Always Wolves
Always Wolves
NICK PARKES REPORTS ON WOLVES TRIP TO THE ETIHAD, LOSING 2-0 TO MANCHESTER CITY
Line up
Sa
H. Bueno, Mosquera, S. Bueno, Krejci, Tchatchoua
J. Gomes, Andre, Mane
Arias, Hwang
PRE MATCH
Wolves travelled to Manchester to take on Man City, with the Old Gold still undefeated in 2026. And with City struggling of late, Wolves had a sniff of continuing their good form.
FIRST HALF
The match started in a predictable manner, with Man City dominating the ball and looking to find gaps between the Wolves midfield and defence, and it didn’t take long for the home team to break the deadlock. Former player Matheus Nunes got the better of Hugo Bueno down our left and, after an excellent ball into the middle, Marmoush ghosted in behind Mosquera, who tried a diving header instead of using his foot, to put the ball into the net from close range. Wolves were already 1-0 down after 10 minutes.
Wolves continued to struggle and, with no pace or strength in attack, the ball was continuously recycled by City and wave after wave of attacks came. Only a great piece of skill from Andre gave the away fans anything to cheer about. He delightfully backheeled the ball, deceiving two City players, and set up a great attack, but unfortunately Tchatchoua had nothing to offer and the counter-attack broke down.
City continued to pressure Wolves and Guehi, in particular, caused issues with his long balls. On the half-hour mark, Mosquera was beaten over the top and, luckily for him, the attack only hit the post. More luck came Yerson’s way as City players appealed for a handball, and when the referee, Farai Hallam, was sent to the monitor, Wolves fans expected the worst, but fortunately the ref turned away City’s plea for a penalty.
Despite City’s advantage and possession, Wolves did grow into the half but caused little harm going forward. And unfortunately Wolves couldn’t hold out until half-time, as new signing Semenyo received the ball on the right side of the box, took one touch inside, and drilled the ball past Sa in goal. 2-0 at half-time and the game almost as good as gone.
SECOND HALF
Edwards made two subs at half-time, with Rodrigo Gomes and Larsen coming on for Tchatchoua and Arias.
Wolves came out in the second half with real intent. They hunted City down quicker and looked to be more aggressive going forward. João Gomes had an early chance, and there was great link-up play between Rodrigo and Mane down our right. Larsen also got into the game, as he was played in down the right by João Gomes, and his cross was blocked for a corner.
Mane, in particular, really grew into the game in the second 45 and his excellent free-kick found the head of Mosquera after 65 minutes, and if it wasn’t for a very lucky save, would have found the back of the net. He grew in confidence as the half went on and twice he had the beating of Nunes. Once when he outpaced him and only a foul stopped him from driving into the box, and then shortly after he danced around two defenders in the box and even managed to keep possession despite being pushed over.
Another player who impressed was Rodrigo Gomes, who sparked life and pace into the attack. He looked to link up play and drag players into the action with him.
Man City were kept at bay for most of the second half, apart from a thunderous shot from Semenyo that crashed off the bar.
The ref brought the game to a close with Wolves losing 2-0, but with a much better and more assertive second half. We stood tall at the back and limited City to only a few chances, and with the subs at half-time we definitely caused them issues. Mane was the standout player, once again showing no fear and being a thorn in Man City’s side. If we had shown more faith in ourselves in the first 45, maybe the outcome would be different. But overall, not a bad performance against an incredibly strong team.
Man City 2-0 Wolves Match Report: A Tale of Two Halves at the Etihad