Wolves fought off Sheffield United to remain sixth in the league after Matt Dothery’s second-half equaliser helped them extend their unbeaten run to nine Premier League matches.
When two sides so close in the league play each other it always produces a great spectacle – and from almost the first minute, there was action.
George Baldock lifted a perfect ball towards Lys Mousset who had all the time in the world to hammer the ball into the back of the net after the game’s first attack – timed at 63 seconds by Opta. It was a shocking start by Wolves getting caught napping at the back so early on. The first half continued in much of the same fashion, with the Blades offering full value for their lead.
For the first 20 minutes it was unusually quiet at Molineux, which was good news for Sheffield United, who were in control, creating good chances and looked by far the better team. One of the many chances came from John Lundstram, who from the edge of the area failed to tee up David McGoldrick who was in a great position. Another golden chance fell to McGoldrick, who broke with pace past the Wolves defence, but his shot was saved by Rui Patrício. Incredibly, the Blades managed to carve out three or four good chances in the opening exchanges of the second half, but failed to take full advantage of any of them.
Spurred on by a less than impressed home crowd Wolves then mustered up an equaliser. Matt Doherty arrived late at the far post, before heading in from close range from a magnificent Ruel Jimenez cross. With 20 minutes to go, it was game on.
The game then shifted in momentum and Wolves looked to be in the ascendancy. With only minutes left to go, the quality then evaporated and Baldock was lucky not be send for a second bookable offence on Diogo Jota. The final minutes continued at speed, with big challenges coming in, roared on by a hungry home crowd but no side managed to create any chances of real quality and the game ended all square in the West Midlands.
Wolves have a habit of scoring late
Nuno Espírito Santo’s men have put together a remarkable unbeaten run of nine Premier League games, which stretches way back to 14th September, to the 5-2 loss at Chelsea.
Since then, a key theme to their successful run has been scoring goals late into the second half – for instance; Aston Villa 84″, Arsenal 76″, Newcastle 73″ and Manchester City 80″, 90+4″. Whether or not this is intentional is a different story, but Wolves seem to be wearing teams down and then striking late to steal the points.
Sunday’s performance was a fine example of this. Despite playing poorly for the first hour of the game, the Wanderers struck after 64 minutes and stole a point from a game which they could have easily lost.
Sheffield United can’t be beaten away from home
Likewise to their high-flying opponents, the Blades have been putting together an equally impressive run. Sheffield United are the first newly-promoted side to remain unbeaten in their first seven top-flight away games since Blackburn in 1992-93. Even more staggering when you factor in the quality of opposition now compared to Blackburn’s in 1992-93. If the Blades seek to better that, they must see off Norwich City next week, which may not prove to be an easy task.
Mousset is becoming a valuable asset for the Blades
Questions were raised at the beginning of the season as to whether Sheffield United would be able to score goals in the Premier League. Rightly so, as both of United’s strikers from the Championship have just one goal between them and without the recent impetus of Mousset, the Blades would be in serious trouble.
The French youngster was brought in over the summer for around £10m since his arrival, he has started four games scoring five goals and assisting three times – a much needed addition. Mousset isn’t just a bargain; he is adding the crucial goals to a solidly defensive team, which is evident in their league position.
Mousset made his mark at Molineux after 63 seconds this afternoon, and later set up John Fleck after breezing past Dendoncker for what should have been the second goal, but the midfielder’s effort wasn’t good enough to beat Rui Patricio. Strike partner David McGoldrick was full of energy and endeavour, but he folded in front of goal. The striker had two chances to double the lead when the Blades were well on top after the break. Both times he failed to beat the Wolves keeper and his side were later made to pay.
Will these two be playing in the Europa League next season?
It’s likely that either or even both of these sides could feature in the Europa League next season. Both sides are neck and neck at top half of the league with just one point separating them and it’s looking likely that they will battle it out over the season for sixth place. But Sheffield United are the least likely to qualify, as Manchester United and Arsenal lurk only points behind the newly promoted club, and have favourable fixtures.
Wolves are only one point in front though and are also in great form. Nuno Espírito Santo’s side are actually still in the Europa League this season, and have qualified in second place for the round of 16. Wolves have done pretty well at managing their games, but today you could tell which of the teams had been playing away in the Europa League last Thursday.
The battle for fifth and sixth will be tightly contested not only between Sheffield United and Wolves but Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham might have something to say before the end of the season.
Up Next
Wolves remain at the Molineux and host West Ham on Wednesday while Chris Wilder’s side entertain Newcastle United on Thursday at Bramall Lane.
