HUNGRY LIKE THE WOLVES!
Nuno’s high-flyers set 1950s glory days as a top-flight target
ProMoTED without playing, Wolves did the job back on the pitch to underline why their forthcoming spell in the Premier League should be a significant upgrade on the last.
Wolves return a very different animal from the one that limped tamely out of the top flight in 2012, tail between its legs on just 25 points.
The two campaigns beforehand were a major struggle too but the club has been rebuilt since and ambitions next season are greater than simply survival.
As it is, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side would be more than a match for many in the tier above, but owners fosun’s cash and Jorge Mendes’s contacts mean further strengthening will take place.
Mendes was here in the directors’ box to see the realisation of his work as the agent for manager and numerous players and when Benik Afobe made victory certain late on Nuno looked into the stands with two thumbs up. But this was more than a triumph for the world’s most talked about intermediary.
This was about the restoration of a grand club with a vivid history. The golden standard of the 1950s remains some way off but nobody at Wolves shies away from presenting those titles and European adventures as the bar to reach for again.
That Afobe scored the clincher here also provided a timely reminder that this season’s success has relied on factors other than talented foreign recruits. Nuno has retained a British core and fostered a healthy team spirit that is aided by games of head tennis at the training ground and a WhatsApp group containing its fair share of dressing-room chatter.
ruben Neves is the standout performer — his pass proved the catalyst for the first goal here — and retaining his services is essential. He could play for a Champions League team now but with Mendes as his agent the dynamic is intriguing.
This is a time for satisfaction though, and victory meant the title is effectively in the bag. Just one point more is required, or a single slip by Cardiff. The Championship’s third highest ever points total of 104, behind only reading and Sunderland, is another target.
‘I am very pleased, this is a big moment for our fans, they are why we work,’ said Nuno. ‘It was a special feeling.
‘This is the time to celebrate together. Something I never allow, they drink beer in the dressing room. first time. I must be really happy! But no relax. We still have things to go for.’
Nuno made light of pre-season
suggestions that his foreign players might struggle with the grind of the second tier through winter.
‘On tuesdays at minus five, you have to be there to respond,’ he said. ‘with the yellow ball, we played good.’
After celebrating Fulham’s draw against Brentford at the team hotel, wolves players emerged into an expectant Molineux.
Birmingham needed points to survive, however, and would have led early on but for a fine double save by John ruddy from Maxime Colin.
But in the 22nd minute wolves produced the kind of smooth passing move that has become the hallmark of their campaign. Neves bisected Birmingham’s midfield with a sharp pass to romain saiss, who picked out Matt Doherty on the overlap. the wing-back’s low cross was so precise Diogo Jota was able to finish easily for his 17th goal of the season.
the next meaningful action came in the 53rd minute when Birmingham were reduced to 10 men. in a desperate attempt to halt helder Costa, harlee Dean slid across but took none of the ball and all of the man. Dean walked.
Birmingham did threaten an equaliser, with lukas Jutkiewicz forcing two fine saves from ruddy.
But wolves made certain with four minutes left when Afobe ran on to Alfred N’Diaye’s pass and clipped in a delightful finish.