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Premiership Season 2009-10 Aug 2009 Sept 2009 Oct 2009 Nov 2009 Dec 2009 Jan 2010 Feb 2010 Mar 2010 Apr 2010 May 2010 pre-season
FIXTURES Mon 28th Dec Wolves 0 Man City 3 7:45pm live on Sky Once again there can be no criticism of the effort, but we do look a lot stronger up front with Chris Iwelumo as the target man. Michael Mancienne and Karl Kenry looked excellent in midfield with Kevin Foley just in front. We've got to get some center backs in the window, though. Craddock made mistakes in all three goals - the first he lost Bellamy, the second an unnecessary header and the third wasn't closing down. Too many of his "defensive headers" are anywhere and not to a Wolves player. You can't blame the ref for this one; Craddock should have let the ball run and City wouldn't have got their second goal. Perhaps Marcus needs to go to "setting up the wall" school too. The first goal was one of those deflections we keep getting through not being tight enough on the player; the second, well, a non-offside and City capitalise. But a team costing 10x ours still only had one decent spell of possession and we had a couple of chances to frighten them. And the ref was again overawed by a "big" club giving too many decisions City's way. And, to make it worse, it looked like Mick is trying to become a "personality" by refusing to speak to the Sky cameras after the match; the final interview focused too much on him and not on the team's performance. Scores: Hahnemann 5 , Zubar 6, Craddock 4, Berra 5, Elokobi 6, Foley 7, Henry 7, Mancienne 7, Surman 5, Doyle 6, Iwelumo 7. SUBS: Stearman 6, Jarvis 5, Ebanks-Blake 5. Wolves 0 - 3 Manchester City Tevez (33), Garrido (70), Tevez (87) Wolves were left unrewarded after a good display against Manchester City, going down to a 3-0 scoreline that totally flattered the big spenders of the Premier League. A deflected opener and then a controversial second put the game out of Wanderers reach before Carlos Tevez added a third just before the end. Mick McCarthy made five changes to the side that went down at Liverpool. Matt Jarvis, Nenad Milijaš, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and Richard Stearman were all named as substitutes whilst the unfortunate Stephen Ward was suspended. Into the starting line-up came Andrew Surman, Ronald Zubar, Michael Mancienne, George Elokobi and Chris Iwelumo. Wolves kicked-off attacking the South Bank end on a bitterly cold evening and they enjoyed the best of the opening exchanges with Kevin Doyle dragging a 20-yard shot wide with the first attempt of the game. Vincent Kompany had to boot the ball behind as Doyle tried to reach Iwelumo's flick but Surman's low corner was cleared. In the 11th minute Iwelumo headed Mancienne's cross back into the path of Surman who volleyed over from the edge of the City area. A deep free-kick from Tevez bounced off the head of Zubar towards the Wolves goal and Marcus Hahnemann, who was off his line, had to sprint back to claim. Christophe Berra was penalised for a shove on Craig Bellamy to the left of the home box. Bellamy took the free-kick but Jody Craddock was there to head clear. Karl Henry tested Shay Given with a 25-yard drive that skidded across the surface forcing a diving save from the Irish keeper. Tevez fired wide of the near post and then the Argentinean supplied the cross from which Bellamy missed a sitter. The ball bounced to Bellamy off Berra but from six-yards out he blasted the ball over the bar. But the visitors moved ahead in the 33rd minute with luck once again against Wanderers. Bellamy crossed from the left and Tevez ran in to hit a shot that Hahnemann looked to have covered until it hit Berra and bounced the other way. Pablo Zabaleta was shown the yellow card after clattering into Zubar. The defender was soon back on his feet and a run down the right flank saw him cutting into the box and hitting a low cross that bounced off a defender to Kevin Foley whose hooked shot was deflected behind. From Foley's corner, Elokobi powered a header that was going just wide but Zabaleta made sure by helping it on its way for a second corner. This time Surman took the kick and again it was Elokobi that made a connection with Given claiming his bouncing header. In stoppage time Berra fell badly as he attempted to clear from Bellamy. The defender lay still before, after treatment, he was helped to his feet. He looked dazed as he was led to the tunnel. Half-Time: Wolves 0 City 1 It didn't come as a surprise when Berra failed to appear at the start of the second-half with Stearman taking his place. Henry won a midfield tussle with Nigel De Jong before sprinting towards the City goal and unleashing a shot that was both high and wide. Bellamy looked to run from an offside position as he broke clear onto a long through ball but, with only Hahnemann to beat, he shot inches wide of the far post. After a well constructed build up Surman slipped a short pass to Iwelumo whose shot from just inside the area appeared to take a deflection as it went over the bar. But the referee awarded a goalkick. After City had introduced Javier Garrido for Stephen Ireland, Tevez fired into the arms of Hahnemann after both Elokobi and Mancienne had looked to be fouled in the build-up. In the 62nd minute the tenacity of Doyle almost brought a reward. He dispossessed Micah Richards and then outpaced Kolo Toure before hitting an angled shot that went behind off the legs of Given. Foley was booked after an innocuous challenge on Barry and he was followed into the book by Mancienne who fouled Gareth Barry on the edge of the Wolves box. Garrido curled the free-kick home to double City's lead but the crowd and management team were angered by the fact that Bellamy and run from an offside position and then became involved in play in the build up. An enraged Hahnemann was booked for dissent. Ebanks-Blake replaced Doyle and, after Tevez had been booked for not retreating at a free-kick, Jarvis went on in place of Foley. Tevez had the chance of making it three after a City break but he chipped the ball over the unprotected Hahnemann and wide.With 86 minutes on the clock, Tevez did put the final nail in the coffin after controlling a pass from Robinho and stroking an 18-yard shot into the inside of the side netting. Wolves: Hahnemann, Foley (Jarvis 79), Elokobi, Mancienne, Craddock, Berra (Stearman 45), Surman, Henry (capt), Doyle (Ebanks-Blake 73), Iwelumo, Zubar. Unused subs: Hennessey, Milijaš, Maierhofer, Castillo. Bookings: Foley (63 - foul), Mancienne (68 - foul), Hahnemann (70 - dissent). City: Given, Zabaleta, Toure (capt), Kompany, Richards, Bellamy, Petrov (Robinho 85), Tevez (Sylvinho 90), De Jong, Barry, Ireland (Garrido 55). Unused subs: Taylor, Vidal, Boyata, Weiss. Bookings: Zabaleta (35 - foul), Tevez (74 - not retreating at free-kick). Referee: M. Jones (quite poor and influenced by "top" club. Attendance: 28,957. Wolves ManC 0: Off and running at a very cold ~Molineux. Good atmosphere though for the first evening kick off for a home game in the league this season. As expected Mancienne lining up in central midfield alongside Henry. 3: Cross put into the area by Foley for Wolves causes a problem for the City defence but Toure wins it in front of Doyle. Referee Mike Jones had already blown up for a foul. Having seen a replay, not sure why. 5: Doyle again involved as he tries a shot from outside the box but it's well wide of the target. 6: Wolves win a corner as Doyle chases down Iwelumo's flick on and Kompany has to put the ball out. But Surman's flag kick is all the way along the ground and although Craddock tries to turn into something by dummying the ball Barry makes the clearance. 10: Little to show yet from City attacking-wise but with the likes of Bellamy and Tevez up there the spark is always there. Looks like they are lining up with Tevez as a lone frontman but midfielders behind always ready to break in support. 11: Good chance for Wolves. Iwelumo climbs highest to head back Mancienne's cross and Surman is well positioned but from a bouncing ball smashes his half volley over. 12: Mancienne in with a late challenge on De Jong but escapes with only a talking-to from referee Jones. 13: Wolves come out and play offside from the free kick but Zubar still manages to head the ball backwards for Hahnemann to claim. 13: Communication via CB as Christophe Berra shoulder charges Craig Bellamy. Free kick to City and from the replays it's difficult to see why Wolves were complaining. 14: Bellamy's free kick is whipped in but this time it's Iwelumo winning the ball in his own area with his header followed by another clearance. 16: Doyle just fails to get enough control on Foley's through ball to keep it in play. Bright start from Wolves, albeit without having yet forced Given into action. 18: Good well-worked Wolves move sees the ball out to Foley on the right but Bellamy does some defensive work to clear the danger. 19: Henry picks the ball up 25 yards out and lets fly with a low drive. A fair bit of power on it but Given gets everything behind it and makes the save. Worthy a try though! 25: City coming into it more now and Zabaleta puts a cross in which is met by the head of Tevez but unable to direct the ball on target. City then win a corner which is headed back into the danger zone but Iwelumo on hand to clear. 27: Bellamy is getting stick from the Wolves fans, probably in a throwback to the day he came off the pitch with Newcastle after Wolves' FA Cup win in 2003. And the Wolves players also putting in some hard challenges on the Welsh international with Henry the latest to give away a foul. Ball worked to Tevez who shoots wide. 28: Wolves enraged after Iwelumo appears to be pulled back by Toure outside the area. But a few seconds later Foley is clattered by Zabaleta and this time the free kick is awarded. 29: Decent delivery to the back post by Surman but the City defence does its job and the ball is cleared. 30: What a chance for City. Tevez wriggles his way down the byline on the left and his cross is half cleared by Berra but straight to Bellamy. The ball pops up perfectly but Bellamy fires over with the goal at his mercy. 31: Bellamy heavily involved in this first half hour and now goes into a challenge with Elokobi. Nothing wrong with the challenge but Elokobi stays down afterwards. Treatment from physio Steve Kemp who seems to indicate he'll be fine to continue. 33: GOAL: TEVEZ 0-1. City make the breakthrough and again for Wolves it's a deflection which is their undoing. Bellamy makes strides down the left and crosses for Tevez whose first time effort is diverted by Berra giving Hahnemann little chance as he was diving in the opposite direction. 35: First booking of the game goes to Zabaleta. Little complaint after he hacks down Zubar. 36: Another teasing free kick from Surman but once again the City defence stands resolute. 38: Another Wolves full of crisp passing ends with Zubar breaking menacingly down the right only for his pullback to be blocked before reaching Doyle. Corner from the right is cleared but Wolves win another on the left. Surman swings it in but Barry heads away convincingly at the near post. 43: City win a corner which causes a nervous moment for Wolves at the expense of a second flag kick which Hahnemann claims well. 44: Two corners and both won by Elokobi in the air. Foley's delivery is met by the defender with a header that diverts off Zabaleta for the second flag kick taken by Surman. This one, from the left, is again met by Elokobi with a downhard header which Given gathers high up after the first bounce. 45: Two minutes injury time to follow. 45+1: Anxious moments as Berra goes up for a header and lands very awkwardly and remains motionless. Quickly attended to but doesn't look great. Happily he gets to his feet and is helped off the pitch. Walks down the tunnel and the half time whistle blows. Will no doubt be assessed during half time as to whether he is able to continue. ~ HALF TIME: WOLVES 0-1 CITY 46: Back out and underway. No surprise that Berra unable to return with Stearman on in his place in the heart of the defence. 47: First break of the half made by Wolves with Henry dispossessing De Jong but firing over from distance, 48: Another great chance for Bellamy who shows all his pace by getting on the end of a through ball. The angle on the left hand side is acute though and although he prods the ball beyond Hahnemann it's wide of the far post. 49: Great Wolves move involving Surman and Doyle finding Iwelumo whose shot only just clears the bar. Took big deflection off Toure but not spotted by the officials who award City the free kick to the dismay of Wolves' players and fans alike. 51: The crowd enjoying this now, particularly when ~Mick McCarthy heads a ball back in which had been put out. And then ironic applause for the referee when he does award a free kick for Wolves for handball. 54: City still so dangerous on the counter and Elokobi needs to be on hand to clear a cross with Bellamy again lurking with intent. 55: All Wolves are lacking at the moment is a finish and Mancienne fires over from the edge of the area. 55: City make their first change of the evening, Garrido coming on for Ireland. 57: Wolves unhappy not to get a free kick and it allows City to break, Tevez down the inside left but shooting straight at Hahnemann. 63: Great work from Doyle to go past Toure down the left and cut inside before firing a shot which Given saves with his legs. Corner is headed back into the danger zone but cleared. ~ 63: Foley goes into the book for a nothing challenge on Barry. 68: City break and Mancienne flies into Barry for a challenge which earns him a booking. Also a free kick in a dangerous position. 69: GOAL: GARRIDO 0-2. And Garrido steps up and curls the free kick around the wall and into the bottom corner. Wolves are incensed because in the build-up to the move before the foul Bellamy was clearly offside. 71: Finally the assistant linesman manages to remember he's got a flag and gives an offside to sarcastic reaction from McCarthy on the touchline and even more so from Hahnemann who throws the ball at the assistant. Cue another yellow card. Wolves not getting the rub of the green from the officials this Christmas period. They're not exactly in keeping with the best league in the world mantra that's for sure. 73: Change for Wolves with Ebanks-Blake on for Doyle. ~ 74: Wolves awarded a free kick and Tevez is booked for not retreating. 78: Another move when a City player looked offside but this time they don't take advantage as Tevez's shot is blocked. 79: Final change for Wolves with Jarvis on for Foley. 82: Whirlwind break from City sees Bellamy play the ball perfectly into the path of Tevez who tries to clip the ball over Hahnemann but puts it inches wide of the post. 83: Crowd today is 28, 957. Second biggest at ~Molineux this season. 85: Game petering out now as Petrov fires well over from distance. Is then replaced by Robinho. Not a bad sub to have in the locker! 86: GOAL: TEVEZ 0-3. And that is most certainly that. Robinho finds Tevez with a fine pass and the Argentinian fires a low left foot shot clinically into the bottom corner. 90: Four minutes added time to follow. 90+2: Sylvinho on for Tevez. 90+4: Bellamy tees up Robinho who fires narrowly wide. FULL TIME: WOLVES 0-3 CITY 90.00 +03.50 Shot by De Souza Robinho(Man City) right-footed from left side of penalty area (18 yards), over the bar. Goal kick taken long by Marcus Hahnemann(Wolverhampton). 90.00 +01.56 Foul by Silvio Sylvinho(Man City) on Ronald Zubar(Wolverhampton). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Ronald Zubar(Wolverhampton) from own half, passed. 90.00 +00.59 Foul by George Elokobi(Wolverhampton) on Vincent Kompany(Man City). Direct free kick taken right-footed by De Souza Robinho(Man City) from right wing, passed. Man City substitution: Carlos Tevez replaced by Silvio Sylvinho (tactical). 89.34 Foul by Nigel De Jong(Man City) on Andrew Surman(Wolverhampton). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Michael Mancienne(Wolverhampton) from left channel, passed. 89.22 Foul by Pablo Zabaleta(Man City) on Matthew Jarvis(Wolverhampton). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Ronald Zubar(Wolverhampton) from own half, passed. 85.48 Goal by Carlos Tevez(Man City) left-footed (bottom-right of goal) from left channel (18 yards).Wolverhampton 0-3 Man City. Assist (pass) by De Souza Robinho(Man City) from right channel. 84.39 Man City substitution: Martin Petrov replaced by De Souza Robinho (tactical). 84.27 Shot by Martin Petrov(Man City) volleyed left-footed from left channel (20 yards), over the bar. Goal kick taken long by Marcus Hahnemann(Wolverhampton). 83.09 Foul by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake(Wolverhampton) on Gareth Barry(Man City). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Kolo Toure(Man City) from own half, passed. 81.27 Weak shot by Carlos Tevez(Man City) right-footed from right channel (18 yards), missed right. Goal kick taken long by Marcus Hahnemann(Wolverhampton). 80.50 Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Matthew Jarvis(Wolverhampton) to centre, clearance by Vincent Kompany(Man City). 80.38 Shot by George Elokobi(Wolverhampton) right-footed from right channel (20 yards), blocked by Vincent Kompany(Man City). 80.30 Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Matthew Jarvis(Wolverhampton) to centre, clearance by Kolo Toure(Man City). 78.42 Defending throw-in by Ronald Zubar(Wolverhampton).Wolverhampton substitution: Kevin Foley replaced by Matthew Jarvis (tactical). 75.07 Foul by Karl Henry(Wolverhampton) on Nigel De Jong(Man City). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Kolo Toure(Man City) from own half, passed. 73.50 Foul by Gareth Barry(Man City) on Karl Henry(Wolverhampton). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Kevin Foley(Wolverhampton) from right channel, resulting in open play. Carlos Tevez(Man City) booked for not retreating ten yards at a set play. 72.28 Attacking throw-in by George Elokobi(Wolverhampton).Wolverhampton substitution: Kevin Doyle replaced by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake (tactical). 70.00 Carlos Tevez(Man City) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken left-footed by George Elokobi(Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play. Marcus Hahnemann(Wolverhampton) booked for dissent. 68.43 Foul by Michael Mancienne(Wolverhampton) on Gareth Barry(Man City). Michael Mancienne(Wolverhampton) booked for unsporting behaviour.Free kick scored by Javier Garrido(Man City) left-footed (bottom-left of goal) from left channel (20 yards).Wolverhampton 0-2 Man City. 66.00 Cross by George Elokobi(Wolverhampton), resulting in open play. 65.00 Foul by George Elokobi(Wolverhampton) on Craig Bellamy(Man City). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Kolo Toure(Man City) from own half, resulting in open play. 63.07 Foul by Kevin Foley(Wolverhampton) on Gareth Barry(Man City). Kevin Foley(Wolverhampton) booked for unsporting behaviour. Direct free kick taken right-footed by Micah Richards(Man City) from own half, passed. 62.17 Outswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Kevin Foley(Wolverhampton) to far post, resulting in open play. 62.06 Shot by Kevin Doyle(Wolverhampton) right-footed from left side of penalty area (12 yards), save (with feet) by Shay Given(Man City). 59.56 Foul by Chris Iwelumo(Wolverhampton) on Kolo Toure(Man City). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Shay Given(Man City) from own half, passed . 58.28 Cross by Andrew Surman(Wolverhampton), resulting in ball out of play. Goal kick taken long by Shay Given(Man City). 58.50 Foul by Gareth Barry(Man City) on Kevin Doyle(Wolverhampton). Free kick crossed right-footed by Kevin Foley(Wolverhampton) from left wing, clearance by Kolo Toure(Man City). 56.58 Shot by Carlos Tevez(Man City) right-footed from left side of penalty area (18 yards), save (caught) by Marcus Hahnemann(Wolverhampton). 54.58 Man City substitution: Stephen Ireland replaced by Javier Garrido (tactical). 54.45 Shot by Michael Mancienne(Wolverhampton) right-footed from right channel (20 yards), over the bar. Goal kick taken long by Shay Given(Man City). 53.15 Foul by Chris Iwelumo(Wolverhampton) on Kolo Toure(Man City). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Shay Given(Man City) from own half, resulting in open play. 52.00 Shot by Michael Mancienne(Wolverhampton) left-footed from left channel (25 yards), missed right. Goal kick taken long by Shay Given(Man City). 51.40 Cross by George Elokobi(Wolverhampton), resulting in open play. 50.59 Cross by Karl Henry(Wolverhampton), clearance by Kolo Toure(Man City). 50.46 Foul by Gareth Barry(Man City) on Kevin Foley(Wolverhampton). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Karl Henry(Wolverhampton) from right channel, passed. 50.25 Craig Bellamy(Man City) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Marcus Hahnemann(Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play. 48.44 Shot by Chris Iwelumo(Wolverhampton) right-footed from left side of penalty area (18 yards), over the bar. Goal kick taken long by Shay Given(Man City). 47.43 Shot by Craig Bellamy(Man City) right-footed from right channel (12 yards), missed right. 47.40 Shot by Karl Henry(Wolverhampton) right-footed from right channel (18 yards), over the bar. 45.22 Foul by Karl Henry(Wolverhampton) on Gareth Barry(Man City). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Martin Petrov(Man City) from left channel, resulting in open play. 45.10 Wolverhampton substitution: Christophe Berra replaced by Richard Stearman (injury). 45.00 +00.40 Foul by Gareth Barry(Man City) on Kevin Foley(Wolverhampton). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Ronald Zubar(Wolverhampton) from own half, passed. 44.20 Outswinging corner from left by-line taken left-footed by Kevin Foley(Wolverhampton) to centre, header by George Elokobi(Wolverhampton) from centre of penalty area (12 yards), save (caught) by Shay Given(Man City). 43.31 Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Kevin Foley(Wolverhampton) to far post, header by George Elokobi(Wolverhampton) from left side of penalty area (18 yards), blocked by Carlos Tevez(Man City). 42.36 Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Martin Petrov(Man City) to centre, clearance by Marcus Hahnemann(Wolverhampton). Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Martin Petrov(Man City) to centre, save (caught) by Marcus Hahnemann(Wolverhampton). 41.07 Chris Iwelumo(Wolverhampton) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Shay Given(Man City) from own half, resulting in open play. 38.11 Outswinging corner from left by-line taken left-footed by Andrew Surman(Wolverhampton) to near post, clearance by Gareth Barry(Man City). 37.52 Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Kevin Foley(Wolverhampton) to far post, resulting in open play. 37.48 Shot by Kevin Foley(Wolverhampton) left-footed from right channel (20 yards), blocked by Gareth Barry(Man City). 35.31 Foul by Pablo Zabaleta(Man City) on Ronald Zubar(Wolverhampton). Pablo Zabaleta(Man City) booked for unsporting behaviour. Free kick crossed left-footed by Andrew Surman(Wolverhampton) from right channel, clearance by Vincent Kompany(Man City). 32.08 Goal by Carlos Tevez(Man City) left-footed (low centre of goal) from centre of penalty area (12 yards).Wolverhampton 0-1 Man City. Assist (cross) by Craig Bellamy(Man City) from left by-line. 29.31 Shot by Craig Bellamy(Man City) right-footed from right side of six-yard box (6 yards), over the bar. 29.16 Cross by Martin Petrov(Man City), resulting in open play. 28.59 Cross by Kevin Foley(Wolverhampton), clearance by Kolo Toure(Man City). 28.17 Foul by Pablo Zabaleta(Man City) on Kevin Foley(Wolverhampton). Free kick crossed left-footed by Andrew Surman(Wolverhampton) from right wing, clearance by Micah Richards(Man City). 26.57 Shot by Carlos Tevez(Man City) right-footed from left channel (20 yards), missed left. 26.30 Foul by Karl Henry(Wolverhampton) on Craig Bellamy(Man City). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Martin Petrov(Man City) from left wing, passed. 25.26 Foul by Kevin Doyle(Wolverhampton) on Micah Richards(Man City). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Micah Richards(Man City) from right wing, passed. 24.41 Outswinging corner from left by-line taken left-footed by Martin Petrov(Man City) to far post, resulting in open play. 24.16 Cross by Pablo Zabaleta(Man City), header by Carlos Tevez(Man City) from centre of penalty area (12 yards), missed right. 21.31 Craig Bellamy(Man City) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Marcus Hahnemann(Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play. 18.46 Shot by Karl Henry(Wolverhampton) right-footed from right channel (30 yards), save (caught) by Shay Given(Man City). 14.24 Craig Bellamy(Man City) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Marcus Hahnemann(Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play. 13.45 Foul by Christophe Berra(Wolverhampton) on Craig Bellamy(Man City). Free kick taken right-footed by Craig Bellamy(Man City) from left wing (25 yards), clearance by Christophe Berra(Wolverhampton). 12.24 Foul by Michael Mancienne(Wolverhampton) on Nigel De Jong(Man City). Free kick crossed right-footed by Carlos Tevez(Man City) from left channel, save (caught) by Marcus Hahnemann(Wolverhampton). 10.49 Shot by Andrew Surman(Wolverhampton) left-footed from left channel (20 yards), over the bar. 07.52 Chris Iwelumo(Wolverhampton) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Shay Given(Man City) from own half, resulting in open play. 06.44 Foul by George Elokobi(Wolverhampton) on Martin Petrov(Man City). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Kolo Toure(Man City) from own half, passed. 05.52 Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Andrew Surman(Wolverhampton) to near post, clearance by Gareth Barry(Man City). 05.28 Foul by Carlos Tevez(Man City) on Karl Henry(Wolverhampton). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Marcus Hahnemann(Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play. 02.53 Foul by Kevin Doyle(Wolverhampton) on Gareth Barry(Man City). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Shay Given(Man City) from own half, resulting in open play. 02.19 Foul by Micah Richards(Man City) on Chris Iwelumo(Wolverhampton). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Andrew Surman(Wolverhampton) from left wing, passed. 01.36 Foul by Andrew Surman(Wolverhampton) on Gareth Barry(Man City). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Shay Given(Man City) from own half, resulting in open play. WOLVES: Hahnemann, Zubar, Craddock, Berra, Elokobi, Foley, Henry, Mancienne, Surman, Doyle, Iwelumo. SUBS: Hennessey, Stearman, Milijaš, Castillo, Maierhofer, Jarvis, Ebanks-Blake. MANCHESTER CITY: Given, Zabaleth, Toure, Kompany, Richards, Bellamy, Petrov, Teves, De Jong, Barry, Ireland. SUBS: Taylor, Garrido, Sylvinho, Robinho, Vidal, Boyata, Weiss.
Sat 26th Dec Boxing Day Liverpool 2 Wolves 0 5:30pm Stephen Ward stupidly damaged any chance Wolves had of taking anything from Anfield with two really innocuous touches on Liverp Liverpool players, coupled with another diving red and the whole Liverpool staff and team demanding Wardy’s sending off. If those were bookings then why wasn’t Gerrard already in the dressing room - but Marriner is never going to book a Red. For the first 46 minutes Wolves more than held their own, having two good chances to score, including one which Doyler should have left to SEB or Craddock. But Stephen’s silly slaps at Beayoun and Lucas, the latter going down as if a steamroller had hit him, the intervention of fourth official O’Dowd, and the sheer weight of Liverpool players and noise ensured Wardy got his second booking after ref Marriner had booked Stears by mistake. Liverpool 2 (Gerrard 62, Benayoun 70) Wolves 0 After a disciplined and impressive opening 45 minutes against Liverpool, the controversial sending off of ~~Stephen Ward eight minutes after the interval changed the course of the game and goals from Steven Gerrard and Yossi Benayoun ended Wolves' hopes of a positive outcome. Wolves were unchanged and defended the Anfield Road end of the ground that housed 3,000 travelling fans as Liverpool kicked-off. Just 15 seconds into the game Nenad Milijaš fouled Fernando Torres 25-yards out from the Wolves goal. Fabio Aurelio took the free-kick which was easily claimed by Marcus Hahnemann. The home defence eventually cleared Wanderers initial attack which involved Matt Jarvis and Ward on the left, before Glen Johnson chipped the ball wide of the far post after he had cut into the box at the other end. Hahnemann had to dive to take a low long-range effort from Gerrard, and then the keeper had to push over a rising drive from Torres who had cut into the left of the box and turned inside Richard Stearman to work a shooting angle. Whilst most of the attacking play was coming from The Reds, the Wanderers defence was holding firm although there was a moment of danger after Emiliano Insua hit a low cross that went through the heart of the goalmouth before being deflected behind. Milijaš hit the ball into The Kop from the edge of the box after Jarvis headed a Stearman cross into his path, and seconds later Hahnemann took a driven cross from Gerrard under the crossbar. Pepe Reina fingertipped a Milijaš free-kick over the bar after Daniel Agger had fouled Kevin Doyle near the left-hand corner of the home area. From the corner conceded, taken by Milijaš, the ball went behind off the shoulder of Doyle who looked to be unsighted by ~~Jody Craddock who had run in at the near post. Milijaš figured again when he dragged a shot wide after Doyle had crossed with an overhead kick. In the 28th minute Lucas was lucky to escape with only a rebuke after a nasty looking challenge on Ward. Torres did have the ball in the Wolves net but the whistle had already gone for offside, then Reina plucked the ball out of the air before Sylvan Ebanks-Blake could reach it after Kevin Foley had hooked Ward's cross back into the middle. Just before the break Hahnemann made a fine save to keep out Johnson's drive, and a Milijaš free-kick was cleared after the Serb had been fouled by Lucas. Half-Time: Liverpool 0 Wolves 0 The second-half began with a chance for Benayoun but he failed to control Insua's cross, then Ward was yellow carded for tugging at Benayoun's shirt. There was a chance for Milijaš after a centre from Ebanks-Blake but he headed wide. Hahnemann then had to dive low to his left to keep out a low shot from Gerrard. But the game swung in the Merseysiders favour in 53rd minute when, amid shambolic scenes, Ward was sent-off. He made the slightest of contacts on Lucas who appeared to go to ground easily. The referee at first waved the yellow card at Christophe Berra sparking protests from the home players including keeper Reina who ran the length of the field to register his opinion. After consulting his linesman the referee then waved a second yellow at Ward and then the red. Despite the confusion, given the nature of Ward's offence against a player whose first-half challenge on him went unpunished with regards to a card, it must have left a bitter taste in the mouths of the away fans as well as the Irish defender. George Elokobi replaced Doyle as ~~Mick McCarthy made adjustments to his side, but it made little difference as Liverpool moved into a 62nd minute lead. Insua crossed from the left and Gerrard ran in to power a header into the net. Further substitutions followed with Michael Mancienne going on for Milijaš and Chris Iwelumo for Ebanks-Blake. A second home goal arrived in the 70th minute when Benayoun took control of the ball in the Wolves box before hitting a shot that was deflected over the head of Hahnemann by the leg of ~~Karl Henry. Hahnemann made another class save to keep out a Benayoun header after Johnson had supplied the cross but at the other end, Reina, who was booed by the Wolves fans behind him every time he touched the ball after his earlier protestations, had little to do until the final whistle. Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Aquilani (Pacheco 85), Agger, Gerrard (capt), Torres, Aurelio (Kuyt 76), Benayoun (Spearing 89), Lucas, Insua, Carragher. Unused subs: Cavalieri, Ngog, Darby, Skrtel. Wolves: Hahnemann, Stearmen, Ward, Foley, Craddock, Berra, Milijaš (Mancienne 62), Henry (capt), Doyle (Elokobi 58), Ebanks-Blake (Iwelumo 67), Jarvis.Unused subs: Hennessey, Surman, Maierhofer, Castillo. Booking: Ward (48, 53 - fouls). Sending-Off: Ward (53 - two bookable offences). Referee: A. Marriner. Attendance: 41,956. Stats Possession (%) 60:40 Shots on target 10 2 Shots off target 4 4 Corners 7 1 Fouls 9 10 Most fouls Benayoun 2 Ward 2 Yellow cards 0 1 Red cards 0 1 90.00 +03.47 Daniel Pacheco(Liverpool) caught offside. Direct free kick taken right-footed by Marcus Hahnemann(Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play. 90.00 +03.39 Cross by Steven Gerrard(Liverpool), clearance by George Elokobi(Wolverhampton). 90.00 +00.28 Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Leiva Lucas(Liverpool) to centre, clearance by Richard Stearman(Wolverhampton). 89.09 Cross by Dirk Kuyt(Liverpool), comfortable save (caught) by Marcus Hahnemann(Wolverhampton). 87.43 Liverpool substitution: Yossi Benayoun replaced by Jay Spearing (tactical). 87.30 Foul by Dirk Kuyt(Liverpool) on Karl Henry(Wolverhampton). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Marcus Hahnemann(Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play. 83.51 Liverpool substitution: Alberto Aquilani replaced by Daniel Pacheco (tactical). 82.00 Cross by Steven Gerrard(Liverpool), comfortable save (caught) by Marcus Hahnemann(Wolverhampton). 81.27 Foul by Michael Mancienne(Wolverhampton) on Yossi Benayoun(Liverpool). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Jamie Carragher(Liverpool) from own half, passed. 77.19 Cross by Glen Johnson(Liverpool), header by Yossi Benayoun(Liverpool) from centre of penalty area (12 yards), over the bar. 76.09 Foul by Yossi Benayoun(Liverpool) on George Elokobi(Wolverhampton). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Marcus Hahnemann(Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play. 75.11 Liverpool substitution: Fabio Aurelio replaced by Dirk Kuyt (tactical). 75.40 Cross by Matthew Jarvis(Wolverhampton), resulting in ball out of play. 72.52 shot by Fernando Torres(Liverpool) drilled right-footed from left channel (20 yards), comfortable save (caught) by Marcus Hahnemann(Wolverhampton). 69.21 Goal by Yossi Benayoun(Liverpool) drilled left-footed (high centre of goal) from centre of penalty area (12 yards).Liverpool 2-0 Wolverhampton. 68.44 Cross by Fabio Aurelio(Liverpool), clearance by Jody Craddock(Wolverhampton). 67.39 Foul by Alberto Aquilani(Liverpool) on Chris Iwelumo(Wolverhampton). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Michael Mancienne(Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play. 65.50 Wolverhampton substitution: Sylvan Ebanks-Blake replaced by Chris Iwelumo (tactical). 64.42 Cross by Emiliano Insua(Liverpool), clearance by George Elokobi(Wolverhampton). 62.57 Corner from left by-line taken short right-footed by Steven Gerrard(Liverpool). Goal kick taken long by Marcus Hahnemann(Wolverhampton). 61.52 Headed goal by Steven Gerrard(Liverpool) (top-right of goal) from right side of six-yard box (6 yards).Liverpool 1-0 Wolverhampton. Assist (cross) by Emiliano Insua(Liverpool) from left wing.Wolverhampton substitution: Nenad Milijas replaced by Michael Mancienne (tactical). 60.07 Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Fabio Aurelio(Liverpool) to centre, fantastic save (punched) by Marcus Hahnemann(Wolverhampton). 59.44 Cross by Yossi Benayoun(Liverpool), blocked by George Elokobi(Wolverhampton). 57.28 Wolverhampton substitution: Kevin Doyle replaced by George Elokobi (tactical). 55.38 Shot by Steven Gerrard(Liverpool) drilled right-footed from right side of penalty area (18 yards), blocked by Christophe Berra(Wolverhampton). 54.45 Cross by Glen Johnson(Liverpool), clearance by Christophe Berra(Wolverhampton). 53.55 Foul by Stephen Ward(Wolverhampton) on Leiva Lucas(Liverpool). Stephen Ward(Wolverhampton) dismissed for second bookable offence. Free kick crossed right-footed by Steven Gerrard(Liverpool) from right wing, clearance by Karl Henry(Wolverhampton). 50.36 Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Steven Gerrard(Liverpool) to centre, foul by Yossi Benayoun(Liverpool) on Karl Henry(Wolverhampton). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Marcus Hahnemann(Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play. 50.11 Shot by Steven Gerrard(Liverpool) drilled right-footed from right channel (20 yards), save (tipped round post) by Marcus Hahnemann(Wolverhampton). 48.22 Cross by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake(Wolverhampton), header by Nenad Milijas(Wolverhampton) from centre of penalty area (12 yards), missed left. 47.53Foul by Stephen Ward(Wolverhampton) on Yossi Benayoun(Liverpool). Stephen Ward(Wolverhampton) booked for unsporting behaviour. Free kick crossed left-footed by Fabio Aurelio(Liverpool) from right wing, comfortable save (caught) by Marcus Hahnemann(Wolverhampton). 45.39 Foul by Steven Gerrard(Liverpool) on Christophe Berra(Wolverhampton). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Marcus Hahnemann(Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play. 45.00 +00.44 Foul by Leiva Lucas(Liverpool) on Nenad Milijas(Wolverhampton). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Nenad Milijas(Wolverhampton) from left channel, resulting in open play. 44.16 Shot by Glen Johnson(Liverpool) drilled right-footed from centre of penalty area (18 yards), brilliant save (punched) by Marcus Hahnemann(Wolverhampton). 40.43 Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Steven Gerrard(Liverpool) to out of play, resulting in ball out of play. 40.38 Shot by Leiva Lucas(Liverpool) drilled left-footed from right channel (20 yards), blocked by Christophe Berra(Wolverhampton). 38.50 Shot by Leiva Lucas(Liverpool) drilled right-footed from right channel (30 yards), over the bar. 38.19 Cross by Karl Henry(Wolverhampton), resulting in open play. 36.50 Foul by Nenad Milijas(Wolverhampton) on Alberto Aquilani(Liverpool). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Alberto Aquilani(Liverpool) from right channel, passed. 35.47 Foul by Christophe Berra(Wolverhampton) on Fernando Torres(Liverpool). Free kick crossed left-footed by Fabio Aurelio(Liverpool) from right channel, comfortable save (caught) by Marcus Hahnemann(Wolverhampton). 31.58 Foul by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake(Wolverhampton) on Daniel Agger(Liverpool). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Jose Reina(Liverpool) from own half, resulting in open play. 30.49 Foul by Steven Gerrard(Liverpool) on Matthew Jarvis(Wolverhampton). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Marcus Hahnemann(Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play. 30.34 Cross by Glen Johnson(Liverpool), clearance by Stephen Ward(Wolverhampton). 30.07 Foul by Kevin Foley(Wolverhampton) on Alberto Aquilani(Liverpool). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Emiliano Insua(Liverpool) from own half, resulting in open play. 29.16 Fernando Torres(Liverpool) caught offside. Direct free kick taken right-footed by Marcus Hahnemann(Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play. 28.23 Foul by Jody Craddock(Wolverhampton) on Fabio Aurelio(Liverpool). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Emiliano Insua(Liverpool) from own half, resulting in open play. 27.47 Foul by Leiva Lucas(Liverpool) on Stephen Ward(Wolverhampton). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Nenad Milijas(Wolverhampton) from left wing, passed. 26.43 Shot by Fernando Torres(Liverpool) curled left-footed from right side of penalty area (18 yards), missed left. 25.20 Shot by Nenad Milijas(Wolverhampton) drilled left-footed from left channel (20 yards), missed right. 23.59 Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Nenad Milijas(Wolverhampton) to centre, weak header by Kevin Doyle(Wolverhampton) from right side of six-yard box (6 yards), missed right. 23.17 Foul by Daniel Agger(Liverpool) on Kevin Doyle(Wolverhampton). Free kick curled left-footed by Nenad Milijas(Wolverhampton) from left channel (25 yards), save (tipped over) by Jose Reina(Liverpool). 21.41 Fernando Torres(Liverpool) caught offside. Direct free kick taken right-footed by Jody Craddock(Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play. 21.32 Shot by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake(Wolverhampton) drilled right-footed from left side of penalty area (12 yards), comfortable save (caught) by Jose Reina(Liverpool). 19.34 Cross by Yossi Benayoun(Liverpool), clearance by Christophe Berra(Wolverhampton). 18.12 Cross by Fernando Torres(Liverpool), comfortable save (caught) by Marcus Hahnemann(Wolverhampton). 17.42 Cross by Emiliano Insua(Liverpool), clearance by Christophe Berra(Wolverhampton). 17.32 Cross by Fernando Torres(Liverpool), clearance by Jody Craddock(Wolverhampton). 17.10 Cross by Richard Stearman(Wolverhampton), shot by Nenad Milijas(Wolverhampton) drilled left-footed from left channel (20 yards), missed left. 15.51 Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Fabio Aurelio(Liverpool) to far post, resulting in ball out of play. 15.43Cross by Emiliano Insua(Liverpool), clearance by Stephen Ward(Wolverhampton). 13.40 Cross by Fabio Aurelio(Liverpool), clearance by Christophe Berra(Wolverhampton). 11.13 Foul by Kevin Doyle(Wolverhampton) on Alberto Aquilani(Liverpool). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Fabio Aurelio(Liverpool) from right wing, weak header by Fernando Torres(Liverpool) from centre of penalty area (12 yards), missed right. 08.23 Cross by Steven Gerrard(Liverpool), resulting in ball out of play. 07.17 Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Steven Gerrard(Liverpool) to near post, clearance by Stephen Ward(Wolverhampton). 07.14 Shot by Fernando Torres(Liverpool) drilled right-footed from left side of penalty area (12 yards), save (tipped over) by Marcus Hahnemann(Wolverhampton). 05.37Shot by Steven Gerrard(Liverpool) drilled right-footed from right channel (25 yards), comfortable save (caught) by Marcus Hahnemann(Wolverhampton). 04.30 Cross by Glen Johnson(Liverpool), resulting in ball out of play. 02.16 Cross by Kevin Doyle(Wolverhampton), clearance by Jamie Carragher(Liverpool). 01.00 Foul by Nenad Milijas(Wolverhampton) on Fernando Torres(Liverpool). Free kick drilled left-footed by Fabio Aurelio(Liverpool) from right channel (30 yards), comfortable save (caught) by Marcus Hahnemann(Wolverhampton).
Sun 20th Dec Wolves 2 Burnley 0 1pm We’re NOT bottom for Christmas - in fact just one win took us above Burnley and into 12th as we beat them 2-0 - fortunate not to concede 2 pens - neither side very good apart from Doyler and Eagles. Milijaŝs again from Doyle’s persistance and another poor Jarvo shot and then Doyler's solo persistence. Interviews again were about Mick rather than WWFC Wolves 2 (Milijaš 15, Doyle 50) Burnley 0 Wolves moved up to 12th in the Barclays Premier League table after to a convincing win over Burnley - the third victory in four games for Mick McCarthy's men. As expected there were more wholesale changes to the Wolves side with only Marcus Hahnemann and Kevin Foley retaining their places from the game at Manchester United. Although the weather was freezing, the undersoil heating had done its job as Wolves kicked-off attacking the South Bank end on a perfect pitch. Most of the early play was concentrated in the Burnley half but the first save was made by Hahnemann when he claimed a Steven Fletcher header after a cross from Tyrone Mears. In the ninth minute Matt Jarvis and Nenad Milijaš combined to create a chance for Kevin Doyle whose shot from the edge of the box took a deflection before flying narrowly wide. Steven Caldwell was forced to boot the ball behind as Sylvan Ebanks-Blake tried to get to Doyle's low cross and Jarvis's corner was cleared. The deadlock was broken in the 15th minute as Milijaš netted for the second successive home game and although his strike wasn't as spectacular as his effort against Bolton, it was just as important. Doyle won possession from Clarke Carlisle and slipped the ball inside to Jarvis who sprinted into the box and unleashed a cross-shot that Brian Jensen could only parry. Luck was against the keeper as the ball fell to the Serb who sidefooted it into the net. Kevin McDonald wasn't far away with a drive after he had run onto a through ball but Wolves could have had a second when Milijaš's short pass was deflected into the path of Doyle who was denied by Jensen's leg as he shot for goal. Chris Eagles' foul on Richard Stearman gave Milijaš a chance with the free-kick but the ball struck Christrophe Berra and bounced to a defender who cleared. Michael Duff went on in place of the injured Carlisle and then Karl Henry went into the book after a late challenge on Graham Alexander. Jenson didn't have to move to take a powerful 20-yard shot from Jarvis and, just before the break, Eagles' free-kick went over everyone and out for a goal kick after Jody Craddock had fouled Fletcher. Half-Time: Wolves 1 Burnley 0 The Clarets made a strong start to the new half with Stearman having to head a Mears centre behind with Fletcher waiting to pounce. Then Duff flicked the ball well wide after a low cross from Alexander. But Wolves increased their lead in the 50th minutes with Doyle netting his fifth goal of the campaign. The striker beat Caldwell to Craddock's long ball long ball out of defence before sidestepping Duff and shooting past Jensen. Before play resumed, Doyle was yellow carded for taking off his shirt after scoring. A minute later he looked on for a second as he chased down Ebanks-Blake's flick but Duff got across to boot the ball out for a throw and prevent the Wolves man from having a clear run on goal. Jensen dived to his right to catch a drive from Ebanks-Blake before Berra fouled Mears to the right of the home area. Eagles sent a low free-kick through the heart of the six-yard box but nobody was able to get a touch. Mears stopped Jarvis from having a clear run at goal with a last ditch tackle but it took a goal-line clearance from Foley to keep out Caldwell's header after a corner from Eagles. Hahnemann made two saves from Eagles within a minute - the first from a long-range effort and the second after the ball took a deflection off Henry. Ebanks-Blake held his head after Jensen had made a flying save to keep out his header following a cross from Stephen Ward. Former Molineux midfielder Joey Gudjonsson replaced Caldwell and Michael Mancienne went on for Milijaš with 20 minutes remaining. Jensen had to be at his best to block from Ebanks-Blake who had run onto a return pass from Foley who was having a fine game in midfield. But Fletcher then spurned a good opportunity when he headed high and wide after a cross from Elliott. In the 89th minute Hahnemann did well to push away McDonald's low cross into a congested area. Wolves: Hahnemann, Stearmen, Ward, Foley, Craddock, Berra, Milijaš (Mancienne 68), Henry (capt), Doyle (Elokobi 90), Ebanks-Blake, Jarvis (Iwelumo 87). Unused subs: Hennessey, Surman, Maierhofer, Castillo.Bookings: Henry (35 - foul), Doyle (50 - over celebrating goal). Burnley: Jensen, Alexander, Carlisle (Duff34), Caldwell (capt) (Gudjonsson 68), McDonald, Fletcher, Elliott, Mears, Bikey (Nugent 53), Jordan, Eagles. Unused subs: Penny, Blake, Thompson, Guerrero. Booking: Gudjonsson (90 - foul). Referee: M. Atkinson. Attendance: 27,410. Possession (%) 50 50 Shots on target 12 6 Shots off target 0 4 Corners 5 5 Fouls 17 9 Most fouls Craddock 3 Elliott 2 Yellow cards 2 1 Full Time 90:00+4:20 The referee signals the end of the game. 90:00+3:40 Sylvan Ebanks-Blake challenges Graham Alexander unfairly and gives away a free kick. Brian Jensen restarts play with the free kick. 90:00+2:53 Substitution George Elokobi on for Kevin Doyle. 90:00+2:42 Centre by Steven Fletcher. 90:00+1:52 David Nugent challenges Christophe Berra unfairly and gives away a free kick. Marcus Hahnemann takes the direct free kick. 90:00+0:09 Direct free kick taken by Marcus Hahnemann. 90:00+0:09 Booking Joey Gudjonsson goes into the book for unsporting behaviour. 90:00+0:05 Richard Stearman fouled by Joey Gudjonsson, the ref awards a free kick. 89:05 Sylvan Ebanks-Blake takes a shot. Michael Duff gets a block in. 88:49 A cross is delivered by Kevin McDonald. 88:28 Steven Fletcher takes a shot. Blocked by Jody Craddock. 87:40 The ball is delivered by Wade Elliott, clearance made by Jody Craddock. 86:08 Free kick crossed right-footed by Chris Eagles, clearance made by Michael Mancienne. 86:08 Substitution Chris Iwelumo replaces Matthew Jarvis. 86:08 Joey Gudjonsson fouled by Michael Mancienne, the ref awards a free kick. 84:46 Kevin Foley gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Chris Eagles. The free kick is delivered right-footed by Chris Eagles from left channel, save made by Marcus Hahnemann. 84:04 Chris Eagles takes a shot. Save made by Marcus Hahnemann. 83:34 Corner taken by Wade Elliott. 83:26 Centre by Chris Eagles, Stephen Ward manages to make a clearance. 81:36 Kevin Doyle is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Brian Jensen takes the indirect free kick. 77:32 Centre by Kevin McDonald. 73:14 Centre by Tyrone Mears, save made by Marcus Hahnemann. 71:35 Wade Elliott crosses the ball, Close range shot by Steven Fletcher goes wide of the left-hand upright. 71:05 Corner taken by Matthew Jarvis, Kevin Doyle takes a shot. Brian Jensen makes a save. 70:44 Sylvan Ebanks-Blake takes a shot. Save by Brian Jensen. 67:34 Substitution Michael Mancienne replaces Nenad Milijas. 66:57 Substitution Joey Gudjonsson replaces Steven Caldwell. 66:24 Free kick awarded for a foul by Matthew Jarvis on Kevin McDonald. Free kick crossed right-footed by Chris Eagles, Matthew Jarvis gets a block in. 65:22 Corner from the left by-line taken by Nenad Milijas, Brian Jensen makes a save. 65:04 Stephen Ward sends in a cross, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake takes a shot. Brian Jensen makes a save. 64:28 Effort from 18 yards by Chris Eagles. Save made by Brian Jensen. 63:38 Chris Eagles takes a shot. Marcus Hahnemann makes a save. 62:54 Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Chris Eagles, Steven Caldwell takes a shot. Kevin Foley makes a clearance. 62:24 Foul by Nenad Milijas on Tyrone Mears, free kick awarded. Direct free kick taken by Brian Jensen. 61:16 Stephen Jordan fouled by Kevin Doyle, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick crossed right-footed by Chris Eagles, save made by Marcus Hahnemann. 60:11 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Tyrone Mears by Christophe Berra. Free kick crossed by Chris Eagles. 59:46 Steven Caldwell fouled by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, the ref awards a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Graham Alexander. 59:00 Corner taken by Wade Elliott. 55:37 Sylvan Ebanks-Blake takes a shot. Save made by Brian Jensen. 51:47 Substitution David Nugent joins the action as a substitute, replacing Andre Bikey. 50:52 Booking Kevin Doyle is shown a yellow card for unsporting behaviour. 49:51 Assist on the goal came from Jody Craddock. 49:51 GOAL - Kevin Doyle:Wolverhampton 2 - 0 Burnley Kevin Doyle fires in a goal from close in low into the middle of the goal. Wolverhampton 2-0 Burnley. 48:40 Free kick awarded for a foul by Wade Elliott on Sylvan Ebanks-Blake. Nenad Milijas takes the free kick. Correction - 48:01 Graham Alexander sends in a cross, Effort from deep inside the area by Michael Duff misses to the left of the goal. 48:01 Graham Alexander delivers the ball, Effort from inside the area by Steven Fletcher misses to the left of the target. 47:34 Corner taken by Chris Eagles from the left by-line, Christophe Berra makes a clearance. 47:17 A cross is delivered by Tyrone Mears, Richard Stearman manages to make a clearance. 45:49 Jody Craddock challenges Steven Fletcher unfairly and gives away a free kick. Graham Alexander takes the free kick. 45:01 The referee starts the second half. Half Time 45:00+2:07 The half-time whistle blows. 45:00+1:01 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Karl Henry by Steven Fletcher. Marcus Hahnemann takes the free kick. 43:08 Steven Fletcher fouled by Jody Craddock, the ref awards a free kick. Chris Eagles delivers the ball from the free kick right-footed from left channel. 41:17 Free kick awarded for a foul by Andre Bikey on Richard Stearman. Nenad Milijas crosses the ball from the free kick left-footed from right channel, save by Brian Jensen. 37:53 Kevin Doyle concedes a free kick for a foul on Stephen Jordan. Brian Jensen takes the direct free kick. 37:11 Matthew Jarvis takes a shot. Brian Jensen makes a save. 36:48 The ball is crossed by Stephen Jordan, save made by Marcus Hahnemann. 36:14 Matthew Jarvis handles the ball and concedes a free kick. Free kick taken by Graham Alexander. 34:42 Tyrone Mears takes the direct free kick. 34:42 Booking Booking for Karl Henry for unsporting behaviour. 34:37 Free kick awarded for a foul by Karl Henry on Graham Alexander. 32:47 Free kick taken by Brian Jensen. 32:47 Substitution Michael Duff is brought on as a substitute for Clarke Carlisle. 32:47 Chris Eagles fouled by Kevin Foley, the ref awards a free kick. 31:24 Matthew Jarvis takes the inswinging corner, Nenad Milijas takes a shot. Blocked by Wade Elliott. 30:23 Unfair challenge on Richard Stearman by Chris Eagles results in a free kick. Nenad Milijas delivers the ball from the free kick left-footed from right channel. 25:56 Outswinging corner taken right-footed by Chris Eagles, save by Marcus Hahnemann. 24:04 Christophe Berra challenges Steven Fletcher unfairly and gives away a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Graham Alexander. 21:49 Matthew Jarvis concedes a free kick for a foul on Graham Alexander. Graham Alexander takes the direct free kick. 18:41 Steven Fletcher fouled by Jody Craddock, the ref awards a free kick. Steven Caldwell takes the direct free kick. 18:25 Kevin Doyle takes a shot. Save made by Brian Jensen. 18:18 The ball is delivered by Karl Henry. 17:20 Kevin McDonald produces a left-footed shot from just outside the box that misses to the right of the net. 16:35 Nenad Milijas fouled by Kevin McDonald, the ref awards a free kick. Jody Craddock takes the free kick. 14:54 Assist by Matthew Jarvis. 14:54 GOAL - Nenad Milijas:Wolverhampton 1 - 0 Burnley Nenad Milijas finds the back of the net with a goal from deep inside the penalty box low into the middle of the goal. Wolverhampton 1-0 Burnley. 14:50 Matthew Jarvis takes a shot. Brian Jensen makes a save. 13:29 Corner taken right-footed by Matthew Jarvis, Steven Caldwell makes a clearance. Correction - 12:24 Stephen Ward fouled by Wade Elliott, the ref awards a free kick. Nenad Milijas restarts play with the free kick. 12:24 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Stephen Ward by Wade Elliott. Christophe Berra takes the free kick. 9:49 Steven Caldwell gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Kevin Doyle. The free kick is swung in left-footed by Nenad Milijas. 9:04 Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Matthew Jarvis from the left by-line, save by Brian Jensen. 8:51 Kevin Doyle takes a shot. Blocked by Graham Alexander. 7:49 The ball is delivered by Nenad Milijas. 6:57 The ball is swung over by Tyrone Mears, Steven Fletcher takes a shot. Save by Marcus Hahnemann. 6:27 The ball is delivered by Kevin Doyle. 6:06 The ball is swung over by Steven Fletcher, save by Marcus Hahnemann. 2:38 Foul by Karl Henry on Steven Fletcher, free kick awarded. Direct strike on goal from the free kick comes in from Chris Eagles. 2:14 Stephen Ward produces a cross, Brian Jensen makes a save. 0:00 The referee starts the match.
Tue 15th Dec Man Utd 3 Wolves 0 8.00pm “Taking the Mick” Manchester United 3 (Rooney-pen 30, Vidic 43, Valencia 66) Wolves 0 What on earth - 10 changes - only Hahnemann stayed from the team who beat Spurs on Saturday?!?!?!? Resting them for Sunday's game - clearly he hasn't learnt from his mistakes on goal difference in 2007-8. Another insult to the travelling fans - Wolves should again offer refunds. "Taking the Mick" is the headline in several newspapers as well as "Tame Wolves raise white flag" and "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" Cheating the fans more like. "Fourty quid to watch the reserves" and "Where is our first team" were sung to the thick skinned Barnsleyite. Charlton fan Paul Thurrock wrote "I have lost all respect for Wolverhampton Wanderers and especially Mick McCarthy who I always thought a man of integrity. The team selection last night was a disgrace, a pathetic submissive act which undermined the Premiership competition – something you strived hard to attain. If you don’t want to play against the big teams, go back where you obviously are happier – It’s a great shame that a great club like yours should acquiesce so pathetically." Mick defended picking players who weren't even good enough for the Coca Cola Championship along with other fringe players and an exercise to give Markus Hahnemann some goalkeeping practice having been able to sleep for most of Saturday's 100 minutes by saying that the players put in 9-10 out of 10 efforts on Saturday and that would give them a 30-40% greater chance of injury on Wednesday. The Premier League have asked Wolves to explain the team selection. Wolves under siege for the first 20 minutes then Maierhofer flicks on from Halford's throw and Friend miskicks from 10 yards - is this Camara all over again?Zubar continued his own-goal reputation by a totally unnecessary handball to gi Rooney an easy penalty after half an hour. And on the next attack gave the ball to Berbatov in the bix, but fortunately he fell over. Ronnie tried to make up for it with a great run on to a pass from Capt Foley but Maierhofer couldn't get on to the ball. Former loanee Gibson then set up Vidic who got across George Elokobi and headed for their second. Maierhofer had some tasty moments with Vidic and it looked as though Mick hooked him off before he got sent off. Gibson should have been sent off for a lunge on Castillo but myopic ref Bennett wimped out as usual. Straight back into the relegation zone. Manchester United 3 (Rooney-pen 30, Vidic 43, Valencia 66) Wolves 0 as Wolves saw it Kevin Foley captained a side that included George Friend, just recalled from a loan spell with Scunthorpe, and Stefan Maierhofer who took a lone role up front. Foley played in central midfield as opposed to his usual full-back slot. With 2,500 travelling supporters behind them, Wolves kicked-off attacking the Stretford End but it was United that almost made an early breakthrough when Darron Gibson's shot broke off a defender to Wayne Rooney who was clean through. He looked a certain scorer but Hahnemann was off his line like a shot to block from the England striker. All of the early attacking moves were coming from United and after Ronald Zubar had headed out a dangerous cross from Rooney, Maierhofer almost sliced a low centre from Gibson into his own net. Hahnemann then made another close quarters save from Rooney who had flicked a Patrice Evra shot towards goal. With 19 minutes gone Wolves were within a whisker of taking the lead. Greg Halford's long throw was headed on by Maierhofer and the ball bounced off Andy Surman into the path of Friend whose rising drive was a foot too high (pictured http://www.wolves.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10307,00.html). Former Albion keeper Tomasz Kuszczak made a hash of trying to collect a floated free-kick from Friend but a kind bounce allowed him to retrieve the situation before Maierhofer could take advantage. Rooney went close again with a shot on the turn that took a deflection and ran just wide of the far post before United took the lead in the 30th minute following a Gibson corner. As the ball came across it struck the raised arm of Zubar. The referee immediately pointed to the spot and Rooney made no mistake. Five minutes before the break, Zubar almost fashioned an equaliser with a run down the right flank before cutting inside and delivering a low centre that flew through the home six-yard box with no-one able to get a touch. Seconds later the French defender went into the book for tripping Gibson. But two minutes later United increased their lead, again following a Gibson corner. Home skipper Nemanja Vidic ran in to score with a powerful header that Hahnemann got a hand to but couldn't to prevent the ball from trickling over the line just inside the post. In stoppage time Gabriel Obertan's cross-shot was cut out by Hahnemann who turned the ball behind. There was no time to take the corner. Half-Time: United 2 Wolves 0 Obertan figured in the first goal attempt of the new half but his attempt to curl the ball under the angle was way off the mark. Friend was presented with another chance after Surman had pulled the ball back for his but his shot was too high to trouble Kuszczak. In the minutes that followed both sides made changes - Chris Iwelumo was sent on for Maierhofer, Matt Jarvis for Friend whilst United replaced Vidic with Darren Fletcher. Hahnemann saved a 20-yard drive from Gibson but he was powerless to prevent United's third goal in the 66th minute. Paul Scholes played the ball into the box and Dimitar Berbatov's overhead flick dropped invitingly at the feet of Antonio Valencia who lashed the ball into the roof of the net. Scholes was shown the yellow card after a late challenge on Segundo Castillo and Wolves made a final change with Dave Jones going on in place of Halford at the same time as Michael Owen took the place of Rooney for the home team. Kuszczak punched a Jarvis centre off the head of Iwelumo but the action was soon back at the other end where Hahnemann had to kick the ball clear after he had failed to hold Danny Welbeck's drive. Just before the end Surman took a cross from Jarvis but the ball wouldn't drop for him and his hopes of a consolation goal were lost as a defender blocked at the expanse of a corner. United:Kuszczak, Evra, Berbatov, Rooney (Owen 76), Vidic (capt) (Fletcher 60), Carrick, Scholes, Valencia, Oberton (Welbeck 71), Gibson, De Laet. Unused subs: Anderson, Foster, Park, Da Silva. Booking: Scholes (69 - foul). Wolves: Hahnemann, Halford (Jones 76), Hill, Surman, Zubar, Elokobi, Castillo, Surman, Maierhofer (Iwelumo 54), Foley (capt), Friend (Jarvis 60). Booking: Zubar (41 - foul). Referee: S. Bennett. Attendance: 73,709.
Most fouls Yellow cards 1 1 Foul by David Jones (WW) on Dimitar Berbatov(Man Utd). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Michael Carrick(Man Utd) from left channel, resulting in open play. by Michael Owen (tactical).
Sat 12th Dec Spurs 0 Wolves 1 (Doyle 3) 3pm Brilliant! A brilliant performance as Wolves deservedly win at The Lane for the first time since 1973. A resolute defensive performance with Wardy & Jarvis doubling up on Defoe and Stears and Dave Edwards handling Aron Lennon. Hahnemann, in truth, only had two real saves to make as Craddock and Berra easily managed even Peter Crouch when he replaced Wolves fans' favourite Robbie Keane. Since Atwell played 4 minutes extra in the first half, and 6 and a half in the second, Wolves held out for nearly 100 minutes, with a display as strong as the two banks of 4 lined up at Moli after Kenny Miller scored v Man U. Another excellent delivery from Milijaš got a skim off Doyler's head - it would have gone in anyway - to put us ahead with only 3 gone... and hence the long time to hold out. But strong resolution saw us through. Mick's substitutions again looked a bit funny - Mancienne for Milijaš rather than Castillo, but it rapidly Spurs: Gomes, Huddlstone, Lennon, Keane (capt) (Crouch 59), Palacios (Modric 59), Defoe, Bassong, Dawson, Kranjcar (Dos Santos 78), Corluka, Assou-Ekotto. Unused subs: Alnwick, Hutton, Bale, Rose. Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp: Sat 5th Dec Wolves 2 (Craddock 3, Milijaš 67) Bolton 1 (Elmander 79)
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e not bottom any more!! And marvellous Milijaš kicks off his Premier League goal tally (and an assist). Portsmouth's win against Burnley temporarily put us bottom until this - in the end - hard fought win when we leap-frogged both Pompey and Bolton. A different Wolves from the lot who were on the pitch against Birmingham turned up - for 75 minutes at least, but had to fight hard and rely on some outstanding luck and a few good saves from Marcus Hahnemann to keep the 3 points. The first goal (see pic) was clearly offside as Stears headed on man-of-the-match Nenad Milijaš' free kick for Jody to smash it home, but Wolves dominated the first hour and played like we want to see them play. Bolton helped by not "getting in the face" as Blues did and Milijaš gained the freedom of Molineux - freely awarded after his first goal for Wolves - a stunning 40 yarder after ref Foy had played advantage after a foul on Doyle. Doyler was magnificent as was Stephen Ward, including a match saving tackle in the area late on. Hahnemann looked a bit more confident at times, including 2 very good saves. SEB looks as though he's getting his strength back. While Craddock, Stears and Berra were very strong, until those last few minutes. But these last 12 minutes were awful. Elmander's scrambled goal led to mass panic in the area and we were under siege for the rest of the match, one highlight being the rush out at a free kick to leave 4 BW's offside (a bit brave) and Stefan Maierhofer's clearance after nearly setting up an equaliser. Hof could have won it earlier from another brilliant Milijaš pass. "Sacked in the morning" was the most polite of the South Bank's greetings for exBaggie's manager Gary Megson. Mark Davis returned to Moli, but made no impact at all.