An organised display from Brighton was enough to secure an important point at Molineux against a Wolves side that never truly kicked into gear.
From the beginning of the match it was evident that Hughton had planned for his Seagulls to shut out the opposition. Attacking displays from Brighton were rare, but what they lacked in attack they made up for in defence. For much of the match, Mat Ryan was left with little to do thanks to the impressive displays from Dunk, Duffy and Bong.
Wolves would push to break through Brighton’s determined back line, but the attacking pair of Diogo Jota and Raul Jimenez never really found any clear cut opportunities. Jota, who was afforded the best chances, failed to take advantage of his opportunities, and Jimenez was expertly neutralised throughout the match.
In the second half the Mexican would find an opportunity for a dangerous cross that would manage to find his Portuguese strike partner – unfortunately for Wolves, Jota’s effort was met by the post. Dendoncker, who was able to reach the ball after it struck the post, would have his effort pawed away by Mat Ryan.
It was a disappointing match for the Wolves fans, who saw their team fail to break down a side who had conceded seven goals in their last two matches. Travelling Brighton fans on the other hand were ecstatic. The Seagulls’ point at the Molineux was exactly what the team needed after a string of disappointing performances and if Hughton can build on this performance his team could very well escape relegation.
Brighton unattractive but effective
Wolves fans could be heard chanting “boring, boring” throughout the match, but Hughton and Brighton seemed to be unbothered by the taunts. It was likely one of the most unattractive displays of football that Molineux has witnessed this season, but desperate times for the Seagulls have left them with few options. Pragmatism is the only way this team will manage to escape relegation, and it seems like they have finally realised this.
The Brighton we saw in this match was one that hadn’t been seen in a very long time. The organisation and discipline displayed by the Seagulls was something that was characteristic of this side last season and early this season; however, that quality vanished in recent matches. Surprisingly, it reappeared in this match after the team seemed to have given up on their hopes of staying in the Premier League.
It’s unclear what motivated the players after such a long spell of failure, but what is certain is that Brighton are capable of shutting out quality competition. If they can reproduce this performance on Tuesday it may be enough to keep Cardiff in the relegation zone.
Has Nuno grown predictable?
If something works, why try something different? A wise question, but perhaps one that does not apply to football. Squad depth has been a problem for Wolves, and Brighton exposed the problem once again. Furthermore, Nuno is reluctant to change the starting lineup and try other players who have the ability to change the outcome of a match.
Traore, who is arguably one of the most explosive players in the Wolves squad, has been relegated to the bench for much of the season, but he could have helped break down a side like Brighton. Nevertheless, Nuno chose his tested “method” of placing Doherty at right back. Unsurprisingly, the Irishman was ineffective in this match.
Of course, the Portuguese manager doesn’t have the luxury of squad depth, but he can afford to change his tactics for matches like this one. Wolves have struggled against teams in the bottom half of the table, and it seems like part of that struggle is due to the manager’s stubbornness. All sides like Brighton have to do is sit back and absorb pressure until they find their chance to attack.
What happens if Brighton avoid relegation?
Nothing is clear yet, but salvation looks very possible for Brighton. Collapse from the team and the results of other fixtures could still tip the scales in the favor of Cardiff, but Hughton and his team will be hopeful after this result. However, the question is, “what will happen to the team if they manage to avoid relegation.”
There are several possibilities. One is that Hughton is sacked despite “saving” his team for relegation. This possibility would allow Brighton to rebuild, and perhaps change their fortunes for next season. Such an approach would be risky for Brighton, but it could also be rewarding.
Hughton brought this team out of the Championship, but has been unimpressive in the Premier League. If the Seagulls are fine with fighting relegation again next season then they should continue as they are, but much of this season has suggested change is needed.
Europa League a good prospect for Wolves?
Watford, who snatched the opportunity to feature in an FA Cup final from Wolves, may also snatch Europa League from Wolves. Yet, this may not be a bad thing. Watford have the squad to carry out a European tour, and although Wolves have incredibly talented players it is difficult to see Wolves getting too far in the competition whilst also succeeding in the Premier League.
It would be a difficult task for Wolves, but the club has shown an impressive degree of ambition this season, and if they manage to bring more players like Raul Jimenez in for next season, they would be well-equipped to face European contenders. The new Chinese owners want Wolves to win the Premier League within the next three seasons. It’s an unbelievable goal, but if the team manages to juggle Europa League and Premier League then it would show that Wolves are heading in the right direction.
