top ten finish would be a great start. You need a steady growth in your revenue streams to have a chance and a steady flow of quality players in your squad. We don't have that yet. I think Fosun have accepted that fact and revised their plans. Obviously we are not privy to them being Chinese they are after all inscrutable are they not!
24 Nov 2021 20:34:17
Interestingly its being reported that Mendes agency gestifute are under investigation in Portugal again.
25 Nov 2021 07:24:54
Lage has been saying he's seeking consistency which before the palace game on our unbeaten run form team of the league we were bought back down to earth with the palace result and abject performance.
Like has been mentioned I'm waiting till 19 games have been played to give myself a better Idea.
Next 7 games liverpool man City Chelsea other 4 Norwich Burnley Brighton and Watford.
If we get 11 points from those 7 game will take us to 30 points 19 played.
At beginning of the season with new head coach being for me the major factor of not knowing if players will take to him etc I'm happy.
To put in perspective if we do get to 30 points 19 played which there is a very very good chance we will 10 points from the remaining 19 games to hit magical 40 points.
This our best start to season since back in premier league.
The victory of west ham was our third home win on the bounce in the top flight a feat not done since 1980.
When players are available in the transfer windows we will get them in so for me personally the wolves under fosun are giving me the best team and players I have seen in my lifetime.
If older generation who have seen wolves good pre 80's and want to see wolves win something again I understand that but it has been over 40 years since last major trophy.
Ps imo I believe it is naive to expect major signings in January as will only end up disappointed.
January window is traditionally not the best window to have major players available.
I'm staying humble and patient in our progression.
25 Nov 2021 11:53:52
Phil. Excellent analysis and points well made my friend. Take care young man you did miss a few good teams by being born a bit late!
25 Nov 2021 14:20:41
Thanks Ken The wolf pack everyone of us no one could ever say we wouldn't deserve success.
We win a trophy I will buy a whisky and raise a glass to all you elder guys,
COYW
25 Nov 2021 16:58:39
Evening all, been a while since I was last on here, things are ticking along nicely, I'm quietly confident the season will keep moving in the right direction, we have our mojo and bond back within players and Lage seems to have a few different ideas when we come unstuck.
For now I will be enjoying what is on show.
25 Nov 2021 20:15:27
Good post as normal Phil,
And I totally understand your thoughts ken,
Time will tell,but I'm in that confident mood again,and dreams sometimes come true,
Let's be positive,up the wolves
Ho ho ho
26 Nov 2021 06:40:41
It's what's it all about greyleg mate enjoying and believing ???
Nice to see you post Sydney ?
COYW