23 Jan 2024 18:17:08
I watched the game on TV this afternoon.
First let's address the ref and the Cunha issue/yellow card. Whilst it would undoubtedly be a total waste of time appealing it was clearly a horrendous error/piece of work by the ref!
Although the ref in the second half was ok in the first half he was awful and sadly let Brighton make a fool of him.
I had always assumed Brighton played lovely stuff and were super exciting.
What I didn't realise was how versed in the darker arts they are now under Zebri (sp)
In the first couple of minutes Estupian (sp) body checked a Wolves player to stop a fast break - free kick but no booking! Over the next 40 minutes Gilmour did this 4 times! Not once was a free kick given - presumably the ref didn't see as it wasn't the man on the ball he brought down but a supporting runner - in each case Cunha.
Perhaps hard to criticize the ref, who presumably didn't see the fouls, but the linesman and VAR must have - indeed Jenas, who pinned his Brighton colours to the mast pretty early on, commented on the 3rd that it was a clear foul but Cunha over played the contact (?) - so what were they doing?Whatever you think of today and today's ref we do though have a serious problem with refs and the bookings, (and presumably eventually suspensions), continue to mount up. Given the size of our squad this may hurt us.
Overall, despite Brighton having most of the ball and territory, a point was a little disappointing with Wolves having by far the better chances. Note however I would have taken it in a flash before the game.
Ratings Sa 7 - Had a calm afternoon and made everything look easy - some of it wasn't. Still not sure why so many Wolves fans don't rate him?
Doherty 7 - Didn't get forward as much as he normally does - presumably under instructions - but was solid at the back.
Toti 7 - Played well. Didn't look flustered or hurried despite the pressure Brighton applied at times.
Dawson 7 - Dominated the box and was strong. Showed good leadership. Not sure why he was booked.
Kilman 7 - Like Dawson was very strong. Both made countless blocks
Semedo 8 - Excellent defensively. Given our set up didn't do much going forward.
Doyle 8 - Worked v hard and made lots of challenges but was also calm and progressive on the ball
Lemina 7 - He was poor in the first half but got better and better as he worked his way into the game T . Great Engine!
Sarabia 6 - Pace of the game was hard for him but did ok
Cunha 6 - Missed a few chances and wasn't quite at his best, probably upset by the injustice done to him. Needs to put it behind him and we need to ensure that the refs going forward are made aware of what the opposition are doing illegally!
Neto 8 - So close to being a superstar. It would have taken very little for him to have been the match winner. Given he has only just come back from injury (again) I am really hopeful that we have a genuine star in our ranks - DO NOT SELL!
Subs
Bellegard 6 - Didn't really get into the game
Chirewa N/A Albeit on a brief performance showed maturity and discipline when called upon.

Flat marks across the team demonstrate just what a solid performance this was.
We are midtable but at the moment I'm looking up not down!

1.) 23 Jan 2024
23 Jan 2024 20:10:34
As always very much appreciated Thefutureisoldgold, An excellent post/read.

2.) 23 Jan 2024
23 Jan 2024 20:31:50
Note it was stated Cunha was booked for constant infringements but when he was booked I am not sure he had actually committed a single foul?
In the move pre the booking however Cunha and Gilmour came together twice.
Fistly Cunha challenged Gilmour who went down and at full speed it looked like a foul but on the replay it was clear that Cunha played the ball and in fact not only was there no contact but there was at least 12 inches of clear air between them. Gilmour went down - fell over/dived - but regardless the ref seemingly and correctly gave nothing?
A few moments/passes later Wolves having won the ball were again breaking and Cunha was attempting to get up in support. Once again Gilmour aware of the danger ran over and shoulder charged him to the ground - a clear foul. Cunha was then booked.
Unsurprisingly he was unhappy and at half time you can lip read him talking to the linesman coming off saying "he fouled me". He obviously believed he had been booked for being fouled by Gilmour who was set on ensuring Cunha could not join in the Wolves attack.
The refs statement that it was for persistent infringments and the booking itself would be laughable were it not so serious!

3.) 23 Jan 2024
23 Jan 2024 21:37:26
When Cunha was booked it was described as ridiculous by Mikey. Tommo and Tom King. The sad part is there will be no consequences for the referee and his assistants they seem to be untouchable. It's time that changed. it won't though mainly because there isn't enough of them available to cover all the matches.

4.) 24 Jan 2024
24 Jan 2024 08:37:47
Thanks Future, I listened to the commentary but your assessment gives a fuller picture.

5.) 24 Jan 2024
24 Jan 2024 16:25:55
For me Sarabia gave the ball away too easily and didn’t look comfortable.
There’s talk (click bait)? Of selling him on and looking at a winger from Sunderland (Clarke?).
Any thoughts?

6.) 24 Jan 2024
24 Jan 2024 19:21:57
Jack Clarke, young winger/forward, quick, two footed and performing well in the Championship. Question is, can he make the step up?

7.) 25 Jan 2024
25 Jan 2024 11:21:45
In reply to the above if Jack Clarke could make the step up, Chquinho has already proven that he can and he won't cost us anything!

8.) 25 Jan 2024
25 Jan 2024 15:12:48
The young lad from Ipswich - Chirewa (sp) also looked completely comfortable albeit for only a few minutes at the end of the game.
Since GON brought him on one can only assume he is confident in him as well?

9.) 26 Jan 2024
26 Jan 2024 07:17:33
Hi TFIG, yes I agree GON has done a good job with him in training getting him comfortable playing with the seniors and making him feel like he belongs on the pitch with them, looks calm on the ball.