Character.
A quality Wolves have lacked but demonstrated in abundance today.
City’s equaliser hinted at Liverpool all over again. But no, this time it was different.
The response to Alvarez’s free kick to reset and go for the jugular took some guts.
The jury is still out on O’Neil but at least this performance suggests that the lads are playing for him. And kudos to the boss. Starting with a back five soaked up City’s pressure. The visitors were limited to very little.
Sa was brilliant in commanding his box, Ait-Nouri and Semedo defended for their lives out wide, while Dawson and Kilman looked a lot more assured alongside an energetic Toti, who loves the physical stuff.
I’ve always been reluctant to return to five at the back due to how negative we became in that system under Nuno. But if O’Neil can add fluency to a solid foundation against teams where we’ll see more of the ball, then maybe it’s worth considering.
Gomes and Lemina were at their ferocious best in midfield. Their appetite for hustling their opposite numbers off the ball is something the Molineux faithful can easily get behind. The aren’t too shabby on the ball either.
As for Hwang and Neto, they’re dynamite. The former is coolness personified when it comes to finding the back of the net, while the latter causes havoc with his direct running. Quite the pair.
Cunha is undroppable too. His pressing from the front and all-round game is so important to this Wolves side. Besides, Hwang and Neto’s numbers are making up for Cunha’s shortfall.
A final word for Boubacar Traore. I can see why O’Neil likes him so much. His relentless energy in the middle of the park is perfect for when Lemina or Gomes are flagging.
And how good was it to hear Molineux back in full voice? I struggle to remember the last time we generated such an atmosphere.
Long may it continue.
