MEMORIES TO LAST AGENERATION
Wolves wonders head for Wembley and Jimenez is their lucky charm
WOLVES 2 Jimenez 70, Jota 76 MAN UTD 1 Rashford 90
IT SAYS everything about the chaotic ecstasy in the stands at Molineux as Wolves reached their first FA Cup semi-final since 1998 that seven sets of house and car keys were handed into reception after the dust had settled.
When your club is making memories to last a generation, what use is driving home or having a bed for the night? Get a beer and don’t go to sleep.
Coming up against a Manchester United side on a compelling journey of their own, it was a result to leave captain Conor Coady unequivocal when asked where it ranked in his career. ‘It’s the best one, it really is,’ he said. ‘That’s the proudest I’ve been for the boys in the dressing room, all the staff, everyone to do with this club.’
Nuno Espirito Santo’s team were fully deserving of victory, beginning cautiously to subdue Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s strongest attack then expanding with purpose, creating the best chances, and winning through goals by Raul Jimenez and Diogo Jota.
Marcus Rashford’s strike in the 95th minute was the quintessential consolation.
So now Wolves look forward to Wembley and in Jimenez, 27, have a player with only good experiences under the arch.
‘It’s a stadium that has good memories for me,’ he said. ‘In 2012 we won the gold medal with Mexico and then, with the last win against Tottenham, I am unbeaten there. I will keep doing my best and help the team make the final.’
Jimenez is an Olympic champion having come off the bench in that final at Wembley against Brazil. This season he returned to score in the 3-1 win over Spurs.
‘It’s very important for us to have that experience that we can do it against anyone,’ he added. ‘We are fighting for our dream. Together we can do very big things.’
We know by now this is not lip service. Wolves have beaten United, Liverpool, Spurs and Chelsea this season and Jimenez scored each time.
After taking a few months in England to acclimatise, he has emerged as one of the Premier League’s best forwards, a mix of brawn, intelligence and finishing.
His 15 goals have made him a huge favourite in the Black Country and his nationality means his global pull is substantial, too.
On the Wolves Facebook page, there are 265,000 likes originating from Mexico compared to 112,000 from the United Kingdom.
It seems inevitable Wolves will activate the £30 million clause in his loan agreement from Benfica to make his move permanent in the summer. ‘I like it very much here, I’m enjoying the team and how I play,’ said Jimenez.
Nuno’s great triumph has been to blend the major signings with players he inherited to create a cohesive team. He moved Coady from midfield to centre back and the 26-year- old has become a leader of real fortitude.
His passion for the club, after four years, is important, too. His pre-match message in the huddle was clear. ‘ Make history, make sure this team doesn’t go unnoticed,’ he said.