Done Deal: Wolves Has Signed Pepelu After……….read more.
Arsenal secured the win with goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka, but Wolves had their own opportunities, driven by their creativity and pressing. Jorgen Strand Larsen and Matheus Cunha both missed chances at the Emirates, and Wolves’ head coach, Gary O’Neil, acknowledges the need to refine the finer details that cost them at the other end. However, he sees plenty of positives to build on.
On a Strong Performance Against Arsenal
“I thought we played well. We were in the game throughout, posed a threat, and just needed a bit more quality. Raya made an unbelievable save from a header when it was 1-0. Mateus also missed a good chance at 1-0. During that spell in the second half, we were pushing at 1-0 down and felt like we were right in the game. The second goal was obviously disappointing.
Overall, I was pleased with most of our performance. It was always going to be a tough challenge, and I can only ask my team to represent who we are and what we want to be, which they did today. We pressed well and had several high regains against a strong side. We needed to be good, and we were, but we just missed out on the details at crucial moments.
“Saka coming inside on his left foot is tough to stop, but we work hard on trying to force him outside in those situations. The small margins, like not quite recovering into shape after a set play, decided the game. Overall, it was a solid first effort against a team I believe will be close to the title again this year.”
On Coping with Arsenal
“I thought our shape was good when we were in it. The first goal came from a set play where we didn’t get back into shape quickly enough, giving Saka too much time on the ball, and they scored a good header. Normally, against big teams like this, we might adapt more, change the game plan, and play it a bit safer.
“But today, we stuck to our identity and what we want to do, and I was pleased with how hard we pushed. I don’t like being pleased without taking any points, so I’m disappointed we didn’t get anything from the game, but it’s a solid foundation to build on.”
On a Strong Spell in the Second Half
“We tidied up a few things. In the first half, we were well-organized and carried a bit of a threat, but apart from Jorgen’s big chance, we didn’t really trouble their goal. In the second half, we were always a threat, mainly from pressing and regaining the ball, with some good spells of possession. We just needed a bit more precision in those key moments. I talked to the players about how crucial those first passes are when you regain the ball and have a chance to create a scoring opportunity.
“But overall, I’m really pleased with the group. The substitutes made a good impact. It was a tough test today, and we gave it our best shot, but came up a bit short against a very good side.”
On the Debutants
“I thought the two center-backs did well. Toti was here last year, but as a partnership, they showed signs of improvement and promise. Rodrigo looked bright and lively. It was good to get Matheus Cunha on the pitch; he gave us something. Jorgen was unbelievably unlucky not to score his first goal. His movement was fantastic, and it was a great header—just an unbelievable save from David Raya.
I was pleased with a lot of the players. To play the way we did, to have as much of the game and possession as we did at the Emirates, takes a lot of work and effort. I’m pleased with what they produced today, but we can’t settle. We need to know we can perform like that and do even more because we’re in the same league as Arsenal, and we need to try and compete.”
