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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
-”Worse than the Albion”. At least the team who went down in 2003-4 fought for games. Even worse than at the better Blues. The worst team to visit Molineux this season won over an even worse Wolves performance led by a now clueless manager and coach. Wayne was punished for his mistakes against Chelski - forgetting a couple of outstanding saves - and hapless Hahnemann came in to be beaten easily by Bowyer. He made two reasonable saves from then and spent most of the game indulging himself in a one to one kicking contest to Jo Hart in the Blues goal - only one in 5 kicks going anywhere near a gold shirt. No service to Doyle, Sylvan still not at anywhere near his best, and only Greg Halford getting the ball into the box - so he got hauled off to be be replaced by Kights after half an hour who proceeded to make even less impact. One decent cross, and he injured himself going into a totally unnecessary tackle - worth a fine from Mick that one. Who of course should fine himself for a team coming out half asleep and not closing down in the third minute and then giving up even more abjectly than they had at Chelsea. A few hours of boredom, a little flash at the beginning of the second half and a spirited two minutes in extra time was about all we got from players who looked well beaten by a very poor Birmingham. Bottom for Christmas at this rate. Wardy's Premier League return after being out since August at least raised the temperature and the attacking power of Jarvis a bit, but not enough. A "young" wolves side was outclassed and out-thought by a load of veterans - even McFadden looked good against our lot.
A disappointing display against local rivals Birmingham saw Wolves slip to a third consecutive defeat and a ninth game without a win following Lee Bowyer's early strike. There were three changes to the home line-up with Wayne Hennessey missing his first Premier League fixture of the campaign. Also left out from the side that started against Chelsea were Andy Surman and Segundo Castillo. In came Marcus Hahnemann and Michael Mancienne, who played at right-back, and there was a return for Kevin Doyle after his recent international exploits. Wolves kicked off attacking the South Bank end and they found themselves one down after just 125 seconds play. Blues dominated the opening moments and after the home defence failed to clear its lines, Sebastian Larsson pulled the ball back to the unmarked Bowyer who picked his spot from just outside the area. It was in the tenth minute that Wolves had their first attempt at goal with Dave Edwards heading wide following a centre from Matt Jarvis. Seconds later Hahnemann had to dive full length to prevent Bowyer adding to his and his team's tally with a low 20-yard drive. Cameron Jerome then tested the American keeper with an angled shot before Scott Dann nodded a Greg Halford free-kick behind with Christophe Berra heading wide when Jarvis fired over the corner. With just a third of the game gone Mick McCarthy made his first change with Michael Kightly taking Halford's place on the right of midfield. Wolves survived a penalty appeal after a Jarvis challenge on Dann. The ball went out for a corner and when it was half cleared to Bowyer he hit a shot that took a deflection off Jarvis forcing a tremendous reflex save from Hahnemann. At the end of a very disappointing half from their team, there were ironic cheers from the home fans when Karl Henry was too high with a long distance shot. Half-Time: Wolves 0 Blues 1 Stephen Ward replaced Mancienne at the start of the second half which was less than a minute old when Doyle was literally inches away from an equaliser. Edwards played the ball forward to Sylvan Ebanks-Blake who laid it off for Doyle to strike a low shot that whistled past the post. Wolves were trying desperately to inject some momentum into their game but as the contest approached the hour mark, City keeper Joe Hart still hadn't had a direct save to make. Berra was booked for tripping Jerome and then Kightly was hurt as he tried to stop Barry Ferguson from shepherding the ball out for a goal-kick. After Larsson had shot well wide of the far post, Kightly, who had returned to the field after treatment, signalled that he couldn't continue and he was replaced by Nenad Milijaš. A Milijaš corner went straight through the box to Jerome on the far side. He raced into the Wolves half before slipping the ball inside to James McFadden whose shot took a deflection off Ward and was only just wide of the post. Richard Stearman's throw almost led to an equalising goal when Berra headed on into the heart of the goalmouth where Hart punched clear. The ball fell to Jarvis who hooked it goalwards only for Hart to fling himself sideways and save with a defender completing the clearance. A last ditch tackle by Berra denied Christian Benitez a clear shot at goal and then Ebanks-Blake was well wide with a header after a cross from Stearman. Ebanks-Blake was yellow carded after he was deemed to have fouled Hart as the two went for a high ball and Jerome also went into the book for a late challenge on Jarvis. Deep into stoppage time, with virtually the last move of the match, Berra headed over following a free- kick from Milijaš. Wolves: Hahnemann, Mancienne (Ward 45), Stearmen, Edwards, Craddock, Berra, Halford (Kightly 31) (Milijaš 66), Henry (capt), Doyle, Ebanks-Blake, Jarvis. Unused subs: Hennessey, Keogh, Maierhofer, Castillo. Bookings: Berra (58 - foul), Ebanks-Blake (90 - foul). Blues: Hart, Carr (capt), Bowyer, Ridgewell, Larsson, Jerome, Benitez (Fahey 87), Ferguson, Johnson, Dann, McFadden. Unused subs: Taylor, McSheffrey, Queudrue, O'Shea, Carsley, Vignal. Booking: Jerome (90 - foul). Referee: M. Clattenburg. Attendance: 26, 668.
from own half, resulting in open play. (Birmingham) from own half, resulting in open play. (Birmingham). Stearman(Wolverhampton) from own half, passed.
Mick gave up before a ball was even kicked. With a lopsided team selection only Dave Edwards, Matty Jarvis and, in part, Stears and Capt Karl came away from a 4-0 hammering with any credit. Dave E missed a chance to put us one up in the 4th minute from a great run and cross down the right wing before Jody Craddock cleared the ball straight to Florent Malouda and then stood back to let him score. Three centre backs marked Anelka who never scores from a header and let Essien run unchallenged to head in. The third went under Wayne's body while everyone had gone home by the time Joe Cole scored. The unfit Surman, Ebanks-Blake and sub Kights looked so far off the pace they might just as have stayed at Compton, while Halford's long throw "weapon" was negated by him having no one to throw the ball to. Castillo was plain awful, Berra in and out, Wayne made a couple of good saves, but was at fault for the third, and Keogh was at his "Carl Cort" lookalike worst, coupled with a booking for sheer petulance, but, of course, never able to act as a lone . Ł47 to be served up with this rubbish - Steve Morgan should refund every away fan who was there today. Marks: Hennessey 4, Craddock 3, Berra 4, Castillo 1 (generous that), Edwards 6 Jarvis (who crossed instead of his poor shooting) 6, Henry 5, SEB 4, Keogh 2, Surman 2, Halford 3, Kights 2, Manager 2 (1 of which is for stopping Craddock and co just leaving the pitch without acknowledging the fans (Stears, Edwards and Wayne did)). PLus 5 for the crowd for their rendition of the Liquidator. After going three down in the first 22 minutes, it was always going to be a case of damage limitation for Wolves and although they only conceded one more goal, the Molineux men were run ragged by leaders Chelsea in a one sided contest. Andy Surman made his Premier League debut whilst Greg Halford and Matt Jarvis returned to the starting line-up with Nenad Milijaš, Ronald Zubar and Kevin Doyle missing from the team that had lost to Arsenal. The first chance fell to Sylvan Ebanks-Blake whose shot was blocked by Alex after Jarvis had delivered a low cross from the right. But Chelsea swept straight upfield to take a fifth minute lead through Florent Molouda who hammered a 25-yard shot into the top corner. From a Juliano Belletti cross Joe Cole wasn't far away from a second with a glancing header but the respite for Wanderers was brief as Chelsea went two up in the 12th minute with Michael Essien powerfully heading home from Malouda's corner. David Edwards slipped and lost possession when he had a shooting chance and, at the other end, Saloman Kalou shot over the bar from a good position. Any faint hopes of a comeback for Wolves were eclipsed in the 22nd minute as Malouda again set up Essien who beat Wayne Hennessey with a low shot from 25-yards that appeared to bobble right in front of the Welsh keeper. Halford fired over the bar after a Surman corner had dropped into his path, but there was another chance for the home side after Segundo Castillo had fouled Ashley Cole just outside the visitors area. Malouda touched the free-kick to Alex who took aim but the wall did its job and the ball bounced clear off it. Richard Stearman beat two men on a run down the left side before he slipped the ball inside to Ebanks-Blake who in turn fed Jarvis. The winger lifted over a cross that was inches in front of Stearman who had continued his run. Ebanks-Blake looked odds on to pull one back when he got his head to a Jarvis centre but Pert Cech made a tremendous save to keep the ball out. Just before the break Hennessey had to dive low to claim an angled shot from Malouda.
Half-Time: Chelsea 3 Wolves 0 The Wolves keeper was soon back in the thick of things after the restart saving at Belletti's feet before Malouda stumbled as he burst through on goal allowing Halford to clear at the expense of a corner. Eight minutes into the half Mick McCarthy replaced Castillo with Michael Kightly who could do nothing as Joe Cole shot into the bottom right-hand corner for Chelsea's fourth goal after Kalou had teed the ball up for him. Home substitute Gael Kakuta drilled an angled shot into the side netting before a second Wolves change saw Andy Keogh replacing Ebanks-Blake. Essien almost completed his hat-trick in the 63rd minute with Hennessey making a fine save to turn his long-range drive onto the bar. Two minutes later Essien was close once more this time with a low effort that flew a couple of inches past the post and skimmed the side netting. Ashley Cole hit a low centre that went straight through the heart of the Wolves goalmouth with no-one able to get a touch, and Jarvis saw his cross-shot cleared from in front of the line by John Terry as Wanderers went in search of a consolation goal. In the dying minutes, in between bookings for Christophe Berra and Keogh, Kakuta almost added a fifth for Chelsea with a dipping shot that was only just wide.
Chelsea: Cech, A. Cole, Essien, J. Cole, Mikel, Malouda (Matic 69), Kalou (Borini 79), Terry (capt), Alex, Belletti, Anelka (Kakuta 59). Unused subs: Hilario, Ivanovic, Zhirkov, Ferreira.
Wolves: Hennessey, Halford, Stearmen, Edwards, Craddock, Berra, Jarvis, Henry (capt), Surman, Ebanks-Blake (Keogh 62), Castillo (Kightly 53). Unused subs: Hahnemann, Elokobi, Milijaš, Foley, Maierhofer. Bookings: Berra (79 - foul), Keogh (90 - dissent).
Referee: L. Mason. Attendance: 41,786.
As it happened on WolvesPlayer 90.00 +02.30 Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Matthew Jarvis(Wolverhampton) to centre, clearance by Juliano Belletti(Chelsea). 90.00 +00.50 Foul by Andrew Keogh(Wolverhampton) on Mikel(Chelsea). Andrew Keogh(Wolverhampton) booked for unsporting behaviour. Free kick drilled right-footed by Alex(Chelsea) from left channel (35 yards), save (caught) by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton). 88.48 Andrew Keogh(Wolverhampton) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken left-footed by Petr Cech(Chelsea) from own half, passed. 85.46 Shot by Michael Essien(Chelsea) right-footed from left channel (20 yards), missed right. Goal kick taken long by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton). 84.27 Foul by Andrew Surman(Wolverhampton) on Gael Kakuta(Chelsea). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Gael Kakuta(Chelsea) from left channel, passed. 83.10 Foul by Andrew Keogh(Wolverhampton) on Mikel(Chelsea). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Mikel(Chelsea) from own half, passed. 82.29 Cross by Ashley Cole(Chelsea), shot by Michael Essien(Chelsea) right-footed from right side of penalty area (12 yards), blocked by Richard Stearman(Wolverhampton). 81.50 Defending throw-in by Richard Stearman(Wolverhampton). 80.38 Foul by Andrew Keogh(Wolverhampton) on Michael Essien(Chelsea). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Mikel(Chelsea) from own half, passed. 79.59 Shot by Gael Kakuta(Chelsea) drilled left-footed from left channel (25 yards), missed left. Goal kick taken long by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton). 78.49 Foul by Christophe Berra(Wolverhampton) on Fabio Borini(Chelsea). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Nemanja Matic(Chelsea) from left channel, passed. Jody Craddock(Wolverhampton) booked for unsporting behaviour. 77.54 Salomon Kalou(Chelsea) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Jody Craddock(Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play. Chelsea substitution: Salomon Kalou replaced by Fabio Borini (tactical). 75.39 Cross by Matthew Jarvis(Wolverhampton), clearance by John Terry(Chelsea). Corner from right by-line taken short right-footed by Michael Kightly(Wolverhampton). 74.13 Foul by Michael Kightly(Wolverhampton) on Ashley Cole(Chelsea). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Ashley Cole(Chelsea) from own half, passed. 72.59 Foul by Karl Henry(Wolverhampton) on Joe Cole(Chelsea). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Mikel(Chelsea) from left channel, passed. Shot by Michael Essien(Chelsea) right-footed from right channel (20 yards), missed right. Goal kick taken long by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton). 72.11 Shot by Salomon Kalou(Chelsea) right-footed from right side of penalty area (12 yards), missed right. Goal kick taken long Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton). 71.59 Shot by Salomon Kalou(Chelsea) right-footed from right side of penalty area (12 yards), missed right. Goal kick taken long by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton). 71.49 Goal kick taken long by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton). 70.40 Attacking throw-in by Juliano Belletti(Chelsea). 70.29 Defending throw-in by Michael Essien(Chelsea). 69.56 Defending throw-in by Greg Halford(Wolverhampton). 69.43 Defending throw-in by Ashley Cole(Chelsea). 68.46 Foul by Andrew Keogh(Wolverhampton) on Michael Essien(Chelsea). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Juliano Belletti(Chelsea) from own half, resulting in open play. Chelsea substitution: Florent Malouda replaced by Nemanja Matic (tactical). 68.14 Salomon Kalou(Chelsea) caught offside. Direct free kick taken right-footed by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play. 67.52 Cross by Gael Kakuta(Chelsea), clearance by Richard Stearman(Wolverhampton). 67.30 Cross by Ashley Cole(Chelsea), resulting in ball out of play. Goal kick taken long by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton). 66.59 Cross by Ashley Cole(Chelsea), resulting in ball out of play. Goal kick taken long by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton). 66.41 Shot by Florent Malouda(Chelsea) left-footed from left channel (20 yards), blocked by David Edwards(Wolverhampton). 65.25 Attacking throw-in by Richard Stearman(Wolverhampton). 63.59 Outswinging corner from left by-line taken left-footed by Florent Malouda(Chelsea) to centre, resulting in open play. 63.40 Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Juliano Belletti(Chelsea) to far post, clearance by Greg Halford(Wolverhampton). 63.23 Foul by Jody Craddock(Wolverhampton) on Gael Kakuta(Chelsea). Free kick crossed left-footed by Florent Malouda(Chelsea) from left wing, clearance by Greg Halford(Wolverhampton). 62.47 Shot by Michael Essien(Chelsea) drilled right-footed from right channel (30 yards), save (parried) by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton). 61.25 Wolverhampton substitution: Sylvan Ebanks-Blake replaced by Andrew Keogh (tactical). 61.40 Shot by Gael Kakuta(Chelsea) left-footed from right side of penalty area (12 yards), missed right. Goal kick taken long by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton). 59.29 Foul by Andrew Surman(Wolverhampton) on Juliano Belletti(Chelsea). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Juliano Belletti (Chelsea) from own half, passed. 59.08 Defending throw-in by Juliano Belletti(Chelsea). 58.35 Chelsea substitution: Nicolas Anelka replaced by Gael Kakuta (tactical). 57.08 Attacking throw-in by Richard Stearman(Wolverhampton). 56.23 Cross by Nicolas Anelka(Chelsea), goal by Joe Cole(Chelsea) right-footed (bottom-right of goal) from right channel (20 yards).Chelsea 4-0 Wolverhampton. Assist (pass) by Salomon Kalou(Chelsea) from centre of penalty area. 54.55 Foul by Salomon Kalou(Chelsea) on Jody Craddock(Wolverhampton). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton) from own half, passed. 53.45 Goal kick taken long by Petr Cech(Chelsea). 53.09 Foul by Jody Craddock(Wolverhampton) on Joe Cole(Chelsea). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Mikel(Chelsea) from left channel, resulting in open play. 52.15 Foul by David Edwards(Wolverhampton) on Ashley Cole(Chelsea). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Petr Cech(Chelsea) from own half, passed. Wolverhampton substitution: Segundo Castillo replaced by Michael Kightly (tactical). 51.34 Cross by Florent Malouda(Chelsea), shot by Alex(Chelsea) right-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), save (caught) by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton). 50.47 Shot by Florent Malouda(Chelsea) left-footed from left side of penalty area (12 yards), blocked by Greg Halford(Wolverhampton). Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Joe Cole(Chelsea) to centre, clearance by Segundo Castillo(Wolverhampton). 49.50 Defending throw-in by Juliano Belletti(Chelsea). 48.36 Cross by Richard Stearman(Wolverhampton), resulting in ball out of play. Goal kick taken long by Petr Cech(Chelsea). 48.32 Cross by Richard Stearman(Wolverhampton), resulting in ball out of play. Goal kick taken long by Petr Cech(Chelsea). 46.17 Attacking throw-in by Michael Essien(Chelsea). 43.17 Cross by Matthew Jarvis(Wolverhampton), resulting in open play. 40.58 Cross by David Edwards(Wolverhampton), blocked by Florent Malouda(Chelsea). 40.29 Foul by Alex(Chelsea) on Sylvan Ebanks-Blake(Wolverhampton). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Greg Halford (Wolverhampton) from right channel, passed. 39.17 Shot by Florent Malouda(Chelsea) left-footed from left side of penalty area (12 yards), save (caught) by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton). 38.41 Shot by Karl Henry(Wolverhampton) left-footed from left channel (20 yards), missed left. Goal kick taken short by Petr Cech(Chelsea). 38.26 Cross by Matthew Jarvis(Wolverhampton), header by David Edwards(Wolverhampton) from centre of penalty area (12 yards), save (tipped round post) by Petr Cech(Chelsea). Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Andrew Surman(Wolverhampton) to far post, clearance by Salomon Kalou(Chelsea). 36.14 Cross by David Edwards(Wolverhampton), clearance by John Terry(Chelsea). 35.13 Foul by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake(Wolverhampton) on Juliano Belletti(Chelsea). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Juliano Belletti(Chelsea) from own half, passed. 34.29 Richard Stearman(Wolverhampton) caught offside. Direct free kick taken left-footed by Alex(Chelsea) from own half, passed. 32.18 Shot by Joe Cole(Chelsea) right-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), resulting in open play. Ashley Cole(Chelsea) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play. 31.30 Cross by Matthew Jarvis(Wolverhampton), resulting in ball out of play. Defending throw-in by Ashley Cole(Chelsea). 30.58 Attacking throw-in by Ashley Cole(Chelsea). 30.21 Cross by Juliano Belletti(Chelsea), clearance by Jody Craddock(Wolverhampton). 30.50 Foul by Segundo Castillo(Wolverhampton) on Florent Malouda(Chelsea). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Florent Maloud (Chelsea) from left channel, passed. Shot by Alex(Chelsea) right-footed from left channel (20 yards), blocked by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake(Wolverhampton). Attacking throw-in by Juliano Belletti(Chelsea). 26.17 Cross by Michael Essien(Chelsea), clearance by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton). Corner from left by-line taken short left-footed by Florent Malouda(Chelsea). 24.43 Foul by Salomon Kalou(Chelsea) on Segundo Castillo(Wolverhampton). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play. 23.43 Shot by Andrew Surman(Wolverhampton) right-footed from left side of penalty area (12 yards), blocked by Juliano Belletti (Chelsea). Outswinging corner from left by-line taken left-footed by Andrew Surman(Wolverhampton) to near post, clearance by Michael Essien(Chelsea). Goal kick taken long by Petr Cech(Chelsea). 23.00 Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Matthew Jarvis(Wolverhampton) to near post, clearance by Florent Malouda(Chelsea). 22.52 Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Matthew Jarvis(Wolverhampton) to near post, clearance by Florent Malouda(Chelsea). 21.36 Goal by Michael Essien(Chelsea) drilled right-footed (bottom-right of goal) from right channel (25 yards).Chelsea 3-0 Wolverhampton. Assist (pass) by Salomon Kalou(Chelsea) from left channel. 18.14 Goal kick taken long by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton). 18.08 Cross by Salomon Kalou(Chelsea), resulting in ball out of play. 17.56 Shot by Michael Essien(Chelsea) right-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), blocked by Jody Craddock(Wolverhampton). 16.59 Attacking throw-in by Juliano Belletti(Chelsea). 16.42 Attacking throw-in by Juliano Belletti(Chelsea). 16.10 Defending throw-in by Juliano Belletti(Chelsea). 15.47 Defending throw-in by Andrew Surman(Wolverhampton). 14.53 Shot by Salomon Kalou(Chelsea) left-footed from right channel (20 yards), over the bar. Goal kick taken long by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton). 13.20 Shot by David Edwards(Wolverhampton) left-footed from left side of penalty area (12 yards), missed right. Goal kick taken long by Petr Cech(Chelsea). 12.37 Shot by David Edwards(Wolverhampton) left-footed from left side of penalty area (12 yards), missed right. Goal kick taken long by Petr Cech(Chelsea). 12.40 Shot by Salomon Kalou(Chelsea) right-footed from right channel (20 yards), save (tipped round post) by Wayne Hennessey (Wolverhampton). Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Florent Malouda(Chelsea) to near post, headed goal by Michael Essien(Chelsea) (high centre of goal) from right side of six-yard box (6 yards).Chelsea 2-0 Wolverhampton. Assist (cross) by Florent Malouda(Chelsea) from right by-line. 09.44 Cross by Nicolas Anelka(Chelsea), header by Joe Cole(Chelsea) from centre of penalty area (6 yards), resulting in open play. 09.12 Attacking throw-in by Ashley Cole(Chelsea).ng throw-in by Greg Halford(Wolverhampton). 07.38 Defending throw-in by Andrew Surman(Wolverhampton). 05.26 Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Matthew Jarvis(Wolverhampton) to centre, resulting in ball out of play. Goal kick taken long by Petr Cech(Chelsea). 04.21 Goal by Florent Malouda(Chelsea) drilled left-footed (top-left of goal) from left channel (25 yards).Chelsea 1-0 Wolverhampton. 04.14 Shot by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake(Wolverhampton) right-footed from left channel (20 yards), blocked by Alex(Chelsea). 03.45 Cross by Matthew Jarvis(Wolverhampton), resulting in ball out of play. Attacking throw-in by Andrew Surman(Wolverhampton). 03.30 Cross by Matthew Jarvis(Wolverhampton), resulting in ball out of play. Attacking throw-in by Andrew Surman(Wolverhampton). 02.55 Foul by Alex(Chelsea) on Sylvan Ebanks-Blake(Wolverhampton). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Andrew Surman verhampton) from left wing, resulting in open play. 01.38 Goal kick taken long by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton). 00.53 Defending throw-in by Greg Halford(Wolverhampton).
Possession (%) 67 33 Shots on target 14 3 Shots off target 8 2 Corners 5 6 Fouls 4 14 Most fouls Alex Keogh 2 4 Yellow cards 0 2 Red cards 0 0 Sat 7 Nov (late kick off on ESPN) Wolves 1 (Craddock 89) Arsenal 4 (Zubar-og 28, Craddock-og 36, Fabregas 45, Arshavin 66) Wolves score 3 to Arsenal's 2. Unfortunately two of ours were in our own net, Ronald Zubar had a pretty good game, but unfortunately played a part in two of their goals... he came from l'OM with a reputation for OGs. Very hard work by Dave Edwards and Karl Henry. Defence suspect. Perhaps drawing the second half will see the unusual 5 centre back line up Mick finished the game with. And yet another clear penalty missed by Steve Bennett - when the wall in the box jumps with hand held high to deflect a free kick
After enjoying the better of the first 25 minutes, Wolves conceded two own goals to Arsenal who then took charge to finish as comfortable 4-1 winners at Molineux. Mick McCarthy made three changes to his starting line-up with Sylvan Ebanks-Blake replacing the injured Chris Iwelumo, Richard Stearman coming in for George Elokobi and Nenad Milijaš was named in preference to Michael Kightly who was one of the substitutes. Before the start a minute's silence was held in respect for the British fallen in conflicts through the years including the present one in Afghanistan. Wolves kicked-off attacking the South Bank end and they made a bright start enjoying much of the forward play. Bacary Sagna had to head clear a Ronald Zubar cross and then William Gallas was forced to concede a corner after Milijaš had fired in a centre. The Serb took the flag kick himself and Kevin Doyle's glancing header was cleared from in front of the line by Kieran Gibbs. The referee played the advantage rule after Gallas had hacked down Doyle but he booked the Arsenal man after Stearman's low cross had been turned behind for a corner. When Milijaš took the kick Ebanks-Blake was a foot wide with a near post header. Christophe Berra tested Manuel Almunia with a long range put although the Spanish keeper didn't have to move his feet to claim the ball. Berra then got underneath a Milijaš free-kick. The ball dropped to Doyle whose shot on the turn hit a defender and was scrambled clear. Zubar cleared a dangerous cross from Robin Van Persie before The Gunner lost Vassiriki Diaby who limped off to be replaced by Alexandre Song. Doyle's low cross was just too far in front of Ebanks-Blake who was booked moments later when he handled following a Milijaš corner although it looked accidental. After absorbing Wolves' pressure Arsenal took a fortuitous lead in the 28th minute. Cesc Fabrigas delivered a corner that flew through the six-yard box and bounced into the net off the thigh of Zubar. Worse followed seven minutes later when another deflection led to a second goal for the London side. With the majority of the Wolves side pressing forward Aaron Ramsey broke clear alongside Eduardo with only Jody Craddock back covering. Ramsey slipped the ball to Eduardo and his chip looked to be going wide until it glanced off Craddock into the net. The goals clearly knocked the stuffing out of the home side and Van Persie wasn't far off with a cross-shot that also took a deflection as it went behind. Andrei Arshavin was shown the yellow card after a late challenge on Segundo Castillo and then Milijaš curled a free-kick over the bar after Thomas Vermaelen had fouled Doyle. In stoppage time any brief glimmer of hope for Wolves was extinguished when Sagna and Eduardo cut through to create an easy chance for Fabrigas that wasn't spurned. Half-Time: Wolves 0 Arsenal 3 After an uneventful opening to the second period Almunia had to pluck Milijaš's deep free-kick out of the air in the heart of a crowded area. Gibbs was booked after a high tackle on Zubar and Milijaš was yellow carded shortly afterwards after he had caught Sagna. Midway through the half Kightly replaced Castillo. After Zubar had lost possession Wayne Hennessey made a superb save to turn over a drive from Arshavin. But, from Fabrigas's corner, the ball fell to Arshavin who buried a low shot into the corner of the net. Two minutes later Hennessey had to save at the feet of Eduardo to prevent a fifth. The substitutions continued with Matt Jarvis coming on for Milijaš in between two changes for the visitors with Tomas Rosicky replacing Eduardo and Samir Nasri taking the place of Arshavin. Fabrigas missed a sitter from eight-yards after Van Persie had pulled the ball back for him, and then Wolves made a final switch as Michael Mancienne replaced Dave Edwards for the last ten minutes. Van Persie was forced wide by Hennessey after he had intercepted Zubar's backpass and the Arsenal striker was eventually crowded out before he could get his shot in.Then Rosicky blazed a shot over the bar from close quarters as the game drew towards its conclusion. There was another goal and it went the way of Wolves as Craddock powered home a header from Jarvis's corner for his third goal in two games. But it was scant consolation for a well beaten Wolves side and Ramsey almost restored the four goal advantage when he shot just wide in stoppage time. Wolves: Hennessey, Zubar, Stearmen, Edwards (Mancienne 80), Craddock, Berra, Milijaš (Jarvis 74), Henry (capt), Doyle, Ebanks-Blake, Castillo (Kightly 65). Unused subs: Keogh, Hahnemann, Halford, Maierhofer. Bookings: Ebanks-Blake (27 - handling), Milijaš (60 - foul). Arsenal: Almunia, Diaby (Song 24), Sagna, Fabregas (capt), Vermaelen, Eduardo (Rosicky 71), Gallas, Van Persie, Ramsey, Arshavin (Nasri 74), Gibbs. Unused subs: Senderos, Silvestre, Mannone, Eboue. Bookings: Gallas (10 - foul), Arshavin (40 - foul), Gibbs (59 - foul). Referee: S. Bennett. Attendance: 28,937. WOLVES: Hennessey, Zubar, Craddock, Berra, Stearman, Edwards, Henry, Castillo, Milijaš, Ebanks-Blake, Doyle. SUBS: Hahnemann, Mancienne, Halford, Jarvis, Kightly, Keogh, Maierhofer. ARSENAL: Almunia, Diaby, Sagna, Fabregas, Vermaelen, Gallas, Eduardo, Van Persie, Ramsey, Arshavin, Gibbs. SUBS: Mannone, Song, Senderos, Nasri, Rosicky, Eboue, Silvestre. As it happened (1) 0: Team walking out to a guard of honour from the Mercian Regiment and RAF as part of the Help For Heroes day. 0: Immaculately observed minute's silence in memory of all fallen soldiers. 0: We're up and running with Ebanks-Blake and Doyle getting the game underway. 0: Wolves lining up with Milijaš on the left and Edwards on the right. Stearman in at left back in a straight swap for Elokobi. 4: Nothing really in either goalmouth so far and the game being played in the middle of the pitch thus far. Molineux is rocking though with the home fans giving it everything they've got as their team try and upset the applecart. 5: Ebanks-Blake wins a throw-in as he breaks down the inside right channel and then Zubar's impressive cross is headed away by Sagna at the back post. 6: Wolves then win a corner as Milijaš's cross is headed out by Gallas. Doyle gets his head to the ball at the near post with a flick-on which isn't going in but is headed away by Gibbs at the back post. 10: Great Wolves break with Doyle chopped down by Gallas in full flow but refereeing playing great advantage as Stearman continues the move. The defender's cross is put behind by Vermaelen and Gallas is then booked. 10: Inches away from a Wolves goal from the corner as Ebanks-Blake gets on the end of Milijaš's delivery and his stooping header flies just past the post which was being guarded by Fabregas. 14: Arsenal have been caught offside a couple of times and the last decision for Van Persie was mighty close but then there's some good work from Henry tracking back to prevent Arshavin getting on the end of a quick throw. 14: Another Gunners attack sees Eduardo stumble in the box after losing the ball. Replay shows he certainly made the most of a Zubar challenge from which there was no contact but to be fair he didn't appeal massively for a spot kick. 15: Back to the other end and a ball is cleared for Berra to try his luck with a long range effort which is taken comfortably by Almunia. 18: Wolves free kick put into the area by Milijaš and Berra, who's in space, just can't direct the ball goalwards as it flies into the air. A couple of richochets late and Doyle tries a shot on the turn which is blocked. 20: Cracking turn from Ebanks-Blake to set up another attack but Arsenal eventually deal with it comfortably and Ebanks-Blake is then caught offside. 20: The Gunners' threat shown once again at the other end as Van Persie's cross is destined for Eduardo close in but Zubar is across with a great challenge 24: Another Milijaš free kick is headed clear by Van Persie. Meanwhile Arsenal forced into an early change with Diaby limping off to be replaced by Song. 24: Doyle then breaks away and sends in a good cross which is cleared with Ebanks-Blake lurking behind. 26: Another free kick from - you've guessed it - Milijaš secures a corner as Edwards's flick on is turned behind by Ramsey. The flag kick comes in and eventually strikes Ebanks-Blake on the arm. Free kick given but the booking appears harsh. If that was deliberate then Wolves' striker would make a decent basketball player. 27: Now the Arsenal response as Craddock has to head a cross behind for a corner. 28: GOAL: ZUBAR OWN GOAL 0-1. And after all the Wolves pressure in the opening half hour it's the clinical Gunners who take the lead. Fabregas sends in the corner and Zubar, under pressure from Eduardo, puts into his own net from close range. Second successive weekend in which Wolves have gone behind from an own goal. 30: Arsenal close to a second immediately after. Van Persie picks up the ball on the byline and sends in a cross which is met by Ramsey but his header is too close to Hennessey who claims easily. 32: Rain now sheeting down at Molineux. Eduardo wins a corner off Craddock but this time Fabregas's delivery is too strong and goes out at the other side of the goal for a goal kick. 35: GOAL: CRADDOCK OWN GOAL 0-2. Another goal for Arsenal, but another scored by Wolves. Arsenal break forward after picking up a loose ball and Craddock is left one-on-two against Ramsey and Eduardo. Ramsey finds Eduardo, who appears to be trying to chip the ball back to his team-mate only for it to take a fortunate deflection off Craddock to beat Hennessey and find the top corner. Cruel on Wolves. 39: Van Persie shoots wide from the edge of the area and referee Bennett, after looking to his assistant, gives a corner. The official is none too convinced however and he was right to be. Replay shows Van Persie slipped as he shot and the ball was nowhere near any Wolves defender. 40: Arshavin booked for a foul and then another indiscretion from Arsenal brings Wolves a free kick in a decent position on the right. Milijaš sends in the free kick which appears to be an effort on goal but it's marginally over and Almunia was unconcerned. 45+1: GOAL: FABREGAS 0-3. All so comfortable for Arsenal now after Wolves' impressive start. Ball goes in to Eduardo whose perfect lay off is despatched nonchalantly by skipper Fabregas.
HALF TIME: WOLVES 0-3 ARSENAL
46: Back up and running. 55: Very quiet start to the second period with Arsenal in cruise control and Wolves just trying to mount some attacking pressure. Sylvan Ebanks-Blake 59: Stearman harshly penalised for a challenge on Fabregas. Gibbs is then booked for an earlier challenge on Zubar. 60: It's yellow peril now, Milijaš into the book for a late tackle on Sagna. 65: Change for Wolves with Kightly in for Castillo. Kightly on the right on his 100th Wolves appearance, Edwards into the middle. 66: Zubar gives the ball away and it's played through to Arshavin who fires in a powerful shot from the angle which Hennessey turns behind for a corner. 66: GOAL: ARSHAVIN 0-4. And from the flag kick it's four. Ball cleared out to the edge of the box where Arshavin's first time shot is back and finds the bottom corner. 67: "We're going to win 5-4" is the chant from the Wolves fans. Meanwhile Arsenal almost get their fifth as Eduardo is put through but Hennessey parries the ball and it's cleared. 69: Painful one for Doyle as Vermaelen's high foot catches him full in the face. Free kick. Wolves fans meanwhile still in great voice to their immense credit. 70: Milijaš takes the free kick and it's a decent effort but it's blocked by what appears to be an Arsenal hand. 71: Switch for Arsenal with Eduardo coming off and Rosicky on. Boos from the Wolves fans who were none too happy with his first half tumble in the area. 71: Chants of "Super Mick McCarthy" from the Wolves fans. It's like Southampton 2007 all over again. Although obviously Arsenal are a different proposition given their vast array of talent. 74: Another switch for Wolves with Jarvis on for Milijaš. 74: Change for Arsenal too - Nasri for Arshavin. 76:Almost a fifth for Arsenal as Van Persie pulls the ball back from the byline and Fabregas fires over. 79: Wolves are still putting in the hard yards and Doyle almost gets Jarvis away down the left only for Sagna to come in with a good challenge. 80: Final change for Wolves with Mancienne on for Edwards. 82: Wolves win a free kick just outside the box after Vermaelen fouls Ebanks-Blake. Kightly touches it to Henry whose effort comes back off the wall. 85: Another Arsenal chance as Van Persie latches on to a backpass and goes round Hennessey. Has to then come back in from the byline and try and find a shooting chance but eventually he's crowded out. And the Wolves fans are still singing. 87: Attendance today 28, 937. That's mighty close to a sellout taking into account the seats which were not on sale. 88: Arsenal still searching for more as Van Persie tees up Rosicky whose first time effort is over. 89: GOAL: CRADDOCK 1-4. Consolation for Wolves which the players - and the crowd - deserve. Craddock heads home Jarvis's corner and Molineux erupts! Craddock now joint top scorer with Doyle on three. 90: Three minutes added time and the Wolves crowd go wild again! "We've got 'em rattled" says a voice from the press box. 90+1: Arsenal respond and Ramsey fires inches wide.
FULL TIME: WOLVES 1-4 ARSENAL
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