Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer discussed Wolves’ 4-0 defeat to Man City, identifying one tactical decision that cost Vitor Pereira’s side.
The first match of the Premier League season for Wolves saw them convincingly beaten by a City attack that was firing on all cylinders.
Matheus Nunes celebrating goal with Rayan Cherki during Man City's 4-0 win at Molineux against Wolves
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There were some poor performances from Wolves players at the weekend that made things difficult, but it was the tactical setup of Wolves that Lineker thinks made it too easy for the Manchester side.
Gary Lineker says Wolves made it too easy for Man City by pressing high
Wolves came out of the gates aggressively on Saturday, pressing from the front and looking really energetic in the opening stages.
While you would think such intent would be something to praise, Lineker suggests it actually played into City’s hands.
He said: “I thought Wolves had a go, they played quite high, and I think that suits Manchester City. The teams that did well against them last season were the ones that sit and then hit them on the transition where they were struggling. Whereas if Wolves are pressing, it’s easier.”
City were able to capitalise on the expansive setup of Wolves, hitting four past them, including an Erling Haaland brace.
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Lineker wasn’t surprised that the Norwegian found success, remarking: “Haaland, when he sees a team play like that, probably licks his lips and thinks I’m in for a couple today, and that was the case.”
Wolves’ aggression didn’t pay off against Man City but that shouldn’t deter Vitor Pereira
It’s a tricky one for Pereira, as fans surely would have taken issue with Wolves sitting into a low block and inviting pressure for 90 minutes.
Given the pace and fluidity they were attacking with, it might be that a flurry of goals was inevitable.
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Manchester City - Premier League
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Against less dangerous teams, it’s an approach that should excite fans, but against a side of this quality, it may be too risky.
For a season opener, Man City is as unattractive a fixture as they could have gotten. The 4-0 scoreline is far from ideal, but it doesn’t do justice to the performance from Wolves.
Some better decision-making at the back could have kept things closer, and heading into next weekend against a weakened Bournemouth side, the same tactical approach could yield very different results.