As Wolves battled to a deserved point at Brighton & Hove Albion, Old Gold legend Andy Thompson was on hand to give his thoughts on Matchday Live Extra.
Beaten 6-0 there last spring, Wolves were a different animal on Monday evening, being resolute in their defending and looking a threat on the break, particularly through the pace of Pedro Neto, who started for the first time since October.
Thompson picked out Nelson Semedo and Tommy Doyle for praise post-match, where he also had the opportunity to turn his attention to the Black County derby this coming weekend.
Deserved point at the South Coast
Thompson said: “When it came to the vital areas, Wolves nullified them. They defended as a team, not just as a back line, they always seemed to be in the right place at the right time and made it difficult for Brighton. Brighton are a very good side, we saw it throughout the game, the way they passed and moved the ball, and with the movement off it, but Wolves more than matched them. They made it difficult and frustrating – you could hear the Brighton fans getting a little bit annoyed, but it shows how well we played. You look at the second half as well, and we had some good opportunities to win it, and I think they’ll be disappointed because they did just cut them open.”
Controlling the game
“Brighton kept going, kept asking questions of the Wolves defence, and found no answers. Wolves defended really well and they were happy with Brighton playing the ball in front of them. It was good to watch, the movement was good from Brighton, and it’s quite easy to switch off with the amount of possession they had, but they didn’t. They stayed strong and made it difficult for Brighton – everything they asked, Wolves answered. It’s all about getting results. Clean sheets we talk about as well, a massive factor, so they’ll be proud. We’ve seen over the last couple of years what Brighton can do, but I think Wolves will be happy.”
The differences to the 6-0 last year
“Last year when we came here, the way we defended, we were happy with the result in the end because we didn’t look right at all – they got through us so easily and created opportunities to get the goals. Today, they didn’t. In those tight areas with quick passing, it’s about tracking and staying with runs, and they were exceptional with it. They worked so hard, and the manager will be so proud in the way they defended today. Some players will be disappointed with not scoring, but the manager will say at Brighton have so many games of scoring here and we’ve nullified them. They’re one of the best sides at passing.”
Semedo a rock at the back
“I think this season he’s played really well. Something’s gone on, whether it’s his frame of mind or he’s worked on his defending. This season one on ones, nobody’s got past him. He’s quick, he’s been aggressive, he’s put blocks in and that’s what we want to see from him. I still want to see him going forward more though, because he’s got a lot to offer. He’s quick, direct and has quality up there. I know he was pinned back for long spells, because that’s the way the game was, but he’s improved his defending so much and looked a more accomplished player than the previous times he’s been here.”
The first time Brighton haven't scored in a home @premierleague game since February.
— Wolves (@Wolves) January 23, 2024
A committed team performance last night 👏 pic.twitter.com/HthdSVnijV
The other impressive performances
“I thought Doyle and Lemina in the middle of midfield player well. The backline, the three lads and Doherty – as a five across the back, they looked as solid as anything, against one of the best teams for that style of play. Never fazed, never in trouble, but it makes a difference bringing Dawson back.
“Doyle’s grown in stature with the way he’s playing. I think he’s definitely improving and that’s going to come from match sharpness. He’s had a spell of games now and scored a wonder goal at Brentford. They brought him to this club for a reason and you can see what he offers. He works hard, he’s willing to put his foot in, but can also play. It’ll be interesting to see when Gomes comes back what will happen, because he hasn’t let the manager down and he hasn’t let his team mates down with the way he’s played.”
Attention turning to the derby
“You’ve got to play your strongest team. He’ll know, the manager, what is involved in this fixture for everybody involved in the club – supporters, staff, everything, they’ll know. We haven’t won there since 1996 and I was playing in that one – it’s always nice to win at the Hawthorns. Everybody wanted this fixture, we’ve wanted it for a number of years now, playing the Albion, and everybody on paper will say we’re the Premier League club so we’ll win, but it’s not a case of that. Their manager will make sure they’re hitting home, and all the fans will be doing the exact same. It’s all about making sure you get the right result and it’s going to be some atmosphere.”
Thompson was talking to Mikey Burrows on Wolves’ official post-match podcast, Matchday Live Extra, which is available to listen to now on all podcast providers.
