Premier League Season 2011-12      August September October  November December 2012 January February March April May pre-season

Copyright © and Database Right 2010 The Football Association Premier League Limited /  Football DataCo Limited /  PA Sport UK Limited.  7. All rights reserved.   Reproduced under licence from Football DataCo Limited. All rights reserved. Licence no: FDCFAN11/12-118101 

BARCLAYS PREMIERLEAGUE 2011 - 12

Saturday December 31st Bolton 1 (Rickett 22)  Wolves 1 (Fletcher 49)

Wolves chalked up their third draw in succession when they came from behind to take a point from Bolton at The Reebok Stadium. It was Bolton's first share of the spoils for 27 games.  The injury to Ronald Zubar and controversial suspension of Nenad Milijaš meant a change in both full-back positions with Richard Stearman and George Elokobi coming in and Stephen Ward moving into central midfield.   The other change saw Sylvan Ebanks-Blake partnering Steven Fletcher up front as Mick McCarthy opted for a 4-4-2 formation with Academy graduate Anthony Forde making way.  Wolves kicked-off defending the end of the ground that housed around 2,500 of their supporters.  There was little goalmouth action in the early stages with the first real threat coming from Wolves when Fletcher back-heeled the ball for Stephen Hunt to deliver a low cross that was hacked clear by Zak Knight before Ebanks-Blake could take advantage.  Christophe Berra had to turn a David Ngog cross behind for a corner and then Wayne Hennessey dived onto a low shot from the former Liverpool winger.  Jussi Jaaskelainen was at full stretch to push away a 20-yard drive from Fletcher after Ebanks-Blake had nodded down a long through ball. Hunt latched onto the loose ball but his driven cross was hooked clear. Stearman blocked Ivan Klasnic's path to goal after a short through ball from Ngog with Roger Johnson completing the clearance. But Bolton moved into the lead on 22 minutes when Sam Ricketts cut between two defenders and found the far corner of the net from just outside the area. Three minutes later, from a similar run and position, Martin Petrov had the chance of a second for Bolton but Hennessey got down low to save.  Petrov figured again with a 20-yard volley that wasn't far off, before the woodwork denied Wolves a 34th minute equaliser.  A Hunt corner had been headed out to Karl Henry and he nodded the ball into the path of Ward who struck a great shot that smacked against the crossbar before being cleared.  Shortly before the break, Hennessey saved a bouncing shot from Klasnic after Petrov had set up the chance.

Half-Time: Bolton 1 Wolves 0

There was a tactical switch as the start of the new half with David Edwards replacing Elokobi and Ward moving into the left-back slot.  And a bright start saw Wolves pulling level inside four minutes of the resumption. After he was fouled by Ngog to the right of the home area, Hunt took the resultant free-kick. It was punched clear by Jaaskelainen to the far side where Ricketts barged Fletcher off the ball.  This time Matt Jarvis took the free-kick and a superb delivery was rewarded as Fletcher headed in at the far post.  It took a magnificent save from the in-form Hennessey to stop Bolton moving back into the lead after 55 minutes. Petrov pulled back Gretar Steinsson's cross to Fabrice Muamba whose shot bounced just on front of the Welsh keeper who somehow got down to beat the ball away.  Berra booted clear a hard, low centre from Petrov before Fletcher, who appeared to have taken a slight knock, was replaced by Kevin Doyle.   The striker soon had a chance but his shot hit Ebanks-Blake and cannoned wide of the post.  In the 73rd minute, from a Petrov corner, Steinsson connected with a bullet header from just eight-yards out but once again Hennessey saved the day with anther tremendous effort.  Tuncay was a home replacement for Klasnic and Berra needed treatment after an accidental clash of heads with the Bolton man shortly after his introduction.   The action was fast and furious and Jaaskelainen was fortunate when a Doyle header bounced clear off his legs following a Hunt cross.   Ward was wide with a far post header after a Jarvis corner, and five minutes from time another corner from the winger was almost headed into his own goal by Tuncay but one time Molineux junior, Mark Davies, cleared off the line.  The last chance fell to Doyle but Jaaskelainen was quickly off his line to block and then knock the ball away as Doyle tried to regain control.

Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Steinsson, Cahill (capt), Muamba, Petrov, Knight, M. Davies, Klasnic (Tuncay 77), Ricketts, Reo-Coker, Ngog (K. Davies 88).  Unused subs: Bogdan, Robinson, Eagles, Wheater, O'Halloran.

Wolves: Hennessey, Stearman, Elokobi (Edwards 45), Ward, Berra, Johnson (capt), Jarvis, Henry, Fletcher (Doyle 68), Ebanks-Blake, Hunt (Foley 82).  Unused subs: De Vries, Hammill, Doherty, Guedioura.

Referee: M. Clattenburg.  Attendance: 20,354.

The Beeb reported

Bolton slipped to the bottom of the Premier League on the last day of 2011 despite picking up a first home draw of the season against Wolves.  In an encouraging display, Sam Ricketts scored a superb curling effort on his return to the side after 10 months out.   Having already hit the bar, Wolves equalised after the break when Steven Fletcher headed in a Matt Jarvis cross.  A Fabrice Muamba shot and a Gretar Steinsson header were both saved by Wolves keeper Wayne Hennessey.  The Welsh keeper kept his team in the game as Bolton's second-half pressure grew.  However, it was the hosts who were hanging on at the end as Jussi Jaaskelainen stopped Kevin Doyle's near-post header and substitute Tuncay headed against his own post from a Jarvis corner.  The point was Bolton's first draw at home this season, having lost eight and won just one of their previous nine games at the Reebok Stadium.   But with Blackburn's shock win at Manchester United lifting them off the bottom before Bolton kicked off, the draw was not enough to prevent Owen Coyle's side starting 2012 in last place.  Coyle had billed this game as his side's biggest of the season and he will be content to have at least avoided another defeat, as well as witnessing a performance by defender Gary Cahill - set to join Chelsea - that repaid the faith Coyle had shown in naming him as skipper.  Despite forming the centre of the league's worst defence, the England defender and Zat Knight had a fine first half, dealing ably with Wolves' crosses.   When the visitors did break through after the half-hour, Jaaskelainen was on hand to tip Stephen Ward's fine shot from 25 yards out on to the bar.  By that stage Bolton had already taken the lead, Ricketts showing no signs of rustiness after his lengthy absence and scoring his first goal since March 2007, when he was playing for Hull.  The goal was worth the wait too, the Welshman collecting a square ball in Wolves's half and advancing down the inside left channel, before cutting inside and unleashing an unstoppable shot into the far top corner.  The goal gave the hosts confidence and they could have doubled their lead after a sweeping move, but Ivan Klasnic's effort from Martin Petrov's cross was straight at Hennessey.   Bolton's good spell came to an abrupt end after the break when Fletcher scored his eighth of the season but there was a suggestion that the free-kick that led to it was a soft one.  Jarvis fizzed in the delivery and with Ricketts losing track of the Wolves striker, Fletcher nodded in from close range.  Muamba came close to restoring the lead for Bolton when he fired towards the corner from Petrov's cutback, but Hennessey flung himself to his left to tip the effort round the post.  And David Ngog almost turned in another Petrov centre before Steinsson's header was again well saved by Hennessey from the resulting corner.  Wolves responded late on through Doyle twice and Tuncay, but they had to make do with a draw that leaves them two points above the relegation zone heading into 2012.  Bolton have greater cause for worry however as, after a trip to Everton on 4 January, their following three games are against Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal.   Having won just nine of 36 matches in 2011, the new year promises to be an equally demanding challenge.

Bolton manager Owen Coyle: "There were pleasing aspects but we must bring that performance together for the whole duration of a match. And if we do that there's no doubt we can pick up points and move up the Premier League.  When you're down in bottom three you leave yourselves open to criticism but you must see through that. We'll look to get one or two back from injury and we'll look to add one or two in the January transfer window."

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy: "We were hopeless in first half. The result at half-time was divided by a fingertip or the width of the crossbar, they had a wonderful strike that went in and we had one from Stephen Ward that didn't.  In the second half we changed it and Dave Edwards had a great half. We deserved a point and it was probably a fair result and we could have nicked it with a couple of chances."


    Sam Ricketts's last goal in competitive football was for Hull in March 2007 against Southend
    The game against Wolves was his first since injuring his Achilles against Wigan in February last season

 

Saturday, 31 December 2011

Premier League
Home Team Score Away Team Time
Bolton 1-1 Wolves FT
(HT 1-0)

    Ricketts 22



    Fletcher 49


Hide team line-ups and match stats
Bolton

    22 Jaaskelainen
    02 Steinsson
    05 Cahill
    12 Knight
    18 Ricketts
    06 Muamba
    10 Petrov
    16 M Davies
    19 Reo-Coker
    17 Klasnic (Tuncay 77)
    24 Ngog (Davies 88)

Substitutes

    01 Bogdan,
    04 Robinson,
    31 Wheater,
    07 Eagles,
    09 Tuncay,
    14 Davies,
    36 O'Halloran

Wolverhampton

    01 Hennessey
    03 Elokobi (Edwards 46)
    05 Stearman
    11 Ward
    14 Johnson
    16 Berra
    08 Henry
    12 Hunt (Foley 81)
    17 Jarvis
    09 Ebanks-Blake
    10 Fletcher (Doyle 68)

Substitutes

    31 De Vries,
    30 Doherty,
    32 Foley,
    04 Edwards,
    19 Hammill,
    34 Guedioura,
    29 Doyle

Ref: ClattenburgAtt: 20,354

BOLTON      WOLVES



Possession at 15mins

Possession    Bolton 24%    Wolves 76%

Possession 
    Bolton 42%     Wolves 58%
Attempts on target
    Bolton 9    Wolves 5

Attempts off target
    Bolton 4    Wolves 3
Corners
    Bolton 3    Wolves 6
Fouls
    Bolton 11    Wolves 8

    Full Time
    90:00+3:15 The referee blows his whistle to end the game.
    90:00+1:25 The official flags Tuncay Sanli offside. Indirect free kick taken by Wayne Hennessey.
    90:00+0:13 The ball is delivered by Martin Petrov, clearance made by Karl Henry.
    89:41 Sylvan Ebanks-Blake is ruled offside. Jussi Jaaskelainen takes the free kick.
    87:06 Substitution Kevin Davies is brought on as a substitute for David Ngog.
    85:33 Corner from right by-line taken by Kevin Foley.
    84:17 Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Matthew Jarvis.
    81:53 Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Matthew Jarvis from the left by-line, Headed effort from inside the box by Stephen Ward misses to the right of the target.
    80:47 Substitution Kevin Foley joins the action as a substitute, replacing Stephen Hunt.
    80:31 Kevin Doyle takes a shot. Jussi Jaaskelainen makes a save.
    Correction - 76:24 Martin Petrov gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Roger Johnson. Wayne Hennessey restarts play with the free kick.
    Correction - 76:24 Substitution Tuncay Sanli is brought on as a substitute for Ivan Klasnic.
    76:24 Foul by David Ngog on Roger Johnson, free kick awarded. Wayne Hennessey takes the direct free kick.
    76:24 Substitution Tuncay Sanli on for Ivan Klasnic.
    75:13 Mark Davies gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Matthew Jarvis. The free kick is delivered left-footed by Stephen Hunt from left channel, David Ngog manages to make a clearance.
    74:38 Gretar Rafn Steinsson has a shot on goal from long range that goes wide left.
    73:54 Foul by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake on Gary Cahill, free kick awarded. Samuel Ricketts takes the free kick.
    71:59 Free kick awarded for a foul by Roger Johnson on Martin Petrov. Free kick taken by Martin Petrov. Outswinging corner taken left-footed by Martin Petrov, Gary Cahill takes a shot. Save by Wayne Hennessey.
    Correction - 71:04 Kevin Doyle takes a shot. Blocked by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake.
    71:04 Kevin Doyle has shot on goal from just outside the area which goes wide of the right-hand upright.
    68:29 Centre by Gretar Rafn Steinsson, clearance by Roger Johnson.
    67:07 Substitution Kevin Doyle comes on in place of Steven Fletcher.
    64:05 David Edwards produces a right-footed shot from just outside the box that misses to the right of the goal.
    62:24 Samuel Ricketts takes a shot. Wayne Hennessey makes a save.
    62:12 A cross is delivered by Martin Petrov, Christophe Berra manages to make a clearance.
    61:36 Foul by Fabrice Muamba on Stephen Hunt, free kick awarded. Richard Stearman restarts play with the free kick.
    61:01 The assistant referee flags for offside against Sylvan Ebanks-Blake. Jussi Jaaskelainen restarts play with the free kick.
    59:45 Christophe Berra concedes a free kick for a foul on David Ngog. Direct free kick taken by Jussi Jaaskelainen.
    59:18 Samuel Ricketts crosses the ball, Christophe Berra manages to make a clearance.
    57:54 The assistant referee flags for offside against Matthew Jarvis. Indirect free kick taken by Jussi Jaaskelainen.
    57:33 Foul by David Ngog on Stephen Hunt, free kick awarded. David Edwards restarts play with the free kick.
    55:52 Mark Davies takes a shot. Wayne Hennessey makes a save.
    54:32 Fabrice Muamba takes a shot. Save by Wayne Hennessey.
    52:45 Matthew Jarvis is caught offside. Indirect free kick taken by Jussi Jaaskelainen.
    51:21 Effort from the edge of the area by Ivan Klasnic goes wide of the left-hand post.
    50:31 The referee gives a free kick against Christophe Berra for handball. Gretar Rafn Steinsson restarts play with the free kick.
    49:55 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Gary Cahill by Steven Fletcher. Direct free kick taken by Jussi Jaaskelainen.
    48:04 Assist on the goal came from Matthew Jarvis.
    48:04 GOAL - Steven FletcherBolton 1 - 1 Wolverhampton Steven Fletcher finds the net with a headed goal from close in. Bolton 1-1 Wolverhampton.
    47:42 Samuel Ricketts gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Steven Fletcher. Matthew Jarvis produces a cross,
    46:31 Corner taken right-footed by Matthew Jarvis. David Ngog gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Stephen Hunt. The free kick is swung in left-footed by Stephen Hunt, save made by Jussi Jaaskelainen.
    45:30 Unfair challenge on Fabrice Muamba by Karl Henry results in a free kick. Samuel Ricketts takes the direct free kick.
    45:01 The second half has started.
    45:01 Substitution George Elokobi goes off and David Edwards comes on.
    Half Time
    45:00+1:03 The referee blows for half time.
    45:00+0:38 David Ngog challenges Stephen Hunt unfairly and gives away a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Wayne Hennessey.
    43:19 Foul by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake on Gary Cahill, free kick awarded. Direct free kick taken by Jussi Jaaskelainen.
    40:41 Stephen Hunt takes a shot. Zat Knight gets a block in.
    40:17 Ivan Klasnic takes a shot. Save by Wayne Hennessey.
    37:07 Free kick awarded for a foul by David Ngog on Christophe Berra. Direct free kick taken by Wayne Hennessey.
    35:44 Handball by Fabrice Muamba. Free kick taken by Wayne Hennessey.
    34:10 Foul by Fabrice Muamba on Karl Henry, free kick awarded. Wayne Hennessey restarts play with the free kick.
    32:37 Corner taken by Stephen Hunt from the left by-line, clearance by Gary Cahill. Stephen Ward has an effort at goal from 20 yards.
    32:12 Steven Fletcher fouled by Nigel Reo-Coker, the ref awards a free kick. Direct free kick taken by George Elokobi.
    31:24 Effort from inside the area by David Ngog misses to the right of the target.
    30:36 The referee blows for offside. Jussi Jaaskelainen takes the free kick.
    29:32 Ivan Klasnic gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Christophe Berra. Wayne Hennessey takes the free kick.
    28:45 Fabrice Muamba fouled by Karl Henry, the ref awards a free kick. Zat Knight restarts play with the free kick.
    28:06 Effort from the edge of the area by Martin Petrov goes wide of the left-hand upright.
    26:15 Inswinging corner taken by Stephen Hunt.
    24:58 Martin Petrov takes a shot. Save by Wayne Hennessey.
    Correction - 21:38 Fabrice Muamba provided the assist for the goal.
    21:38 Assist by Nigel Reo-Coker.
    21:38 GOAL - Samuel RickettsBolton 1 - 0 Wolverhampton Samuel Ricketts gets on the score sheet with a goal from just inside the area to the top right corner of the goal. Bolton 1-0 Wolverhampton.
    16:25 Steven Fletcher takes a shot. Save by Jussi Jaaskelainen.
    11:23 David Ngog takes a shot. Save made by Wayne Hennessey.
    10:52 Corner taken left-footed by Martin Petrov from the left by-line to the near post, clearance made by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake.
    9:40 Martin Petrov takes a inswinging corner from the left by-line played to the near post.
    7:12 David Ngog fouled by Roger Johnson, the ref awards a free kick. Samuel Ricketts takes the direct free kick.
    2:17 Sylvan Ebanks-Blake is caught offside. Jussi Jaaskelainen takes the indirect free kick.
    1:18 David Ngog takes a shot. Stephen Ward gets a block in.
    0:00 The ref blows the whistle to begin the match.

Live text and data provided by The Press Association.



TEAM NEWS

Bolton boss Owen Coyle has to decide whether to pick Gary Cahill after the club agreed a fee with Chelsea for the defender.   Sam Ricketts, Joe Riley and Gretar Steinsson are fit again, but midfielder Darren Pratley has a virus.  Wolves midfielder Nenad Milijas is banned for three matches following the red card he received against Arsenal.  Full-back Ronald Zubar is rated a major doubt with a knee injury so could be replaced by Richard Stearman.

MATCH PREVIEW

This is a match that you sense has gathered importance in recent weeks as two of the bottom four meet desperate to take points off a team around them.

If Bolton were to find just a fifth win of the season it would take them within a point of Wolves, but if the visitors were victorious for a second time on the road this season then suddenly they would be seven points clear of Owen Coyle's team.
Continue reading the main story

Bolton have to end the year on a positive note, like they started it. They began 2011 in sixth place, just five points off the top four and they then went to reach an FA Cup semi-final.  But since that crushing defeat to Stoke they've found it hard going. In fact they've won just nine of 36 league matches in the calendar year. What they would give now for a Daniel Sturridge or an Johan Elmander to help propel them up the table.  They thought they had halted an alarming slide with victory at Blackburn, which is why the Boxing Day defeat to Newcastle was so disappointing. With Manchester United,   Liverpool and Arsenal all to play in the coming weeks this is an opportunity they will feel they can't let pass them by.      Bolton will at least look to the fact that 12 months ago Wolves were second from bottom and still survived

Wolves have shown their spirit and character to survive for the last two seasons and that was on show again in the week to get a point at the Emirates, their first from the last 21 away from Molineux. They'll now want to build on that as they themselves have a tough run ahead of them with Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool all to play in their next four games.  The experience of the last two seasons will stand them in good stead for the second half of the season and the fact that they have gained nine points from losing positions this season will give them a platform to survive again.

Bolton will at least look to the fact that 12 months ago Wolves were second from bottom and still survived, they'll also know they need something from this one.

MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
    Of six Premier League matches between the pair, Bolton have won four and Wolves just one (a 2-1 win at Molineux on 5 December 2005).
    The last time Wolves won a league match at Bolton was nine games ago, a 3-1 victory on 29 March 1994 in Division One (the second tier).
    Across their matches in all competitions, Wolves have won 53 to Bolton's 52. The clubs have drawn 23 times.
Bolton
    Bolton have now lost 14 of their 18 Premier League matches this season.
    They have become the first club in English top-flight history to lose eight of their opening nine home matches in a season.
    The Trotters have not drawn in their last 26 Premier League matches - the longest run by any top-flight club without a draw since Arsenal (28 matches) in 1983.
    Bolton have failed to score in four of their last six Premier League matches, but have the best shooting accuracy in the Premier League, hitting the target with 55% of their attempts.

Wolves
    In eight games against teams in the bottom half of the table so far this season, Wolves have lost only once.
    Wolves have scored just seven goals in their last five league games.
    Nenad Milijas received the first red card of Wolves' season in their last match (at Arsenal).
 

Monday December 26th Arsenal v Wolves

Arsenal 1 (Gervinho 8) Wolves 1 (Fletcher 38)
Who's the ref? Attwell.  He always sends one of our players off.   This time he lost complete control for 15 minutes, fails to deal to with two lunges by Song - so bad even Arsene Wenger saw it and pulled him off - but yellow carded him to give him a letoff from any retrospective action.  However, he did us a favour by playing Fletch onside for his goal.   As the Arsenal fan said thanks to the linesman for not flagging Gervinho offside with "at least 15,000 of us thought he was".   At least Mick found time to blow a kiss to a loony gooner in the crowd, but was delighted with the result.  Another 6 outstanding saves by the league's most overworked goalie, while Anthony Forde made a great full debut.   Mertesacker got lost in a game of identity dispute as he accused Karl Henry of elbowing after an innocuous challenge from Adlene

Click on the picture of Wayne’s save to see two of them.    Wolves reported the match like this

A terrific rearguard action starringWayne Hennessey (click on the picture for a short video of just two of them) saw Wolves prise a point from Arsenal at the Emirates despite having to play the closing stages of the game without midfielder Nenad Milijaš who was sent-off following a highly contentious refereeing decision.  There was just the one change to the team that started the game against Norwich with Sylvan Ebanks-Blake dropping down to the bench to be replaced by 18-year-old Anthony Forde who was making his full debut.  Wolves, wearing their black change strip, were forced to concede a first minute corner when Roger Johnson turned the ball behind to halt Gervinho's progress. Robin Van Persie's flag-kick was headed clear.  In the fifth minute, Stephen Ward threaded the ball through to Matt Jarvis who cut into the box and tried a low shot that was blocked by Per Mertesacker.  Just three minutes later and the Gunners were ahead as Gervinho beat the offside trap as he ran onto Yossi Benayoun's through pass before side stepping Wayne Hennessey and planting the ball into the net. 
Johnson threw himself in the way of an on target drive from Thomas Vermaelen and then Ronald Zubar pulled the ball back from the bye-line into the heart of the home area where a defender booted clear.  Zubar was hurt as he knocked the ball down for Stephen Hunt who fired high over the bar from the edge of the box. Zubar was able to continue after treatment.  There was a dangerous moment after Karl Henry lost possession to Van Persie just outside the Wanderers box. The Arsenal skipper fed Tomas Rosicky who helped the ball into the path of Mikel Arteta and his shot was blocked by Johnson who was booked shortly afterwards for a foul on Van Persie.  A minute later Van Persie cut inside Johnson and the left foot drive that followed saw Hennessey making a tremendous save as he dived to his right to turn the ball around the post.  In the 38th minute Wolves drew level following a Milijaš corner. Johan Djourou headed the ball out but only as far as Hunt whose shot hit Laurent Koscielny and looped for Steven Fletcher to head in to the far corner of the net beyond the outstretched fingers of Wojciech Szczesny.  Rosicky tried his luck from 25-yards as The Gunners looked to regain the advantage but Hennessey didn't have to move his feet as he collected the ball.

Half-Time: Arsenal 1 Wolves 1

Zubar was hurt again within seconds of the resumption and although he returned to the field after treatment, he was clearly struggling and was replaced by Richard Stearman.  On 57 minutes there were loud home appeals for a penalty when Koscielny's cross struck Hunt. The linesman on the far side was ideally placed but he signalled a corner whilst an incensed Vermaelen talked his way into the book.  Milijaš was high and wide from 25-yards, then Gervinho ran into the box after a jinking run down the right flank but he undid his hard work by passing the ball straight to Henry.  Hennessey arched himself backwards to touch a Van Persie free-kick over the bar and then the keeper kept out a Mertesacker header as the home team continued to press.   The Wolves keeper saved with his legs as a Van Persie shot took a hefty deflection off Christophe Berra and then Alex Song was perhaps fortunate only to be shown a yellow after a nasty looking challenge on Fletcher followed up immediately with a lunge at Hunt.  Song was replaced moments later and, at the same time, Adlene Guedioura went on in place of Forde who had refused to buckle under intense pressure displaying a maturity beyond his years.  Just a minute after his introduction, Guedioura was harshly booked after an aerial challenge with Mertesacker.  But if the visitors had reason to complain about that, the decision was nothing to the one that saw Milijaš red carded. His challenge on Arteta didn't even look worthy of a foul but Arteta rolled around as if in agony and, amazingly, as Milijaš headed for the dressing room and he took the free-kick without so much of a limp.   It was all hands to the pumps in the closing 15 minutes with Van Persie turning and firing past the far post and substitute Andrey Arshavin volleying just wide after taking a return pass from Van Persie.  Twice in a few seconds Hennessey saved from Van Persie - the first time full length from a free-kick, and then with his legs after the striker tried an angled shot.   Hennessey made a great block to deny Vermaelen before Wolves and their supporters had to endure six minutes of added time. But, true heroes, every man-jack did his job to preserve a point that could yet prove to be priceless. 

Arsenal: Szczesny, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Koscielny, Rosicky, Arteta, Van Persie (capt), Song (Ramsey 71), Djourou (Chamakh 85), Gervinho, Benayoun (Arshavin 63).  Unused subs: Almunia, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Coquelin, Miquel.  Bookings: Vermaelen (57 - dissent), Song (69 - foul).

Wolves: Hennessey, Zubar (Stearman 50), Ward, Milijaš, Berra, Johnson (capt), Jarvis, Henry, Fletcher, Forde (Guedioura 71), Hunt (Doyle 85).  Unused subs: Elokobi, Ebanks-Blake, Hammill, De Vries.  Bookings: Johnson (32 - foul), Guedioura (73 - foul), Hennessey (90+2 - time wasting).  Sending-Off: Milijaš (75 - foul).

Referee: S. Attwell.  Attendance: 59,686.


The Beeb's Becky Ashton says:
Goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey inspired Wolves to a draw at Arsenal, as the visitors held on after playing the last 15 minutes with 10 men.   Gervinho gave the Gunners the lead when he was put clear by Yossi Benayoun.   But Wolves levelled before the break, Steven Fletcher diverting home a shot from Stephen Hunt. 
 

Arsenal dominated but, even after Nenad Milijas was harshly sent off for a tackle on Mikel Arteta, they were denied by Hennessey's fine saves. The Wales international was at his best to regularly deny Gunners skipper Robin van Persie as Wolves earned their first away point since August.  Hennessey was the central figure of a gutsy defensive performance and at times he seemed to be almost single-handedly earning his relegation-threatened side a vital draw.  But the result meant Arsene Wenger's team missed the chance to move into the Premier League's top four.  Hennessey's display might have been excellent but after conceding early at the Emirates he is now without a clean sheet in his last 15 matches.  The excellent Benayoun, who was making his first Premier League start for Arsenal, split open the Wolves defence with an inch-perfect pass for Gervinho. The Ivory Coast international appeared anything but convincing with the ball at his feet before rounding and firing home into an empty net.  Wenger frustrated by Wolves draw Van Persie had chances to increase the lead as he looked to equal Alan Shearer's record of 36 Premier League goals in a calendar year, firstly touching an effort just wide of the post before hitting a low shot that Hennessey did well to tip round the post.  Wolves were looking nervous at the back and almost gifted the home side a second goal when Karl Henry was dispossessed just outside his own area by Mikel Arteta, only for the defence to rally and block the shot.  Despite the home side dominating possession, Wolves always posed a threat in attack and were back level just before the break.  A corner from the left was half cleared to Hunt on the edge of the box and his deflected effort was diverted past Wojciech Szczesny by the head of Fletcher.  Arsenal continued their domination throughout the second half and looked increasingly in control but could not find a way past the stubborn Hennessey.  Van Persie, who was involved in all the Gunners' good play, bought an excellent save out of the keeper with a free-kick that was dipping under the crossbar before Thomas Vermaelen's downward header forced Hennessey to block with his feet.   Tomas Rosicky should have done better when the home side were gifted another chance following some indecision in the Wolves defence, but could only blaze his effort wide.  Things got even tougher for McCarthy's side when Milijas was sent off for a foul on Arteta on the edge of the box.  Justice prevailed - McCarthy  It appeared a harsh decision against the midfielder, who won the ball before taking down the Spaniard with his follow through, but referee Stuart Attwell was quick to produce the red card.  The home side continued to press and Hennessey again thwarted Van Persie, first from a free-kick before he made another block at his near post.  There was still time for Vermaelen to have a volley saved by Hennessey, but Wolves, thanks mainly to the efforts of their goalkeeper, held on.
 

 Did you know? -     Today's Arsenal team was their oldest this season in the Premier League at 26 years and 338 days.   Arsenal haven't lost on this day since 1966   It's now 14 top-flight matches since Wolves beat Arsenal   Today's point was the first Wolves have recorded on the road since August.
 The goal by Steven Fletcher was Wolves' first at Arsenal for 27 years.      Mick McCarthy's side have lost on their previous six visits to London.


Tuesday, 27 December 2011

Premier League
Home Team Score Away Team Time
Arsenal 1-1 Wolves FT
(HT 1-1)

    Gervinho 8



    Fletcher 38


Hide team line-ups and match stats
Arsenal

    13 Szczesny
    04 Mertesacker
    05 Vermaelenyellow card
    06 Koscielny
    20 Djourou (Chamakh 85)
    07 Rosicky
    08 Arteta
    17 Songyellow card (Ramsey 71)
    30 Benayoun (Arshavin 63)
    10 Van Persie
    27 Gervinho

Substitutes

    01 Almunia,
    49 Miquel,
    15 Oxlade-Chamberlain,
    16 Ramsey,
    23 Arshavin,
    39 Coquelin,
    29 Chamakh

Wolverhampton

    01 Hennesseyyellow card
    11 Ward
    14 Johnsonyellow card
    16 Berra
    23 Zubar (Stearman 50)
    08 Henry
    12 Hunt (Doyle 86)
    17 Jarvis
    20 Milijasred card
    37 Forde (Guedioura 71 yellow card)
    10 Fletcher

Substitutes

    31 De Vries,
    03 Elokobi,
    05 Stearman,
    19 Hammill,
    34 Guedioura,
    09 Ebanks-Blake,
    29 Doyle

Ref: AttwellAtt: 59,686
ARSENAL
WOLVES
Possession

    Arsenal 50%
    Wolves 50%

Attempts on target

    Arsenal 17
    Wolves 4

Attempts off target

    Arsenal 6
    Wolves 2

Corners

    Arsenal 13
    Wolves 3

Fouls

    Arsenal 3
    Wolves 12

Show latest live text only

    Final Result
    Full Time
    90:00+6:15 The match has reached full-time.
    90:00+4:36 Aaron Ramsey crosses the ball, Header by Robin van Persie from deep inside the penalty area misses to the left of the goal.
    90:00+4:27 Robin van Persie crosses the ball, Kevin Doyle manages to make a clearance.
    90:00+4:20 Centre by Robin van Persie, Roger Johnson manages to make a clearance.
    90:00+3:33 Kevin Doyle concedes a free kick for a foul on Yao Gervinho. Mikel Arteta delivers the ball from the free kick right-footed from right wing, Christophe Berra makes a clearance.
    Correction - 90:00+2:26 Aaron Ramsey sends in a cross, Headed effort from deep inside the penalty area by Robin van Persie misses to the left of the goal.
    90:00+2:26 The ball is delivered by Aaron Ramsey, Header by Yao Gervinho from deep inside the penalty area misses to the left of the target.
    90:00+1:16 Booking Wayne Hennessey receives a caution.
    89:39 The ball is swung over by Andrey Arshavin, clearance by Stephen Ward.
    89:26 Tomas Rosicky takes a short corner.
    89:13 Thomas Vermaelen takes a shot. Wayne Hennessey makes a save.
    86:48 Corner taken by Mikel Arteta, Headed effort from deep inside the penalty area by Marouane Chamakh goes harmlessly over the crossbar.
    86:34 The ball is sent over by Laurent Koscielny, save made by Wayne Hennessey.
    84:20 Substitution Stephen Hunt goes off and Kevin Doyle comes on.
    84:20 Substitution Johan Djourou leaves the field to be replaced by Marouane Chamakh.
    84:11 The ball is crossed by Aaron Ramsey, Roger Johnson manages to make a clearance.
    82:51 Robin van Persie takes a shot. Wayne Hennessey makes a save.
    81:36 Stephen Hunt concedes a free kick for a foul on Johan Djourou. Shot comes in from Robin van Persie from the free kick, save by Wayne Hennessey.
    81:26 The ball is delivered by Thomas Vermaelen, Stephen Hunt manages to make a clearance.
    80:38 A cross is delivered by Yao Gervinho, clearance by Roger Johnson.
    79:28 Andrey Arshavin produces a left-footed shot from just outside the box that goes wide right of the target.
    77:54 Short corner worked by Mikel Arteta.
    77:49 Robin van Persie takes a shot.
    77:35 Andrey Arshavin takes a shot. Blocked by Christophe Berra.
    77:06 Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Mikel Arteta from the left by-line, Karl Henry makes a clearance.
    76:53 Aaron Ramsey takes a shot. Richard Stearman gets a block in.
    76:24 Inswinging corner taken by Mikel Arteta, Richard Stearman makes a clearance.
    74:47 Mikel Arteta shoots direct from the free kick, Steven Fletcher gets a block in.
    74:47 Sent off The referee shows Nenad Milijas a red card.
    74:23 Foul by Nenad Milijas on Mikel Arteta, free kick awarded.
    74:12 The ball is swung over by Aaron Ramsey.
    72:55 Free kick taken by Mikel Arteta.
    72:55 Booking Booking for Adlene Guedioura.
    72:47 Per Mertesacker fouled by Adlene Guedioura, the ref awards a free kick.
    72:11 Tomas Rosicky produces a right-footed shot from just outside the area that goes wide left of the goal.
    Correction - 69:50 Substitution Anthony Forde goes off and Adlene Guedioura comes on.
    Correction - 69:50 Substitution Aaron Ramsey replaces Alex Song.
    69:50 Substitution Adlene Guedioura joins the action as a substitute, replacing Anthony Forde.
    69:50 Substitution Alex Song goes off and Aaron Ramsey comes on.
    68:23 Free kick crossed by Nenad Milijas.
    68:23 Booking Alex Song is given a yellow card.
    68:04 Alex Song challenges Steven Fletcher unfairly and gives away a free kick.
    66:46 Corner taken right-footed by Mikel Arteta, clearance by Roger Johnson.
    Correction - 66:12 The ball is sent over by Tomas Rosicky, Per Mertesacker takes a shot. Save by Wayne Hennessey. Robin van Persie takes a shot. Christophe Berra gets a block in.
    66:12 The ball is crossed by Tomas Rosicky, Per Mertesacker takes a shot. Save made by Wayne Hennessey.
    65:41 Corner taken by Robin van Persie from the right by-line, clearance by Christophe Berra.
    64:25 Free kick awarded for a foul by Karl Henry on Yao Gervinho. Robin van Persie has an effort direct from the free kick, Wayne Hennessey makes a save.
    62:35 Substitution Andrey Arshavin is brought on as a substitute for Yossi Benayoun.
    61:16 Effort on goal by Nenad Milijas from long range goes harmlessly over the target.
    59:42 Thomas Vermaelen is penalised for handball and concedes a free kick. Free kick taken by Wayne Hennessey.
    58:34 Yao Gervinho sends in a cross, Wayne Hennessey makes a save.
    57:01 Corner taken left-footed by Robin van Persie, Thomas Vermaelen takes a shot. Wayne Hennessey makes a save.
    56:56 Booking Thomas Vermaelen goes into the referee's book.
    56:43 Laurent Koscielny delivers the ball, blocked by Richard Stearman.
    56:09 A cross is delivered by Yao Gervinho.
    52:08 Robin van Persie is penalised for handball and concedes a free kick. Wayne Hennessey takes the indirect free kick.
    51:34 Mikel Arteta takes a inswinging corner from the left by-line to the near post, clearance by Steven Fletcher.
    51:05 The ball is crossed by Johan Djourou, clearance by Christophe Berra.
    49:47 Substitution Richard Stearman on for Ronald Zubar.
    47:34 The official flags Yao Gervinho offside. Free kick taken by Wayne Hennessey.
    45:59 Ronald Zubar challenges Yao Gervinho unfairly and gives away a free kick. Thomas Vermaelen restarts play with the free kick.
    45:01 The referee blows his whistle to start the second half.
    Half Time
    45:00+2:08 The first half comes to an end.
    45:00+2:00 A cross is delivered by Robin van Persie.
    45:00+1:35 Anthony Forde takes a shot. Laurent Koscielny gets a block in.
    45:00+1:02 Stephen Ward produces a cross.
    43:17 The ball is delivered by Matthew Jarvis.
    42:16 Free kick awarded for a foul by Nenad Milijas on Yossi Benayoun. Per Mertesacker takes the free kick.
    41:25 Stephen Ward concedes a free kick for a foul on Yossi Benayoun. Johan Djourou restarts play with the free kick.
    39:46 Nenad Milijas concedes a free kick for a foul on Tomas Rosicky. Free kick taken by Mikel Arteta.
    39:30 Tomas Rosicky takes a shot. Wayne Hennessey makes a save.
    37:30 Stephen Hunt takes a shot. Thomas Vermaelen gets a block in.
    37:24 Stephen Hunt provided the assist for the goal.
    37:24 GOAL - Steven FletcherArsenal 1 - 1 Wolverhampton Steven Fletcher finds the back of the net with a headed goal from inside the six-yard box. Arsenal 1-1 Wolverhampton.
    37:14 Corner from the left by-line taken by Nenad Milijas, clearance by Johan Djourou.
    33:54 Per Mertesacker fouled by Stephen Hunt, the ref awards a free kick. Per Mertesacker takes the free kick.
    31:12 Direct strike on goal from the free kick comes in from Mikel Arteta, Wayne Hennessey makes a save.
    31:12 Booking Roger Johnson is shown a yellow card for unsporting behaviour.
    31:05 Free kick awarded for a foul by Roger Johnson on Robin van Persie.
    30:37 The referee blows for offside. Karl Henry restarts play with the free kick.
    29:57 Inswinging corner taken by Mikel Arteta from the left by-line, clearance made by Wayne Hennessey.
    29:38 Robin van Persie takes a shot. Save made by Wayne Hennessey.
    28:44 Mikel Arteta takes a shot. Blocked by Roger Johnson.
    25:07 Effort on goal by Stephen Hunt from just inside the area clears the crossbar.
    22:44 Inswinging corner taken from the right by-line by Robin van Persie, clearance by Stephen Hunt.
    22:35 A cross is delivered by Robin van Persie, Stephen Ward makes a clearance.
    20:48 The assistant referee signals for offside against Steven Fletcher. Indirect free kick taken by Laurent Koscielny.
    19:17 Inswinging corner taken from the left by-line by Mikel Arteta, Stephen Ward manages to make a clearance.
    18:13 The assistant referee signals for offside against Nenad Milijas. Free kick taken by Wojciech Szczesny.
    17:47 Corner from the left by-line taken by Nenad Milijas, clearance made by Laurent Koscielny.
    Correction - 17:10 The ball is sent over by Robin van Persie, Ronald Zubar manages to make a clearance.
    17:10 Robin van Persie produces a cross, clearance by Ronald Zubar.
    16:09 Outswinging corner taken by Nenad Milijas from the left by-line played to the near post, clearance by Johan Djourou.
    15:53 The ball is sent over by Ronald Zubar, clearance by Laurent Koscielny.
    15:22 Robin van Persie challenges Christophe Berra unfairly and gives away a free kick. Karl Henry restarts play with the free kick.
    14:37 Close range shot by Robin van Persie misses to the left of the goal.
    13:44 Thomas Vermaelen takes a shot. Blocked by Roger Johnson.
    7:33 The assist for the goal came from Yossi Benayoun.
    7:33 GOAL - Yao GervinhoArsenal 1 - 0 Wolverhampton Yao Gervinho scores a goal from deep inside the penalty box to the bottom right corner of the goal. Arsenal 1-0 Wolverhampton.
    7:18 The ball is swung over by Matthew Jarvis, clearance made by Per Mertesacker.
    6:18 Foul by Tomas Rosicky on Stephen Hunt, free kick awarded. Wayne Hennessey restarts play with the free kick.
    4:56 Matthew Jarvis takes a shot. Blocked by Per Mertesacker.
    2:19 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Yossi Benayoun by Matthew Jarvis. Johan Djourou takes the free kick.
    0:49 Inswinging corner taken from the left by-line by Mikel Arteta, clearance made by Ronald Zubar.
    0:00 The game kicks-off.

Live text and data provided by The Press Association.

TEAM NEWS By Steve Wilson
BBC Match of the Day commentator

Arsenal's defensive woes have been exacerbated with the news that Kieran Gibbs faces a further month on the sidelines after having groin surgery.

Johan Djourou could return ahead of schedule from a groin injury, while Alex Song is available after a ban.

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy has no fresh injury concerns for the trip to the Emirates.

Jody Craddock (hamstring) and David Edwards (groin) hope to recover in time for this game.
MATCH PREVIEW

Arsenal versus Wolves is a fixture which always reminds me of a League Cup meeting between the two sides at Highbury back in 2003. Wolves had a team packed with wizened old

warriors designed to scrap their way to top-flight safety; men who had been around long enough to have experienced most things the game has to offer. There was Paul Ince, Alex

Rae, Nathan Blake and Lee Naylor. In stark contrast, Arsene Wenger picked his usual League Cup side of talented teenage wannabes.
Continue reading the main story

    These days the joy of savouring potential seems to have worn thin for some Arsenal fans

So obscure were some of the names on the Arsenal team-sheet that the ever-helpful Gunners' press office put together mini-biographies to provide some background on these

unknown kids plucked from the youth team.

In short, it was literally men against boys - and the boys absolutely strolled it. The young guns won 5-1 and some of the old heads wearing old gold must have spent the journey

back to Molineux bringing forward their retirement plans.

On the scoresheet that day for Arsenal with his first senior goal was one Cesc Fabregas; as the waify sixties songstress Mary Hopkin put it: "Those Were The Days". These days

the joy of savouring potential seems to have worn thin for some Arsenal fans.

There are plenty of Wolves supporters who are hardly ecstatic either. Two wins in 15 is not great by any measure - on the other hand, Wolves have not been in the bottom three

all season and are experiencing their third consecutive top-flight season for the first time in three decades.

As another sixties songstress, Joni Mitchell, said: "You don't know what you've got till it's gone.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

    Wolves are yet to take a point off Arsenal in six previous Premier League matches.
    Arsenal have kept clean sheets in each of the last three contests between the sides. Wolves' last goal was Jody Craddock's 89th-minute consolation in a 4-1 home defeat in

November 2009.
    It's now 13 top-flight matches since Wolves beat Arsenal. That win was at Highbury in 1979 under the management of John Barnwell.

Arsenal

    The Gunners have dropped just four points from a possible 24 at home this season - losing to Liverpool and drawing with Fulham.
    Arsenal have not lost on 27 December since a 2-1 defeat at Southampton in 1966, a run of 12 top-flight matches.
    Arsene Wenger's men have conceded five home league goals - only Swansea (two) and Manchester City (four) have let in fewer this term.
    Robin van Persie has scored 34 Premier League goals in 2011, two behind Alan Shearer's record for a calendar year, set in 1995. Only Les Ferdinand in 1995-96 and Kevin Phillips

in 1999-00 (both 17 goals) have ever scored more at this stage of a Premier League season than van Persie's current total of 16.

Wolves

    Wolves' only away win this term came in their season-opener at Blackburn. They are winless in seven subsequent matches.
    The West Midlands club have lost their last six league visits to London, failing to score in the last four.
    Wolves have scored just once from open play in their last five Premier League away matches - Steven Fletcher's header at Manchester United on 10 December.
    Mick McCarthy's men are without a clean sheet in 14 league games.

Tuesday December 20th Wolves 2 (Ebanks-Blake 37, Zubar 81)  v Norwich City 2 (Surman 12, Jackson 76)

(HT 1 - 1)

Wolves came from behind twice to salvage a draw against Norwich and edge two points clear of the drop zone.  Norwich led when Andrew Surman headed in from Wes Hoolahan's cross.  Wolves levelled when Stephen Hunt's shot was charged down by Russell Martin, allowing Sylvan Ebanks-Blake to steer in the loose ball from 10 yards.  Steve Morison crossed for substitute Simeon Jackson to tap in Norwich's second, but Ronald Zubar headed an equaliser from Nenad Milijas's corner.

WW says
A game that started slowly for Wolves finished in a frenzy as Mick McCarthy's men went flat out for a winner against Norwich after the two sides had shared four goals.  A marginal offside decision, albeit a correct one, in stoppage time ruled out what looked like a winner for Steven Fletcher and then substitute Adam Hammill had a close range header saved when he too looked on for a winner.

There was an early surprise with the news that Kevin Doyle was only named as a substitute with Sylvan Ebanks-Blake coming in to make only his second League start of the campaign.  City, with two former Molineux midfielders, Andy Surman and Elliott Bennett in their 16, kicked-off attacking the North Bank end. The first chance fell to Wolves in the fourth minute after Stephen Hunt had been tripped by Marc Tierney wide on the right.  Fletcher touched the free-kick to Hunt and his cross found Ebanks-Blake who looked odds on to score until Russell Martin threw himself across to block and clear.  Wayne Hennessey was called into action when he had to dive full length to turn away an angled drive from Steve Morison who had run into the left channel of the home area.  But The Canary's moved ahead in the 12th minute with 'old boy' Surman the man on target with a firm header after a cross Wes Hoolahan.  Surman was at it again two minutes later with another header that Hennessey managed to cling onto.  A combination of Stephen Ward and Roger Johnson hustled Morison off the ball when he looked odds on for a second for the East Anglian side.  A driven cross from Ebanks-Blake was punched out by City keeper John Ruddy but Hunt squandered a good opportunity by firing over from eight-yards after the ball had dropped at his feet.  On 23 minutes Morison headed straight at Hennessey after a centre from Tierney and then Hoolahan volleyed narrowly over the angle from 25-yards out.  The evening got a little gloomier as Ronald Zubar, for catching Grant Holt as he attempted to clear, and Hunt, for clipping Tierney's heels off the ball, were both shown the yellow card.  But then Wanderers started to get their game together and after Fletcher had headed a Karl Henry cross down to him, Ebanks-Blake sent a stinging drive inches over the bar.  Wolves drew level in the 37th minute after Matt Jarvis had sent Ward away on the overlap. He hit a low cross that hit Martin and rolled to Ebanks-Blake and although the striker didn't make proper contact, the ball rolled between two defenders and the flat footed keeper over the line.  Kyle Naughton went into the book for a blatant body check on Ward and the half finished with Fletcher just failing to control a driven cross from Zubar.

Half-Time: Wolves 1 Norwich 1

Three minutes after the restart, Fletcher was wide of the far post with an attempted chip after Hunt had laid the ball off for him.  At the other end Holt missed a sitter as Morison's knock down left him with just Hennessey to beat. To the relief of the fans behind the goal he succeeded only at lobbing the ball gently into the keeper's arms.  On the our mark Hennessey had to show a little more agility to hold a shot from Surman who had been set up by Holt.  Fletcher was only just too high with a tremendous shot from just outside the box and then Ruddy was lucky that the ball fell to one of his team-mates after he failed to hold on to a low drive from Jarvis.  Hennessey made another flying save, this time from Hoolahan and then Ruddy saved a bouncing header from Ebanks-Blake after a superb cross from Ward.  With a quarter-of-an-hour remaining, both sides made changes with Hammill replacing Hunt and, for the visitors, Bradley Johnson and Simeon Jackson took the places of David Fox and Holt for Norwich.  Against the run of play, within two minutes of his introduction, Jackson had the easiest of tasks in knocking the ball over the line after Morison had delivered a low cross.  It took Wolves just five minutes to pull level when Zubar headed home following an 81st minute corner from Nenad Milijaš.  It was all Wolves now and Johnson sent a towering header wide of the far post after another Milijaš corner.  In stoppage time Fletcher tucked away a low centre from Jarvis and Molineux erupted for a few seconds until the crowd realised the offside flag had been raised.  There were still chances and after Hammill's header had been saved by Ruddy, Milijaš hit a ferocious long-range shot a yard wide.

Wolves: Hennessey, Zubar, Ward, Milijaš, Berra, R. Johnson (capt), Jarvis, Henry, Fletcher, Ebanks-Blake (Doyle 80), Hunt (Hammill 75).  Unused subs: Elokobi, Stearman, De Vries, Guedioura, Forde.  Bookings: Zubar (30 - foul), Hunt (32 - foul).

Norwich: Ruddy, Martin, Morison, Whitbread, Crofts, Holt (capt) (Jackson 75), Surman, Hoolahan (Bennett 88), Fox (B. Johnson 75), Tierney, Naughton.  Unused subs: Rudd, Pilkington, Barnett, Wilbraham.  Bookings: Naughton (39 - foul), Martin (72 - dissent).

Referee: C. Foy.  Attendance: 27,067
Wolves twice came from behind to salvage a draw against Norwich and edge two points clear of the relegation zone.  Attack-minded Norwich led when Andrew Surman headed in Wes Hoolahan's cross.  Wolves levelled when Stephen Hunt's shot was charged down, allowing Sylvan Ebanks-Blake to steer in from 10 yards.  Steve Morison crossed for substitute Simeon Jackson to tap in Norwich's second, but Ronald Zubar headed an equaliser from Nenad Milijas's corner.  It was a gripping, end-to-end contest with plenty of chances at both ends.  Norwich, who opted for a 4-3-3 formation with Hoolahan in support of strikers Grant Holt and Morison, enjoyed the better of the first half.  There was lots of neat, fast passing from the visitors, who showed why they are deservedly in the top half of the table, with Wolves' centre-backs being run ragged by the excellent Morison. 
DID YOU KNOW?     Norwich's opener from Andrew Surman was their 11th headed goal this season - more than any other Premier League side      The last 13 visits to Molineux have been unlucky for Norwich as Wolves are unbeaten in those games, including eight wins and five draws      Striker Grant Holt was making his 100th appearance for Norwich

But the home side gave a far better account of themselves in the second period, going forward confidently and having the better of the chances after the break. Wolves had started well as Hunt crossed from the right for the recalled Ebanks-Blake, whose shot was charged down by Russell Martin.  Paul Lambert's team then took the game to Wolves. Hard-working Morison was causing Roger Johnson lots of problems, most notably when he sped past him then fired in an angled strike that Wayne Hennessey pushed out.  Norwich's adventure was rewarded when they took advantage of Wolves' high defensive line with a superb passing move. It ended in Hoolahan curling in a cross from the left and Surman timed his run well before powerfully heading in, against his former club, after 12 minutes.  The visitors continued to dominate but Wolves should have quickly equalised on 25 minutes as Stephen Hunt scooped over from eight yards.  Mick McCarthy's side levelled eight minutes before the break. Matt Jarvis created the opening by skipping past Kyle Naughton on the left then supplying Stephen Ward, who cut the ball back into the penalty area. Hunt had his shot charged down by Martin, allowing Ebanks-Blake to scramble the ball in.   Both sides probed at the start of the second half with Wolves attacking in a more cohesive manner as Steven Fletcher twice struck over from the edge of the 18-yard box.  Wolves enjoyed some fortune when Christophe Berra appeared to handle in the penalty area, but Norwich made amends for that disappointment by scoring again.  Hoolahan started the move, threading the ball out to the left for Morison, who again beat Johnson before crossing. Jackson, who had just come on as a substitute, initially mis-hit but eventually forced the ball in from close range.  But Wolves' response was swift as Milijas swung in a corner from the left and Zubar powered a header from eight yards into the roof of the net.  There was almost a repeat when Milijas again delivered a left-sided corner, but Johnson headed wide.  The final stages were enthralling. Jarvis fired through a long ball for Fletcher, who finished from eight yards but the strike was correctly ruled offside. Then there was another great chance for Norwich as Hennessey blocked Morison's close-range shot.  Norwich keeper John Ruddy saved his side in the dying seconds with a fine save from Adam Hammill's point-blank header.  Wolves manager Mick McCarthy: "It was exciting, captivating and excruciating at times. I think we dominated the second half. Irrespective of the goals we've conceded, we should have won with the amount of chances we created.  "My players always give every ounce of effort. I love my players for that. It shows what they're about, coming back from behind twice.  The linesman got the offside decision right. I'll have to go in and apologise to him."  Norwich manager Paul Lambert: "It was a bit frustrating at times - to take the lead and go 2-1 up then draw. But I'm delighted with the way that we played. There don't seem to be any dull games involving us.  The goals we're conceding are not great but we're doing everything we can to stay in the league.  We were still trying to go gung-ho at the end. But I don't want to get admired and get relegated. I'd rather play ugly and stay in the league."
Wolverhampton
    01 Hennessey
    11 Ward
    14 Johnson
    16 Berra
    23 Zubaryellow card
    08 Henry
    12 Huntyellow card (Hammill 75)
    17 Jarvis
    20 Milijas
    09 Ebanks-Blake (Doyle 80)
    10 Fletcher

Substitutes

    31 De Vries,
    03 Elokobi,
    05 Stearman,
    19 Hammill,
    34 Guedioura,
    37 Forde,
    29 Doyle

Norwich

    01 Ruddy
    02 R Martinyellow card
    06 Whitbread
    23 Tierney
    25 Naughtonyellow card
    07 Crofts
    11 Surman
    14 Hoolahan (Bennett 87)
    15 Fox (Johnson 75)
    05 Morison
    09 Holt (Jackson 75)

Substitutes

    13 Rudd,
    20 Barnett,
    04 Johnson,
    12 Pilkington,
    17 Bennett,
    10 Jackson,
    21 Wilbraham

Ref: FoyAtt: 27,067
WOLVES
NORWICH
Possession

    Wolves 48%
    Norwich 52%

Attempts on target

    Wolves 9
    Norwich 14

Attempts off target

    Wolves 9
    Norwich 4

Corners

    Wolves 4
    Norwich 6

Fouls

    Wolves 5
    Norwich 11

Show latest live text only
Result
Full Time
90:00+3:12 The final whistle goes and the game is over.
90:00+2:30 Close range header by Steven Fletcher misses to the right of the target.
90:00+2:09 Free kick awarded for a foul by Steve Morison on Roger Johnson. Wayne Hennessey takes the direct free kick.
90:00+1:43 Nenad Milijas produces a right-footed shot from just outside the box that goes wide left of the target.
90:00+1:31 Adam Hammill takes a shot. Save made by John Ruddy.
90:00+0:16 The assistant referee flags for offside against Steven Fletcher. Free kick taken by John Ruddy.
89:13 The referee blows for offside. Indirect free kick taken by Stephen Ward.
88:18 Inswinging corner taken from the left by-line by Adam Hammill.
87:00 Substitution Elliott Bennett comes on in place of Wesley Hoolahan.
86:11 Marc Tierney gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Adam Hammill. Direct free kick taken by Nenad Milijas.
84:45 Corner taken by Nenad Milijas from the left by-line, Headed effort from deep inside the penalty area by Roger Johnson misses to the left of the goal.
82:10 Corner from the left by-line taken by Andrew Surman, clearance by Stephen Ward.
81:01 The assist for the goal came from Nenad Milijas.
81:01 GOAL - Ronald Zubar Wolverhampton 2 - 2 Norwich Ronald Zubar finds the net with a headed goal from close in. Wolverhampton 2-2 Norwich.
80:43 Corner taken left-footed by Nenad Milijas,
79:41 Substitution Sylvan Ebanks-Blake goes off and Kevin Doyle comes on.
78:07 Simeon Jackson takes a shot.
77:52 The referee blows for offside against Steve Morison. Indirect free kick taken by Christophe Berra.
77:11 Karl Henry takes a shot. Blocked by Zak Whitbread.
75:41 Steve Morison provided the assist for the goal.
75:41 GOAL - Simeon Jackson Wolverhampton 1 - 2 Norwich Simeon Jackson grabs a goal from inside the six-yard box low into the middle of the goal. Wolverhampton 1-2 Norwich.
74:48 Substitution Stephen Hunt leaves the field to be replaced by Adam Hammill.
74:06 Substitution Simeon Jackson is brought on as a substitute for Grant Holt.
74:06 Substitution Bradley Johnson comes on in place of David Fox.
73:08 Russell Martin takes a shot. Wayne Hennessey makes a save.
72:54 Outswinging corner taken by David Fox.
72:36 Wesley Hoolahan takes a shot. Blocked by Christophe Berra.
71:23 Sylvan Ebanks-Blake takes a shot. John Ruddy makes a save.
69:16 Wesley Hoolahan takes a shot. Wayne Hennessey makes a save.
68:16 Matthew Jarvis takes a shot. Save made by John Ruddy.
66:41 Steven Fletcher has shot on goal from just outside the area which goes wide of the right-hand upright.
66:21 Shot from outside the box by David Fox misses to the left of the goal.
64:08 Corner from the left by-line taken by Andrew Surman, free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Roger Johnson by Steve Morison. Wayne Hennessey takes the direct free

kick.
63:34 Effort from a long way out by Stephen Hunt goes wide right of the target.
60:37 Foul by Grant Holt on Ronald Zubar, free kick awarded. Direct free kick taken by Karl Henry.
59:39 Andrew Surman takes a shot. Save made by Wayne Hennessey.
58:41 Grant Holt is ruled offside. Wayne Hennessey takes the indirect free kick.
58:10 Steven Fletcher is caught offside. John Ruddy restarts play with the free kick.
56:39 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Marc Tierney by Stephen Hunt. John Ruddy takes the free kick.
55:56 Grant Holt is caught offside. Wayne Hennessey takes the free kick.
54:35 Corner taken right-footed by David Fox, clearance by Roger Johnson.
52:39 Grant Holt takes a shot. Wayne Hennessey makes a save.
50:44 Outswinging corner taken by Matthew Jarvis from the left by-line, Kyle Naughton makes a clearance.
49:34 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Stephen Hunt by Grant Holt. Free kick taken by Wayne Hennessey.
47:25 Effort from the edge of the area by Steven Fletcher goes wide of the left-hand upright.
45:21 The referee blows for offside against Sylvan Ebanks-Blake. Free kick taken by John Ruddy.
45:01 The referee gets the second half underway.
Half Time
45:00+2:04 The whistle is blown to end the first half.
45:00+0:34 Andrew Surman takes a shot. Save by Wayne Hennessey.
44:28 The assistant referee flags for offside against Grant Holt. Wayne Hennessey takes the indirect free kick.
43:32 The referee blows for offside against Sylvan Ebanks-Blake. Free kick taken by Russell Martin.
42:09 Outswinging corner taken by Andrew Surman.
41:58 David Fox takes a shot. Save made by Wayne Hennessey.
40:56 The offside flag is raised against Matthew Jarvis. Kyle Naughton takes the direct free kick.
39:03 Steven Fletcher produces a header from inside the area that goes over the bar.
38:30 Matthew Jarvis takes the free kick.
38:30 Booking The referee books Kyle Naughton for unsporting behaviour.
38:20 Kyle Naughton concedes a free kick for a foul on Stephen Ward.
36:46 Stephen Hunt provided the assist for the goal.
36:46 GOAL - Sylvan Ebanks-Blake Wolverhampton 1 - 1 Norwich Sylvan Ebanks-Blake grabs a goal from inside the six-yard box low into the middle of the goal. Wolverhampton 1-1

Norwich.
36:42 Stephen Hunt takes a shot. Russell Martin gets a block in.
35:02 Grant Holt takes a shot. Blocked by Christophe Berra.
34:13 Sylvan Ebanks-Blake produces a right-footed shot from inside the area that goes over the bar.
32:56 Free kick awarded for a foul by Andrew Surman on Stephen Hunt. Wayne Hennessey takes the free kick.
32:21 The official flags Sylvan Ebanks-Blake offside. John Ruddy takes the indirect free kick.
31:35 Booking Stephen Hunt is shown a yellow card.
29:46 Steve Morison gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Roger Johnson. Wayne Hennessey restarts play with the free kick.
29:10 John Ruddy restarts play with the free kick.
29:10 Booking The referee cautions Ronald Zubar for unsporting behaviour.
28:37 Ronald Zubar challenges Grant Holt unfairly and gives away a free kick.
26:59 Wesley Hoolahan produces a left-footed shot from just outside the box that goes wide left of the goal.
24:24 Steve Morison takes a shot. Save made by John Ruddy.
23:43 Effort from deep inside the area by Stephen Hunt clears the bar.
23:36 Sylvan Ebanks-Blake takes a shot. Save made by John Ruddy.
22:06 Roger Johnson concedes a free kick for a foul on Grant Holt. David Fox takes the free kick.
20:55 Russell Martin fouled by Steven Fletcher, the ref awards a free kick. John Ruddy restarts play with the free kick.
16:30 Andrew Crofts takes a shot. Christophe Berra gets a block in.
13:16 Andrew Surman takes a shot. Wayne Hennessey makes a save.
11:46 Wesley Hoolahan delivers the ball,
11:40 The assist for the goal came from Wesley Hoolahan.
11:40 GOAL - Andrew Surman Wolverhampton 0 - 1 Norwich Andrew Surman grabs a headed goal from deep inside the penalty area. Wolverhampton 0-1 Norwich.
9:34 Outswinging corner taken by David Fox, clearance by Steven Fletcher.
9:22 Steve Morison takes a shot. Save by Wayne Hennessey.
7:12 Andrew Surman takes a shot. Save by Wayne Hennessey.
6:20 The referee blows for offside against Steven Fletcher. Indirect free kick taken by John Ruddy.
3:48 Sylvan Ebanks-Blake takes a shot. Blocked by Russell Martin.
3:24 Free kick awarded for a foul by Marc Tierney on Stephen Hunt. Nenad Milijas restarts play with the free kick.
2:21 Steve Morison is caught offside. Free kick taken by Wayne Hennessey.
1:40 Grant Holt fouled by Stephen Hunt, the ref awards a free kick. David Fox takes the direct free kick.
0:41 Foul by Grant Holt on Roger Johnson, free kick awarded. Wayne Hennessey restarts play with the free kick.
0:00 The referee gets the game underway.

Live text and data provided by The Press Association.

    Venue: Molineux
    Date: Tuesday, 20 December
    Kick-off: 1945 GMT
    Coverage: Watch highlights on Match of the Day; listen on BBC Radio 5 live and local radio; text commentary on BBC Sport website and mobiles

TEAM NEWS

Wolves are without David Edwards and Jamie O'Hara once again with groin and hernia injuries respectively.

Weekend goalscorer Stephen Hunt and Nenad Milijas are likely to keep their places as a result.

Norwich have no new injury worries so Paul Lambert is expected to field the same side that drew at Everton.

On-loan defender Ritchie de Laet is scheduled to return to training this week, but James Vaughan and Elliott Ward are out until the New Year.

MATCH PREVIEW

Wolverhampton hit the headlines last week after producers of a local Snow White pantomime production decided to replace the cast of dwarfs with children in order to cut costs.

It's clear that saving money is not an option for the board of the city's football club, with the January transfer window shortly about to open, if they are to avoid what looks like a

certain relegation dogfight. Mick McCarthy's current cast have won only two of their last 14 games and kick off against Norwich just one point above the bottom three, with games

against Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea to follow in three of their next four league matches.

Wolves and Norwich let leads slip against Stoke and Everton respectively at the weekend, and it's this vulnerability that could ultimately cost both sides dear.

True, Wolves would have been a goal-up and playing against 10 men if Anthony Taylor had decided to send off Jonathan Woodgate, but that cannot disguise the fact they

ultimately succumbed to defeat despite opening the scoring.

As for Norwich, they have let slip 10 points from winning positions this term; if they had managed to hang onto those leads they would be fifth in the Premier League table, above

Arsenal.
MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

    Thirteen goals were shared over two matches the last time these two clubs were in the same division. They fought out a 3-3 draw at Molineux during Wolves' Championship

promotion season of 2008-09. Norwich triumphed 5-2 in the return fixture at Carrow Road.
    Norwich have failed to win in their last 11 league visits to Wolves, since a 2-0 win in an old division one match in September 1995.
    Wolves have scored at least twice in their last four home matches against the Canaries, but won only two of those matches.

Wolves

    Wolves are in danger of losing a third straight league game for the second time this season. They lost five successive matches between September/October.
    Mick McCarthy's side are yet to beat a promoted team this season - losing 3-0 against QPR and drawing 2-2 with Swansea - both at home.
    All of Wolves' four wins have come against sides in the bottom third of the Premier League table (Fulham, Sunderland, Wigan and Blackburn).
    If selected, Roger Johnson will make his 350th career league start while goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey will be making his 150th league appearance.

Norwich

    Norwich have taken seven points from the last 12 available to them. It's their best return this season since a taking nine points from 12 during September/October.
    The Canaries have scored 25 goals this term. The last time a promoted club reached 25 goals within 16 matches of a season was Sunderland in 1999-2000.
    Paul Lambert's side may be yet to keep a Premier League clean sheet but only West Brom and Manchester United have stopped them from scoring.
    If selected, Grant Holt is in line to make his 100th league appearance for Norwich.
 

Saturday December 17th Wolves 1 (Hunt-pen 16) v Stoke City 2 (Doyle-OG 58, Crouch 70) (& WWLSC Xmas Lunch)

Beaten by the referee, again.  Ref Taylor chickens out of a clear sending off for Woodgate, continuously penalises Wolves and not Stoke, then gives them a free kick from which a wicked Doyle deflection beats Wayne.  Same old story - great start, fizzled out finish by Wolves.  Jarvo has his best game for ages, but its not enough, especially when he’s switched flanks to relieve the early press on Stoke.   Excellent Christmas lunch thanks to Roy and Lawson at the City Bar with anecdotes and a Q&A from King John Richards, Dave Wagstaffe (with stories of Frank Munro) and Steve Daley.  Pix here

A controversial equaliser and a winning goal from Peter Crouch gave Stoke an early Christmas present of three points after Wolves appeared to have things under control going into the break ahead thanks to a Stephen Hunt penalty.  With David Edwards and Jamie O'Hara both ruled out through injury, Hunt and Nenad Milijaš came in as their replacements.  City kicked-off attacking the North Bank end but Wolves were soon on the attack with Thomas Sorensen punching clear a cross from Karl Henry.   In the third minute Ronald Zubar prodded the ball a foot wide after he had connected with a low cross from Matt Jarvis, and then three long throw-ins from Ryan Shotton tested the home defence with Wayne Hennessey clinging onto the third of them.  Jonathan Woodgate was booked for a cynical foul on Jarvis who had been giving the former England defender a torrid time on Wolves' left flank.   Jon Walters fired high over the bar before Wolves moved into a 17th minute lead from the penalty spot. Woodgate fouled Jarvis as the winger cut into the area and although Sorensen guessed correctly as he dived to his right, Hunt's spot-kick was beyond his reach.   Click on the picture of Stephen to see the video of the pen.  Shortly afterwards Woodgate, perhaps fortunate not to have picked up a second yellow following the penalty incident, was withdrawn with Jermaine Pennant taking his place.   A lovely lay off by Hunt sent Kevin Doyle away on the right but Hunt was crowded out at the near post as he tried to reach the low cross that followed.   Henry made a timely intervention as he headed the ball behind with Crouch stationed right behind him trying to get on the end of Pennant's centre.   Hunt almost conjured up a second when the ball broke to him in the area. Sorensen managed to block his angled shot and when the ball rebounded to the Irishman, the keeper caught his short cross.   Matthew Etherington missed an easy chance when he met Shotton's cross and shot straight at Hennessey, and then Christophe Berra just managed to head behind a centre from Walters with Crouch, once again, ready to pounce.

Half-Time: Wolves 1 Stoke 0

Seconds after the restart, a Hunt corner was cleared upfield to Etherington who raced into the home box only to be denied by a fine tackle from Zubar.  Milijaš was booked after a late challenge on Walters and after Walters had recovered he headed wide of the far post after a centre from Etherington.   Then it was the turn of Ryan Shawcross to see yellow for a trip on Doyle.  A Stephen Ward throw was helped into the area by Jarvis and when Steven Fletcher nodded the ball down to Hunt, he hit a shot that was curling inside the far post until Sorensen got down low to save.  But a Roger Johnson challenge on Walters led to Stoke pulling level in the 58th minute. The Wolves skipper looked to have won the ball but the referee thought otherwise and Robert Huth's low free-kick hit Doyle, who was stationed on the end of the wall, and the ball was deflected into the opposite corner.  Milijaš was way too high with a long-range effort before Dean Whitehead went into the book for a rash aerial challenge on Berra.  Zubar was wide with a low shot from 20-yards and Berra caught Whitehead as he attempted to clear a Wolves attack to earn the Scot a yellow card.  Hennessey had to fingertip over a rising drive from Etherington but the keeper was beaten in the 70th minute as Crouch nodded in at the far post following an Etherington cross. Mick McCarthy made a double change with 15 minutes remaining as he sent on Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and Adlene Guedioura for Doyle and Milijaš. Ebanks-Blake headed over from a Hunt corner before Hammill became the final switch for Wolves when he replaced Hunt.  City defended in depth in the dying minutes snuffing out any hopes of a late equaliser for the home team.

Wolves: Hennessey, Zubar, Ward, Milijaš (Guedioura 75), Berra, Johnson (capt), Jarvis, Henry, Fletcher, Doyle (Ebanks-Blake 75), Hunt (Hammill 79).  Unused subs: Elokobi, Stearman, De Vries, Forde. Bookings: Milijaš (50 - foul), Berra (67 - foul).

Stoke: Sorensen, Huth, Whelan, Wilson (Palacios 86), Shawcross (capt), Whitehead, Walters, Crouch, Etherington (Fuller 87), Shotton, Woodgate (Pennant 19). Unused subs: Begovic, Jones, Upson, Jerome.  Bookings: Woodgate (9 - foul), Shawcross (51 - foul), Whitehead (63 - foul).

Referee: A. Taylor.  Attendance: 24,681.

By Neil Johnston
BBC Sport Peter Crouch Peter Crouch celebrated after sinking Wolves with his 99th league goal

Peter Crouch completed a fine Stoke comeback as Wolves squandered the lead and increased their relegation fears.  Stephen Hunt's penalty put the home side ahead after Jonathan Woodgate had fouled Matt Jarvis.  But the visitors stunned Molineux with two goals in 12 second-half minutes to secure a fourth successive top-flight win for the first time since 1981.  Robert Huth's free-kick deflected off Kevin Doyle to make it 1-1 before Crouch sealed the points with a header.   Wolves, who have now lost four of the last five league games, only had themselves to blame for failing to put distance between themselves and the bottom three.  They face a crucial home game against Norwich on Tuesday and manager Mick McCarthy will be demanding an improvement from his players after throwing away the points.  Wolves looked to be cruising to victory in the first half but went to pieces after Huth's free-kick found the net after a heavy deflection.  These are good times for Stoke.  Not only have they won four top-flight games in a row for the first time in 30 years but they have an attractive Europa League tie with Valencia to look forward to in early 2012.  Yet Tony Pulis's side, who are now two points behind seventh-place Liverpool, looked to be heading for defeat after Hunt's 17th-minute breakthrough from the spot.  Woodgate could have few complaints as referee Anthony Taylor awarded a penalty after the former England defender hauled down the impressive Jarvis for the second time.  Woodgate was fortunate to escape a red card having earlier been booked for a cynical foul on the same player.  But Woodgate did not stick around for long - Pulis replacing the former Tottenham player with Jermaine Pennant in the 19th minute.  Wolves did not look like a team dicing with danger near the bottom of the table.  McCarthy's side dominated for long spells with the busy Hunt denied his second goal by a fine Thomas Sorensen save after the Potters defence had been caught out.  Yet with only one goal dividing the two teams, the game was far from over and Wolves were fortunate to escape unpunished when Matthew Etherington fired straight at keeper Wayne Hennessey from close range in the 42nd minute.  It was a warning Wolves failed to heed as Stoke hauled themselves back on level terms before securing the points during a dramatic 12-minute spell after half-time.  They equalised when Huth's free-kick, which was going wide, deflected off Republic of Ireland striker Doyle before finding the net.  And Crouch was in the right place at the right time to beat Hennessey from close range after meeting Etherington's cross. McCarthy directed his frustraton at the referee after the game but he knows his players have to learn to kill off teams if they are to steer clear of the bottom three.
Live text and stats

 

Saturday, 17 December 2011

Premier League
Home Team Score Away Team Time
Wolves 1-2 Stoke FT
(HT 1-0)

    Hunt (pen) 17



    Doyle (og) 58
    Crouch 70


Hide team line-ups and match stats
Wolverhampton

    01 Hennessey
    11 Ward
    14 Johnson
    16 Berrayellow card
    23 Zubar
    08 Henry
    12 Hunt (Hammill 80)
    17 Jarvis
    20 Milijasyellow card (Guedioura 75)
    10 Fletcher
    29 Doyle (Ebanks-Blake 75)

Substitutes

    31 De Vries,
    03 Elokobi,
    05 Stearman,
    19 Hammill,
    34 Guedioura,
    37 Forde,
    09 Ebanks-Blake

Stoke

    29 Sorensen
    04 Huth
    17 Shawcrossyellow card
    30 Shotton
    39 Woodgateyellow card (Pennant 19)
    06 Whelan (Palacios 83)
    12 Wilson
    18 Whiteheadyellow card
    26 Etherington (Fuller 87)
    19 Walters
    25 Crouch

Substitutes

    01 Begovic,
    20 Upson,
    16 Pennant,
    40 Palacios,
    09 Jones,
    10 Fuller,
    33 Jerome

Ref: TaylorAtt: 24,684
WOLVES
STOKE
Possession

    Wolves 59%
    Stoke 41%

Attempts on target

    Wolves 5
    Stoke 4

Attempts off target

    Wolves 5
    Stoke 4

Corners

    Wolves 7
    Stoke 5

Fouls

    Wolves 8
    Stoke 11

Show latest live text only

    Final Result
    Full Time
    90:00+5:09 The match has reached full-time.
    90:00+3:48 Adlene Guedioura takes a shot. Save made by Thomas Sorensen.
    90:00+0:39 Jonathan Walters takes a shot. Save by Wayne Hennessey.
    89:40 Karl Henry takes a shot. Ryan Shawcross gets a block in.
    86:51 Substitution Ricardo Fuller replaces Matthew Etherington.
    83:36 Peter Crouch fouled by Adlene Guedioura, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick taken by Jermaine Pennant.
    82:35 Substitution Glenn Whelan goes off and Wilson Palacios comes on.
    79:07 Substitution Adam Hammill comes on in place of Stephen Hunt.
    78:21 Stephen Hunt takes the inswinging corner, Headed effort from deep inside the penalty area by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake goes harmlessly over the crossbar.
    75:57 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Steven Fletcher by Ryan Shawcross. Stephen Ward takes the direct free kick.
    74:42 Substitution Kevin Doyle goes off and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake comes on.
    74:12 Substitution (Wolverhampton) makes a substitution, with Adlene Guedioura coming on for Nenad Milijas.
    72:44 Peter Crouch concedes a free kick for a foul on Wayne Hennessey. Indirect free kick taken by Wayne Hennessey.
    69:31 The ball is crossed by Matthew Etherington,
    69:19 The assist for the goal came from Matthew Etherington.
    69:19 GOAL - Peter CrouchWolverhampton 1 - 2 Stoke Peter Crouch finds the net with a headed goal from inside the six-yard box. Wolverhampton 1-2 Stoke.
    69:01 Stephen Hunt takes a shot. Blocked by Robert Huth.
    68:32 Outswinging corner taken from the left by-line by Matthew Etherington.
    68:11 Matthew Etherington produces a drilled left-footed shot from 20 yards. Fantastic save by Wayne Hennessey.
    66:42 Booking Christophe Berra receives a yellow card.
    66:40 Foul by Christophe Berra on Dean Whitehead, free kick awarded. Thomas Sorensen takes the free kick.
    65:19 Ronald Zubar has an effort at goal from just outside the penalty box which goes wide of the left-hand post.
    63:22 Free kick taken by Wayne Hennessey.
    63:22 Booking Booking for Dean Whitehead for unsporting behaviour.
    63:12 Unfair challenge on Christophe Berra by Dean Whitehead results in a free kick.
    61:39 Free kick taken by Wayne Hennessey.
    61:27 Glenn Whelan concedes a free kick for a foul on Karl Henry.
    59:50 Effort on goal by Nenad Milijas from long range goes over the crossbar.
    57:15 Assist on the goal came from Robert Huth.
    57:15 GOAL - Kevin DoyleWolverhampton 1 - 1 Stoke Kevin Doyle puts the ball into his own goal from 18 yards. Wolverhampton 1-1 Stoke.
    56:29 Unfair challenge on Jonathan Walters by Roger Johnson results in a free kick. Robert Huth has a direct shot on goal from the free kick, Kevin Doyle gets a block in.
    53:57 Corner taken by Matthew Jarvis, Ryan Shawcross manages to make a clearance.
    53:16 Stephen Hunt takes a shot. Thomas Sorensen makes a brilliant save.
    51:30 Ronald Zubar restarts play with the free kick.
    51:30 Booking Ryan Shawcross goes into the book.
    51:06 Free kick awarded for a foul by Ryan Shawcross on Kevin Doyle.
    50:44 Effort on goal by Jonathan Walters from inside the penalty area goes harmlessly over the bar.
    49:52 Dean Whitehead takes the free kick.
    49:52 Booking Nenad Milijas booked for unsporting behaviour.
    49:29 Nenad Milijas gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Jonathan Walters.
    48:59 The referee blows for offside. Free kick taken by Wayne Hennessey.
    47:45 Foul by Christophe Berra on Jonathan Walters, free kick awarded. Glenn Whelan restarts play with the free kick.
    45:35 Stephen Hunt takes a short corner.
    45:01 The referee gets the second half underway.
    Half Time
    45:00+2:34 It is the end of the first-half.
    45:00+1:40 Matthew Jarvis takes a corner.
    45:00+1:00 Headed effort from deep inside the area by Ryan Shawcross misses to the right of the goal.
    45:00+0:34 Unfair challenge on Glenn Whelan by Nenad Milijas results in a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Matthew Etherington.
    43:42 Inswinging corner taken by Jermaine Pennant.
    43:05 Corner taken by Jermaine Pennant, clearance made by Christophe Berra.
    42:54 Centre by Matthew Etherington, clearance by Christophe Berra.
    41:54 Ryan Shotton crosses the ball, Matthew Etherington takes a shot. Save made by Wayne Hennessey.
    40:33 Corner taken right-footed by Jermaine Pennant from the left by-line, Kevin Doyle makes a clearance.
    40:17 The ball is crossed by Matthew Etherington, Ronald Zubar manages to make a clearance.
    38:38 Stephen Hunt takes a short corner.
    37:55 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Steven Fletcher by Robert Huth. The free kick is delivered right-footed by Nenad Milijas from right wing, Marc Wilson manages to make a clearance.
    34:07 Stephen Hunt takes a shot. Save made by Thomas Sorensen.
    28:03 A cross is delivered by Matthew Etherington.
    27:02 Jermaine Pennant crosses the ball, blocked by Nenad Milijas.
    25:24 Outswinging corner taken by Matthew Etherington from the left by-line.
    25:14 The ball is swung over by Ryan Shotton, Karl Henry makes a clearance.
    20:27 Karl Henry gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Jermaine Pennant. Free kick taken by Thomas Sorensen.
    19:47 Corner taken short by Stephen Hunt.
    18:48 Glenn Whelan concedes a free kick for a foul on Matthew Jarvis. Nenad Milijas delivers the ball from the free kick right-footed from left channel, clearance by Robert Huth.
    18:08 Substitution Jermaine Pennant is brought on as a substitute for Jonathan Woodgate.
    17:46 Unfair challenge on Peter Crouch by Roger Johnson results in a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Marc Wilson.
    16:06 Matthew Jarvis provided the assist for the goal.
    16:06 GOAL - Stephen HuntWolverhampton 1 - 0 Stoke Penalty taken left-footed by Stephen Hunt and scored. Wolverhampton 1-0 Stoke.
    15:13 Unfair challenge on Matthew Jarvis by Jonathan Woodgate results in a Penalty.
    13:28 Effort on goal by Jonathan Walters from inside the penalty box misses to the right of the target.
    12:51 Matthew Jarvis delivers the ball.
    10:41 Roger Johnson has a header from inside the six-yard box and clears the crossbar.
    9:28 The free kick is swung in right-footed by Stephen Hunt, clearance made by Roger Johnson.
    9:28 Booking Jonathan Woodgate is given a yellow card.
    9:16 Foul by Jonathan Woodgate on Matthew Jarvis, free kick awarded.
    7:01 Short corner taken by Stephen Ward.
    6:46 The ball is delivered by Matthew Jarvis.
    6:18 Peter Crouch challenges Ronald Zubar unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick taken by Ronald Zubar.
    2:53 Effort from inside the area by Ronald Zubar misses to the right of the target.
    2:16 Glenn Whelan concedes a free kick for a foul on Stephen Hunt. Matthew Jarvis crosses the ball from the free kick left-footed from left channel.
    0:00 The referee gets the match started.

By Alistair Mann
BBC Match of the Day commentator
Barclays Premier League

    Venue: Molineux
    Date: Saturday, 17 December
    Kick-off: 1500 GMT
    Coverage: Watch highlights on Match of the Day; listen on BBC Radio 5 live and local radio; text commentary on BBC Sport website and mobiles

TEAM NEWS

Wolves have slight concerns over the fitness of winger Matt Jarvis (thigh) and midfielder Dave Edwards (groin).

Kevin Foley is still troubled by an ankle injury, while Jody Craddock is nursing a hamstring problem and both players are likely to miss out.

Stoke manager Tony Pulis has to decide whether to change a side that recently beat both Everton and Tottenham.

Andy Wilkinson suffered a recurrence of a back problem in the Europa League and is unlikely to feature.
MATCH PREVIEW

The last time I commentated on a goalless draw for Match of the Day it was 11 April 2010 and featured Wolves against Stoke at Molineux.

It was a "proper" goalless draw. There wasn't so much as a booking and as I recall the "highlights" largely involved a series of long throws by Rory Delap for Stoke and George Elokobi for Wolves.

The last two occasions Stoke have returned from a Europa League away day they've succumbed to 4-0 and 5-0 league defeats

It's an odd feeling as a commentator on such a game because you almost feel responsible for providing such a drab spectacle.

A couple of months earlier I remember John Motson hitting the headlines after he'd sat through four goalless draws in succession, the most barren spell of his career. It was ended, after more than six and half hours, by a Wolves goal at Molineux.

In preparation for this weekend's encounter, the research reveals that this will be only the second time in history that these two sides will have met on 17 December. It was back in 1983 at Molineux and coincidentally ended goalless!

Bearing in mind that they've not kept a clean sheet in their last 12 matches, I'm sure that Mick McCarthy will be only too delighted to do so this weekend. Equally, Tony Pulis, following their midweek visit to Istanbul, will feel the same, as on the last two occasions they've returned from a Europa League away day they've succumbed to 4-0 and 5-0 league defeats.

Wolves come into the game having accumulated seven points from their last three at home, with Stoke seeking their fourth Premier League win in a row for the very first time. It does therefore seem inconceivable that this meeting will bear any resemblance to its blank predecessors of 1983 and 2010.
MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

    The away side has never won this fixture in four previous Premier League encounters. Both Stoke and Wolves have one win apiece (both as home teams), the other two matches were drawn.
    Stoke have not won on their last 14 top-flight trips to Molineux. Their last triumph in the top division was a 4-3 triumph in November 1967.
    This is the second time these clubs have met on this date. They played out a goalless draw at Molineux in an old Division One encounter in 1983.

Wolves

    Mick McCarthy's side are unbeaten in their last three home games, winning the last two. They have never won three successive home Premier League matches.
    All of Wolves' four wins have come against sides in the bottom third of the Premier League table (Fulham, Sunderland, Wigan and Blackburn).
    The West Midlands club are the only side in the division without a goal in the opening 20 minutes of matches and have led only once at half-time (v Fulham) this season.
    Steven Fletcher has scored each of the club's last three Premier League goals. In total, he has scored seven headers in 2011 - equal-most in the division with Demba Ba.

Stoke

    Stoke arrive at Molineux looking for a fourth straight league win for the first time in their Premier League history. The last time they won four successive games in the top flight was between April and September 1981.
    The Potters have scored just four away goals this campaign, the equal fewest alongside Fulham.
    They are one point better off than this stage last term. It's their best start to a Premier League season.
    Peter Crouch is two shy of 100 English league goals. He has scored Premier League goals against 17 of the current 20 clubs but has so far failed to find the net in four Premier League matches against Wolves.

Saturday December 10th Manchester United 4 (Nani 17, 56, Rooney 27, 62)  Wolves 1 (Fletcher 47)

Fletch was able to prey on the defensive weakness that ManU usually have at left back once Jarvo started dinging the crosses in, but Man U were just too fast and good for our flat-footed defence with Johnson back in charge.  Even Rio Ferdinand looked good in this match!

Wolves felt the backlash of Manchester United's Champions League exit as the reigning Premier League Champions ran out as comfortable 4-1 against a Molineux side unable to build on Steven Fletcher's goal shortly after the interval.  Karl Henry returned after his one game suspension in the place of Stephen Hunt who was named as a substitute. The other change to Mick McCarthy's starting line-up saw Roger Johnson returning in the place of the injured Jody Craddock.
United kicked-off defending the Stretford End but it was Wolves that had the first chance of the game after just 25 seconds when Kevin Doyle laid the ball into the path of Fletcher who fired wide from 25-yards out.  United responded with a low cross-shot from Nani that went right through the six-yard box and out for a goal-kick on the other side.  In the seventh minute Michael Carrick sent a flying header narrowly over following a centre from Antonio Valencia, then Wayne Hennessey had to dive full length to cling on to a wayne Rooney effort from just outside the box.  There was another chance for Rooney when he won a challenge with Henry but Hennessey got his fingertips to the ball and turned it behind for a corner.  United took the lead in the 17th minute when Nani ran past three Wolves men on the edge of the boxbefore turning and hitting a low shot into the corner of the net.  Ten minutes later it was two as Rooney found the time and space to beat Hennessey from inside the 'D'.   Dave Edwards was clearly struggling with injury and he was replaced by Nenad Miljaš after 32 minutes.  Hennessey made another save to deny Rooney and Fletcher's head back into the danger zone after a Matt Jarvis cross was cleared by the United defence.  In first half stoppage time, a Jarvis corner was punched out by David De Gea and Jamie O'Hara's follow up bounced clear off a defender. 

Half-Time: United 2 Wolves 0

Two minutes after the restart Fletcher reduced the deficit with a powerful header following a deep cross from Jarvis.  but there was another chance for United when Phil Jones delivered a cross that just eluded the outstretched foot of Danny Welbeck.  On 57 minutes United restored their two goal advantage as Nani gave Hennessey no chance as he turned home a cross from Valencia.  Hennessey saved from Jonny Evans and then Valancia drove wide as United looked to press home their advantage and in the 62nd minute Rooney did that as he tucked the ball away after another centre from Valancia.  De Gea was well positioned to save a low shot from Milijaš who had been set up by Doyle, and then Hennessey made a good save from Welbeck who had jinked himself into a scoring position.  O'Hara had a shot saved by De Gea shortly before O'Hara was replaced by Hunt.  Wolves were trying hard to cut United's lead and De Gea saved a Fletcher header before Sylvan Ebanks-Blake was sent on in place of the Scottish striker.  There was a chance for Hunt when he volleyed a Jarvis cross towards goal but Evans managed to block. But at that stage there was no way back for Wanderers. 

United: De Gea, Evra (capt) (Fryers 67), Jones, Ferdinand, Evans, Rooney, Smalling, Carrick, Nani (Young 77), Welbeck (Macheda 74), Valencia.  Unused subs: Giggs, Park, Gibson, Lindegaard.  Booking: Ferdinand (90 - foul).

Wolves: Hennessey, Zubar, Ward, Edwards (Milijaš 32), Berra, Johnson (capt), Jarvis, O'Hara (Hunt 71), Fletcher (Ebanks-Blake 77), Doyle Henry.  Unused subs: Elokobi, Stearman, Hammill, De Vries.

Referee: M. Oliver.  Attendance: 75,627.

Man Utd   4 - 1   Wolverhampton

By Sam Sheringham

BBC Sport Rooney's strike partnership with Welbeck is starting to blossom for United

Wayne Rooney and Nani both scored twice as Manchester United gave the perfect response to their Champions League exit with a commanding win over Wolves.  Nani cut inside from the left and blasted the opener into the corner before Rooney made it 2-0 with a low drive from the edge of the area. steven Fletcher gave Wolves a lifeline with a header just after half-time. But United hit back with Antonio Valencia setting up Nani for a tap-in and crossing for Rooney to rifle home. United put their miserable surrender in Basel behind them in a display brimming with positive intent and attacking verve.  And in the week when Rooney's three-match England ban was reduced to two by European football's governing body Uefa, the striker ended an eight-game Premier League goal drought with two authoritative finishes.  While Wolves boss Mick McCarthy's decision to field an attacking 4-4-2 formation merely played into United's hands, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson's tactics paid off, as he made four changes to the side that lost 2-1 in Switzerland.  Phil Jones produced a confident attacking performance alongside Michael Carrick in midfield and Valencia - brought in at Ashley Young's expense - proved a constant threat on the right wing. 
DID YOU KNOW? When United were last eliminated from the Champions League group stage, in 2005, they went unbeaten in their next 10 matches in all competitions
The victory ensured United closed the gap on Premier League leaders Manchester City to two points, with Roberto Mancini's side heading to Chelsea on Monday.  The game might have taken a different course had Fletcher not sliced wide after being teed up in space on the edge of the box in the first minute.  But United soon settled into their rhythm, with Valencia enjoying plenty of space down the right and crossing for Carrick, whose diving header flew just over the bar.  Carrick then played a ball inside right-back Ronald Zubar for Rooney, whose shot from a tight angle was sharply saved by Wayne Hennessey.  Moments later, Nani cut in from the left-hand side before unleashing a powerful shot into the corner from 20 yards.  The second goal arrived in similar fashion, with Rooney this time darting across the edge of the box and smashing a shot through a crowd of players past an unsighted Hennessey.  Wolves got themselves back in the game shortly after half-time as Matt Jarvis crossed from the left for Fletcher to head his 11th goal in 16 games into the roof of the net.  The goal only served to reawaken United, who re-established their two-goal lead when Jones threaded a pass to Valencia, who crossed low for Nani to convert from six yards.  Valencia rounded off a fine afternoon's work with the assist for the fourth goal as his cross picked out Rooney to beat Hennessey with a powerful low shot on the turn.  Another marauding run from Jones almost produced a fifth goal but Hennessey did well to foil Federico Macheda at the near post.  Wolves' sixth away league defeat in eight games leaves them just three points clear of the relegation zone.
Live text and stats

Saturday, 10 December 2011

Premier League
Home Team Score Away Team Time
Man Utd 4-1 Wolves FT
(HT 2-0)

    Nani 17
    Rooney 27
    Nani 56
    Rooney 62



    Fletcher 47


Hide team line-ups and match stats
Man Utd

    01 De Gea
    03 Evra (Fryers 67)
    05 Ferdinand yellow card
    06 Evans
    12 Smalling
    04 Jones
    16 Carrick
    17 Nani (Young 77)
    25 Valencia
    10 Rooney
    19 Welbeck (Macheda 74)

Substitutes

    34 Lindegaard,
    51 Fryers,
    11 Giggs,
    13 Park Ji-Sung,
    18 Young,
    28 Gibson,
    27 Macheda

Wolverhampton

    01 Hennessey
    11 Ward
    14 Johnson
    16 Berra
    23 Zubar
    04 Edwards (Milijas 31)
    08 Henry
    17 Jarvis
    24 O'Hara (Hunt 70)
    10 Fletcher (Ebanks-Blake 76)
    29 Doyle

Substitutes

    31 De Vries,
    03 Elokobi,
    05 Stearman,
    12 Hunt,
    19 Hammill,
    20 Milijas,
    09 Ebanks-Blake

Ref: OliverAtt: 75,627
MAN UTD
WOLVES
Possession
    Man Utd 59%    Wolves 41%
Attempts on target
    Man Utd 18    Wolves 8
Attempts off target
    Man Utd 4    Wolves 3
Corners
    Man Utd 8    Wolves 2
Fouls
    Man Utd 7    Wolves 8


    Final Result
    Full Time
    90:00+3:03 The game is over, as the referee blows his whistle.
    90:00+2:41 Chris Smalling fouled by Stephen Ward, the ref awards a free kick. Indirect free kick taken by David De Gea.
    90:00+2:33 The ball is sent over by Ronald Zubar, Jonathan Evans makes a clearance.
    90:00+0:36 Nenad Milijas produces a left-footed shot from inside the area that clears the bar.
    90:00+0:07 Matthew Jarvis takes the free kick.
    90:00+0:07 Booking Rio Ferdinand receives a caution.
    90:00+0:01 Unfair challenge on Kevin Doyle by Rio Ferdinand results in a free kick.
    88:29 Matthew Jarvis has an effort at goal. Save by David De Gea.
    87:31 Wayne Rooney takes a shot. Blocked by Christophe Berra.
    87:10 Wayne Rooney takes a shot. Blocked by Christophe Berra.
    84:40 Effort on goal by Ronald Zubar from outside the box goes harmlessly over the bar.
    84:13 Stephen Hunt takes a inswinging corner from the right by-line played to the near post, clearance made by David De Gea.
    83:12 Centre by Phil Jones, Roger Johnson manages to make a clearance.
    81:21 Matthew Jarvis delivers the ball, Shot by Stephen Hunt from 12 yards. Ezekiel Fryers gets a block in.
    78:55 Wayne Rooney takes a shot. Wayne Hennessey makes a save.
    77:08 Matthew Jarvis crosses the ball, clearance made by Rio Ferdinand.
    75:50 Michael Carrick restarts play with the free kick.
    75:50 Substitution Luis Nani goes off and Ashley Young comes on.
    75:50 Substitution Steven Fletcher goes off and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake comes on.
    75:50 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Federico Macheda by Ronald Zubar.
    75:40 Matthew Jarvis sends in a cross, Rio Ferdinand makes a clearance.
    74:24 Kevin Doyle challenges Michael Carrick unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick taken by Rio Ferdinand.
    73:42 Substitution Federico Macheda on for Danny Welbeck.
    73:19 Centre by Matthew Jarvis, Steven Fletcher takes a shot. Save by David De Gea.
    71:54 Karl Henry crosses the ball, Rio Ferdinand makes a clearance.
    71:40 The ball is crossed by Stephen Ward, clearance made by Rio Ferdinand.
    71:00 Stephen Hunt concedes a free kick for a foul on Michael Carrick. Jonathan Evans takes the indirect free kick.
    69:48 Substitution Stephen Hunt joins the action as a substitute, replacing Jamie O'Hara.
    67:43 Jamie O'Hara takes a shot. Save by David De Gea.
    66:53 The referee blows for offside against Steven Fletcher. Direct free kick taken by David De Gea.
    66:11 Wayne Hennessey takes the free kick.
    66:11 Substitution Ezekiel Fryers comes on in place of Patrice Evra.
    66:11 Danny Welbeck is flagged offside by the assistant referee.
    65:14 Danny Welbeck takes a shot. Save by Wayne Hennessey.
    63:29 Nenad Milijas takes a shot. David De Gea makes a save.
    63:17 Shot by Danny Welbeck. Save by Wayne Hennessey.
    61:56 The ball is crossed by Antonio Valencia,
    61:50 Assist on the goal came from Antonio Valencia.
    61:50 GOAL - Wayne Rooney:Man Utd 4 - 1 Wolverhampton Wayne Rooney scores a goal from inside the six-yard box to the bottom left corner of the goal. Man Utd 4-1 Wolverhampton.
    60:21 Shot from just outside the box by Antonio Valencia misses to the left of the goal.
    59:29 Jonathan Evans is ruled offside. Wayne Hennessey takes the free kick.
    58:47 Corner taken right-footed by Wayne Rooney from the right by-line to the near post, Chris Smalling takes a shot.
    58:14 Luis Nani takes the inswinging corner, Jonathan Evans takes a shot. Save made by Wayne Hennessey.
    58:09 Centre by Luis Nani, Ronald Zubar gets a block in.
    55:51 Assist on the goal came from Antonio Valencia.
    55:51 GOAL - Luis Nani:Man Utd 3 - 1 Wolverhampton Luis Nani finds the back of the net with a goal from close range low into the middle of the goal. Man Utd 3-1 Wolverhampton.
    55:51 The ball is crossed by Antonio Valencia,
    55:19 Patrice Evra delivers the ball, Wayne Hennessey makes a comfortable save.
    54:53 Corner taken right-footed by Luis Nani from the right by-line to the near post, Christophe Berra makes a clearance.
    54:47 The ball is swung over by Chris Smalling, Christophe Berra makes a clearance.
    53:33 Nenad Milijas concedes a free kick for a foul on Danny Welbeck. Indirect free kick taken by Michael Carrick.
    53:24 The ball is delivered by Matthew Jarvis, clearance by Jonathan Evans.
    52:18 Luis Nani concedes a free kick for a foul on Ronald Zubar. Wayne Hennessey takes the indirect free kick.
    50:26 The ball is sent over by Phil Jones, Shot from close in by Danny Welbeck misses to the left of the goal.
    49:29 A cross is delivered by Matthew Jarvis.
    46:54 The ball is crossed by Matthew Jarvis,
    46:49 Assist on the goal came from Matthew Jarvis.
    46:49 GOAL - Steven Fletcher:Man Utd 2 - 1 Wolverhampton Steven Fletcher finds the net with a headed goal from inside the six-yard box. Man Utd 2-1 Wolverhampton.
    45:01 The game restarts for the second half.
    Half Time
    45:00+1:18 The ref blows to end the first period.
    45:00+0:52 The ball is crossed by Matthew Jarvis, Ronald Zubar takes a shot. Save by David De Gea.
    45:00+0:20 Jamie O'Hara takes a shot. Phil Jones gets a block in.
    45:00+0:13 The ball is delivered by Karl Henry, clearance made by David De Gea.
    44:43 Corner taken right-footed by Matthew Jarvis.
    44:38 The ball is swung over by Matthew Jarvis, Jonathan Evans manages to make a clearance.
    44:12 Shot from 20 yards by Luis Nani. Save made by Wayne Hennessey.
    43:23 Corner taken by Luis Nani from the right by-line to the near post, clearance by Kevin Doyle.
    43:03 Shot by Danny Welbeck from 18 yards. Blocked by Roger Johnson.
    42:27 The assistant referee flags for offside against Danny Welbeck. Karl Henry takes the indirect free kick.
    41:45 Jamie O'Hara sends in a cross, Jonathan Evans makes a clearance.
    41:37 Centre by Stephen Ward, clearance by Michael Carrick.
    40:02 Centre by Nenad Milijas, clearance made by Rio Ferdinand.
    38:53 Matthew Jarvis sends in a cross, Jonathan Evans manages to make a clearance.
    35:54 Antonio Valencia is ruled offside. Direct free kick taken by Wayne Hennessey.
    35:15 The ball is swung over by Matthew Jarvis, clearance made by Phil Jones.
    34:52 The ball is swung over by Luis Nani.
    34:39 Luis Nani decides to take a short corner.
    34:14 Wayne Rooney takes a shot. Save by Wayne Hennessey.
    Correction - 33:54 Patrice Evra takes a shot. Roger Johnson gets a block in.
    33:54 Patrice Evra takes a shot. Blocked by Roger Johnson.
    33:24 Luis Nani crosses the ball, Nenad Milijas makes a clearance.
    32:44 Unfair challenge on Luis Nani by Ronald Zubar results in a free kick. Free kick taken by Luis Nani.
    30:58 Substitution (Wolverhampton) makes a substitution, with Nenad Milijas coming on for David Edwards.
    30:00 Danny Welbeck is caught offside. Wayne Hennessey takes the free kick.
    29:28 Matthew Jarvis crosses the ball, Rio Ferdinand makes a clearance.
    28:37 Matthew Jarvis delivers the ball, Rio Ferdinand manages to make a clearance.
    26:38 Assist on the goal came from Luis Nani.
    26:38 GOAL - Wayne Rooney:Man Utd 2 - 0 Wolverhampton Wayne Rooney scores a goal from the edge of the area to the bottom left corner of the goal. Man Utd 2-0 Wolverhampton.
    26:13 The ball is sent over by Chris Smalling, blocked by Christophe Berra.
    25:46 The ball is sent over by Antonio Valencia, clearance made by Jamie O'Hara.
    25:23 Inswinging corner taken from the left by-line by Luis Nani.
    25:14 Centre by Danny Welbeck, clearance by Karl Henry.
    23:38 Effort from 25 yards by Wayne Rooney. Save made by Wayne Hennessey.
    23:14 The ball is delivered by Matthew Jarvis, save made by David De Gea.
    22:46 The ball is sent over by Luis Nani, Wayne Hennessey makes a save.
    21:09 Luis Nani produces a cross.
    20:46 The referee blows for offside against Kevin Doyle. Direct free kick taken by David De Gea.
    19:49 The ball is crossed by Stephen Ward, blocked by Chris Smalling.
    18:59 Stephen Ward fouled by Antonio Valencia, the ref awards a free kick. Wayne Hennessey takes the indirect free kick.
    18:36 Kevin Doyle is ruled offside. David De Gea takes the free kick.
    Correction - 16:50 GOAL - Luis Nani:Man Utd 1 - 0 Wolverhampton A goal is scored by Luis Nani from just outside the area to the bottom left corner of the goal. Man Utd 1-0 Wolverhampton.
    16:50 The assist for the goal came from Antonio Valencia.
    16:50 GOAL - Luis Nani:Man Utd 1 - 0 Wolverhampton Luis Nani grabs a goal from just outside the area to the bottom left corner of the goal. Man Utd 1-0 Wolverhampton.
    16:23 Short corner worked by Luis Nani.
    15:59 Wayne Rooney takes a shot. Save by Wayne Hennessey.
    15:04 Ronald Zubar challenges Luis Nani unfairly and gives away a free kick. Patrice Evra takes the indirect free kick.
    14:27 Michael Carrick gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Matthew Jarvis. Stephen Ward takes the free kick.
    14:08 Outswinging corner taken by Luis Nani from the right by-line played to the near post, clearance made by Kevin Doyle.
    13:09 Antonio Valencia sends in a cross, Stephen Ward makes a clearance.
    11:49 Unfair challenge on Patrice Evra by David Edwards results in a free kick. Indirect free kick taken by David De Gea.
    10:51 Jonathan Evans concedes a free kick for a foul on Kevin Doyle. Jamie O'Hara delivers the ball from the free kick left-footed from right channel, save by David De Gea.
    10:03 Shot by Wayne Rooney. Save made by Wayne Hennessey.
    9:08 Chris Smalling gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Kevin Doyle. Indirect free kick taken by Jamie O'Hara.
    7:47 Antonio Valencia is penalised for handball and concedes a free kick. Free kick taken by Wayne Hennessey.
    6:53 The ball is sent over by Antonio Valencia, Michael Carrick produces a header from inside the area that goes over the bar.
    5:15 Lobbed right-footed shot by Wayne Rooney. Blocked by Roger Johnson.
    4:01 Stephen Ward produces a cross, clearance made by Rio Ferdinand.
    3:51 Stephen Ward crosses the ball.
    3:25 The referee penalises Luis Nani for handball. Ronald Zubar restarts play with the free kick.
    3:17 The ball is sent over by Phil Jones.
    2:53 Luis Nani delivers the ball.
    2:26 The ball is delivered by Chris Smalling, clearance made by Christophe Berra.
    1:00 Karl Henry fouled by Luis Nani, the ref awards a free kick. Indirect free kick taken by Roger Johnson.
    0:20 Shot from just outside the box by Steven Fletcher misses to the left of the target.
    0:00 The referee starts the match.

 

December 4th Wolves 2 (Fletcher 73, 81) Sunderland 1 (Richardson 52) (Sky)
Hennessey again man of the match although Sky gave it to Fletch.  Wayne’s pen save from the Tom Daley of Sweden, Larson, was kicked to Fletch who laid it off, ran into the box, to receive Jarvis’ great cross.  1-1.  Nine minutes later thanks to Jamie O’Hara’s “broad shoulder” and the game was turned.  A long session for the supporters then as Wolves held out  - in spite of Berra being so slow in a “rush offside” that he nearly gifted the Black Cats an equaliser - saved by a dumb lino who got most imprtant decisions wrong.

There were four changes from the team that started at Stamford Bridge. Nenad Milijaš, Roger Johnson and George Elokobi all dropped down to the bench and Karl Henry was serving a one game ban. Back from suspension came Jamie O'Hara and Stephen Hunt whilst Kevin Doyle had recovered from injury. And there was a start for Jody Craddock. Before the game started Dave Edwards, Hennessey and Sunderland's David Vaughan laid a wreath on the centre spot and there was a minute's applause in memory of Gary Speed.

The Black Cats kicked-off and John O'Shea tested Hennessey with a low shot after just a minute. Then Stephane Sessegnon volleyed straight at the keeper after latching onto Craddock's headed clearance.  Wolves were close to opening the scoring in the ninth minute after a corner from O'Hara. Edwards appeared to be held down but Doyle got in a header that had the visiting defence struggling to clear their lines before Fletcher's header was saved by Keiren Westwood right on the goal-line.  A long range shot from Sebastian Larsson was easily claimed by Hennessey who then needed two attempts to collect a Wes Brown header after a corner from Larsson.  O'Hara didn't make proper contact with a 20-yard drive but Westwood still had to dive full length to save and then the referee was perfectly positioned to wave away penalty claims from Sessegnon after he fell when challenged by Craddock.  In the 31st minute, Edwards was only just wide with a 25-yard volley that Westwood, leaving nothing to chance, touched behind even though the effort was off target.  Five minutes before the break, Westwood pulled off a superb save to thwart Hunt. Matt Jarvis fired a cross over from the right and Hunt looked odds on to score as he shot from point blank range but Westwood managed to turn the ball aside.  Lee Cattermole went into the book for tripping Doyle before Stephen Ward came to the rescue with a great clearance. Richardson played a one-two with Ji Dong-Won and when the ball broke to Sessegnon he flicked it past Hennessey. From out of nowhere Ward raced across and diverted the ball back to his keeper before it could cross the line.  In stoppage time a cross from Jarvis ran just behind Doyle and the Sunderland defence was able to clear the danger.

Half-Time: Wolves 0 Sunderland 0

Sunderland broke from a heavy spell of Wolves pressure and Nicklas Bendtner wasted a decent opportunity when he shot wide from a good position.  And it was from a break that the visitors took a 50th minute lead. Bendtner raced into the Wolves half and he laid a pass to Sessegnon who in turn fed Richardson. The former Manchester United winger lashed a swerving cross-shot between Hennessey and the near post.  A low cross from Ward went through a forest of legs in the six-yard box and then Ronald Zubar was yellow carded after a late challenge on Bendtner.  After Ward had made a good tackle to dispossess Phil Bardsley, who would otherwise have been clean through, Mick McCarthy made two changes sending Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and Adam Hammill on for Doyle and Hunt respectively.   Hennessey made a routine save from a Dong-Won header and then the keeper brought Molineux to its feet by guessing correctly and saving Larsson's penalty.  Larsson dived though the air after a Craddock challenge when there was minimal if no contact. The incident also appeared to be outside the box but the referee pointed to the spot and Hennessey dived to his left to save Larsson's low spot kick.  Seconds later, with the celebration of the penalty save still continuing around the stadium, the noise rose to another level as Fletcher headed a 73rd minute equaliser.  Jarvis crossed from the left and the Scottish striker sent a bouncing header beyond the dive of Westwood.  Craddock limped off to be replaced by Johnson as Wolves, with their tails up, went in search of a winner.  Jarvis picked out O'Hara with a low centre. His path to goal was blocked by two defenders so he teed up Ebanks-Blake who saw his shot bounce clear to Edwards who was also denied by a body in the crowded area.  But the pressure paid off in the 81st minute when Hammill lifted the ball into the box where it appeared to hit O'Hara's upper arm as he controlled it. The Sunderland defence protested but Fletcher wasted no time in sending a half-volley into the back of the net (pictured). Westwood got his fingers to the ball but he couldn't keep it out.  There weren't too many problems for the home defence in the time that remained as Wanderers added three priceless points to their tally.

Wolves: Hennessey, Zubar, Ward (Capt), Edwards, Berra, Craddock (Johnson 74), Jarvis, O'Hara, Fletcher, Doyle (Ebanks-Blake 66), Hunt (Hammill 66).  Unused subs: Elokobi, Stearman, Milijaš, De Vries.  Booking: Zubar (60 - foul).

Sunderland: Westwood, Bardsley, Brown, Cattermole (capt), Larsson, Richardson, Colback, O'Shea, Dong-Won (Elmohamady 70), Sessegnon (Noble 87), Bendtner.  Unused subs: Gardner, Vaughan, Bramble, Carson, McClean. Bookings: Cattermole (41 - foul),Richardson (52 - taking shirt off), Bentner (86 - foul).

Referee: P. Dowd.  Attendance: 25,145.

By Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer at Molineux
Two Steven Fletcher goals in the last 20 minutes saw Wolves crown a performance full of character and determination to take the points after Kieran Richardson had given Sunderland the lead shortly after the break.

The Black Cats could have gone two up but Wayne Hennessey saved a highly contentious penalty and, within a minute, Fletcher had headed his team level.
Steven Fletcher celebrates scoring for Wolves Fletcher turned the game on its head as Wolves clinched victory. Steven Fletcher's second-half double ruined new Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill's first look at his team.  O'Neill was in the directors' box as Sunderland looked on course to welcome him with only their third Premier League win on the season after Kieran Richardson put them ahead early in the second half.
The game then changed in a matter of seconds as Wolves were revived with growing anxiety sweeping around Molineux after a sequence of eight defeats in their last 10 Premier League games.

McCarthy praises 'terrific' Fletcher

Sunderland were awarded a controversial penalty with 18 minutes remaining when Sebastian Larsson tumbled threatrically under minimal contact from Jody Craddock, giving the Swede the opportunity to effectively seal the win.  Larsson's spot-kick was saved by Wolves keeper Wayne Hennessey as justice was done - and Wolves took advantage to level inside 30 seconds as Fletcher's header beat Kieren Westwood. The momentum was with Wolves and Mick McCarthy's men confirmed only their fourth league win this term as Fletcher fired low past Westwood with nine minutes left as Sunderland appealed for handball against Jamie O'Hara.  O'Neill starts work at the Stadium of Light in earnest on Monday after succeeding sacked Steve Bruce - and Sunderland's brittle nature under pressure will have already drawn his attention.  And yet O'Neill, who left Bruce's right-hand man Eric Black in charge of team affairs, will also know that Sunderland wasted a perfect opportunity to start his reign with a win, only to squander the chance after Larsson had missed the crucial penalty.  Wolves boss McCarthy admitted he was under pressure to get a result after the recent dismal sequence and rain-soaked Molineux celebrated in style following a real show of character in the closing stages to fashion the win.  O'Neill made a low-key entrance moments before kick-off, flanked by long-time backroom colleague Steve Walford and goalkeeping coach Seamus McDonagh.  And they will have both been impressed by the first-half contribution of Sunderland keeper Westwood, who made two crucial interventions to keep O'Neill's new side on terms. Westwood was alert to clutch Fletcher's early header after a goalmouth scramble which had Wolves appealing for a penalty as Lee Cattermole appeared to drag down David Edwards.  He made an even more vital contribution as the interval approached, miraculously clawing away Stephen Hunt's point-blank shot as the Republic of Ireland midfield midfield man looked certain to turn in an inviting cross from Matt Jarvis. Sunderland had moments of their own in a first period short on quality, notably when Ward was forced to scramble Stephane Sessegnon's effort off the line at the conclusion of a sweeping counter attack.  A move of similar quality saw Sunderland go ahead after 52 minutes. Wolves were caught cold on the break as Sessegnon fed Richardson, whose powerful finish deceived Hennessey as it flew in a high at his near post.

Difficult week for Sunderland - caretaker Black
O'Neill, sitting high in the stand, barely registered any emotion at Sunderland's first goal since his appointment on Saturday.  Sunderland threatened to punish Wolves further as they pushed forward in search of an equaliser - prompting McCarthy to make a double change by sending on Sylvain Ebanks-Blake and Adam Hammill for Hunt and Kevin Doyle.   Hennessey was called into action when Ji Dong-Won sent in a glancing header. It was the South Korean's final involvement as he was then replaced by Ahmed Elmohamady.  Sunderland were then handed an unexpected chance to wrap up the points in dubious fashion in the 72nd minute. Larsson fell spectacularly with Craddock in close attendance. There was little or no meaningful contact and Molineuz erupted in fury as referee Phil Dowd pointed to the spot.  Hennessey provided a measure of justice by saving Larsson's poor penalty - and the scale of the reprieve was emphasised as Wolves equalised within seconds.  Westwood got a hand to Fletcher's header from another fine Jarvis cross, but could not keep it out.  Sunderland, from scenting victory, were now on the retreat and Wolves completed the turnaround with Fletcher's second nine minutes later. The Black Cats claimed handball against O'Hara as the striker took control in the area, but he did not waste time as he shoot low past Westwood.  Wolves now had a precious lead to protect and they did so successfully to ensure O'Neill's takes over a side on the back of a defeat.
Live text and stats


Sunday, 4 December 2011

Premier League
Home Team Score Away Team Time
Wolves 2-1 Sunderland FT
(HT 0-0)

    Fletcher 73
    Fletcher 81



    Richardson 52


Hide team line-ups and match stats
Wolverhampton

    01 Hennessey
    06 Craddock (Johnson 74)
    11 Ward
    16 Berra
    23 Zubaryellow card
    04 Edwards
    12 Hunt (Hammill 66)
    17 Jarvis
    24 O'Hara
    10 Fletcher
    29 Doyle (Ebanks-Blake 66 yellow card)

Substitutes

    31 De Vries,
    03 Elokobi,
    05 Stearman,
    14 Johnson,
    19 Hammill,
    20 Milijas,
    09 Ebanks-Blake

Sunderland

    20 Westwood
    02 Bardsley
    05 Brown
    11 Richardsonyellow card
    16 O'Shea
    06 Cattermoleyellow card
    07 Larsson
    14 Colback
    28 Sessegnon (Noble 87)
    17 Ji Dong-Won (Elmohamady 70)
    52 Bendtneryellow card

Substitutes

    24 Carson,
    19 Bramble,
    08 Gardner,
    15 Vaughan,
    23 McClean,
    27 Elmohamady,
    31 Noble

Ref: DowdAtt: 25,145
WOLVES
SUNDERLAND
Possession
    Wolves 51%    Sunderland 49%
Attempts on target
    Wolves 10    Sunderland 12
Attempts off target
    Wolves 5    Sunderland 6
Corners
    Wolves 8    Sunderland 3
Fouls
    Wolves 10    Sunderland 12

Show latest live text only

    Final Result
    Full Time
    90:00+5:10 The referee brings the game to a close.
    90:00+4:41 The offside flag is raised against Ahmed Elmohamady. Wayne Hennessey takes the free kick.
    90:00+4:08 Keiren Westwood takes the free kick.
    90:00+4:08 Booking Sylvan Ebanks-Blake receives a yellow card.
    90:00+3:57 Unfair challenge on Wes Brown by Adam Hammill results in a free kick.
    89:27 Christophe Berra fouled by Ryan Noble, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick taken by Wayne Hennessey.
    85:45 Wayne Hennessey takes the direct free kick.
    85:45 Substitution (Sunderland) makes a substitution, with Ryan Noble coming on for Stephane Sessegnon.
    85:45 Booking Nicklas Bendtner is given a yellow card.
    85:39 Nicklas Bendtner concedes a free kick for a foul on Adam Hammill.
    85:29 Nicklas Bendtner takes a shot. Roger Johnson gets a block in.
    Correction - 84:11 Corner taken by Adam Hammill from the right by-line, Nicklas Bendtner makes a clearance. Stephen Ward has an effort at goal from 25 yards. Blocked by John O'Shea.
    84:11 Corner taken by Adam Hammill from the right by-line, Nicklas Bendtner manages to make a clearance. Stephen Ward produces a drilled left-footed shot from 25 yards. Blocked by Wes Brown.
    84:00 Sylvan Ebanks-Blake takes a shot. Blocked by Wes Brown.
    81:49 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Kieran Richardson by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake. Kieran Richardson takes the free kick.
    80:41 Jamie O'Hara provided the assist for the goal.
    80:41 GOAL - Steven FletcherWolverhampton 2 - 1 Sunderland Steven Fletcher fires in a goal from inside the box to the bottom right corner of the goal. Wolverhampton 2-1 Sunderland.
    79:58 Nicklas Bendtner takes a shot. Save by Wayne Hennessey.
    78:22 Corner from the right by-line taken by Sebastian Larsson, clearance made by Roger Johnson.
    77:23 Sylvan Ebanks-Blake takes a shot. Jack Colback gets a block in.
    76:35 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Phillip Bardsley by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake. Keiren Westwood restarts play with the free kick.
    75:42 Unfair challenge on Sylvan Ebanks-Blake by John O'Shea results in a free kick. Adam Hammill crosses the ball in from the free kick.
    75:10 Ahmed Elmohamady has an effort at goal from outside the penalty area which goes wide right of the goal.
    73:56 Substitution (Wolverhampton) makes a substitution, with Roger Johnson coming on for Jody Craddock.
    72:45 Matthew Jarvis provided the assist for the goal.
    72:45 GOAL - Steven FletcherWolverhampton 1 - 1 Sunderland Steven Fletcher scores a headed goal from close in. Wolverhampton 1-1 Sunderland.
    72:35 A save by Wayne Hennessey from penalty by Sebastian Larsson. Wolverhampton 0-1 Sunderland.
    71:04 Jody Craddock gives away a Penalty for an unfair challenge on Sebastian Larsson.
    69:23 Substitution Ahmed Elmohamady on for Dong-Won Ji.
    68:03 Dong-Won Ji takes a shot. Wayne Hennessey makes a save.
    66:50 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Jack Colback by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake. Phillip Bardsley restarts play with the free kick.
    66:08 Outswinging corner taken by Adam Hammill from the right by-line played to the near post, clearance made by Lee Cattermole.
    65:21 Substitution Sylvan Ebanks-Blake joins the action as a substitute, replacing Kevin Doyle.
    65:08 Substitution Adam Hammill comes on in place of Stephen Hunt.
    62:08 Steven Fletcher is ruled offside. Free kick taken by Keiren Westwood.
    60:01 Direct free kick taken by Kieran Richardson.
    60:01 Booking Ronald Zubar receives a yellow card.
    59:51 Nicklas Bendtner fouled by Ronald Zubar, the ref awards a free kick.
    58:19 Kevin Doyle takes a shot. Save by Keiren Westwood.
    55:29 Long range shot from Phillip Bardsley misses to the left of the goal.
    54:39 Corner taken left-footed by Jamie O'Hara, Nicklas Bendtner makes a clearance.
    53:19 Dong-Won Ji concedes a free kick for a foul on Christophe Berra. Wayne Hennessey takes the direct free kick.
    52:51 Booking Kieran Richardson receives a caution.
    51:37 Assist on the goal came from Stephane Sessegnon.
    51:37 GOAL - Kieran RichardsonWolverhampton 0 - 1 Sunderland Kieran Richardson scores a goal from inside the penalty area to the top left corner of the goal. Wolverhampton 0-1 Sunderland.
    51:06 Floated corner taken left-footed by Kevin Doyle, clearance by Phillip Bardsley.
    48:29 Foul by Wes Brown on Kevin Doyle, free kick awarded. Jamie O'Hara has an effort direct from the free kick.
    47:35 Effort on goal by Nicklas Bendtner from inside the penalty box misses to the right of the target.
    46:59 Dong-Won Ji challenges Ronald Zubar unfairly and gives away a free kick. Wayne Hennessey restarts play with the free kick.
    45:01 The game restarts for the second half.
    Half Time
    45:00+1:07 The players leave the pitch at half time.
    42:56 Shot from 20 yards from Stephane Sessegnon. Ronald Zubar gets a block in. Lee Cattermole has shot on goal from just outside the penalty box which goes wide of the right-hand upright.
    41:53 Stephane Sessegnon takes a shot. Stephen Ward manages to make a clearance.
    40:11 Direct free kick taken by Jamie O'Hara.
    40:11 Booking Lee Cattermole receives a caution.
    40:03 Foul by Lee Cattermole on Kevin Doyle, free kick awarded.
    39:24 Short corner taken by Jamie O'Hara, clearance made by John O'Shea.
    39:08 Stephen Hunt takes a shot. Keiren Westwood makes a brilliant save.
    37:45 Christophe Berra fouled by Dong-Won Ji, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick taken by Jody Craddock.
    37:03 Dong-Won Ji produces a right-footed shot from the edge of the box and misses to the left of the target.
    36:25 Corner taken by Jamie O'Hara, clearance made by Nicklas Bendtner.
    34:36 Jamie O'Hara takes a shot. Blocked by John O'Shea.
    31:08 Stephen Hunt takes a inswinging corner.
    Correction - 30:38 David Edwards takes a shot. Save by Keiren Westwood.
    30:38 David Edwards produces a right-footed shot from outside the penalty box and misses right.
    30:07 Stephane Sessegnon takes a shot. Blocked by Christophe Berra.
    28:10 Christophe Berra challenges Dong-Won Ji unfairly and gives away a free kick. Lee Cattermole restarts play with the free kick.
    Correction - 26:17 Jamie O'Hara takes a shot. Save by Keiren Westwood.
    26:17 Jamie O'Hara takes a shot. Keiren Westwood makes a save.
    26:06 Foul by Jack Colback on David Edwards, free kick awarded. Stephen Hunt takes the direct free kick.
    25:02 Headed effort from deep inside the penalty area by Ronald Zubar misses to the left of the goal.
    21:30 Sebastian Larsson takes the inswinging corner, Ronald Zubar manages to make a clearance.
    19:43 Free kick awarded for a foul by Stephane Sessegnon on Stephen Hunt. Direct free kick taken by Jody Craddock.
    18:53 The offside flag is raised against Steven Fletcher. Indirect free kick taken by Keiren Westwood.
    18:05 Effort from outside the penalty box by Jamie O'Hara goes wide left of the target.
    17:11 Corner from the right by-line taken by Sebastian Larsson, Wes Brown takes a shot. Save by Wayne Hennessey.
    15:33 Free kick awarded for a foul by Wes Brown on Kevin Doyle. Free kick crossed by Jamie O'Hara, save by Keiren Westwood.
    15:23 Sebastian Larsson takes a shot. Save made by Wayne Hennessey.
    13:30 Matthew Jarvis is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Free kick taken by Keiren Westwood.
    11:30 Kevin Doyle challenges Wes Brown unfairly and gives away a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Kieran Richardson.
    10:52 Header by Nicklas Bendtner from deep inside the penalty area misses to the left of the goal.
    9:30 The assistant referee signals for offside against Dong-Won Ji. Wayne Hennessey takes the free kick.
    9:20 David Edwards concedes a free kick for a foul on Stephane Sessegnon. Lee Cattermole takes the direct free kick.
    7:53 Corner taken by Matthew Jarvis played to the near post, Jamie O'Hara has an effort at goal from 12 yards. Lee Cattermole gets a block in. Steven Fletcher takes a shot. Keiren Westwood makes a save. Nicklas Bendtner takes a shot. Jody Craddock gets a block in.
    4:43 Stephane Sessegnon takes a shot. Save made by Wayne Hennessey.
    3:41 Free kick awarded for a foul by John O'Shea on Kevin Doyle. Jamie O'Hara takes the direct free kick.
    1:12 John O'Shea takes a shot. Wayne Hennessey makes a save.
    0:36 Foul by David Edwards on Jack Colback, free kick awarded. Sebastian Larsson takes the direct free kick.
    0:00 The referee gets the game started.

Live text and data provided by The Press Association.


 By Steve Wilson
BBC Match of the Day commentator
Barclays Premier League

    Venue: Molineux
    Date: Sunday, 4 December
    Kick-off: 1600 GMT
    Coverage: Watch live on Sky Sports 2 and highlights on Match of the Day 2; listen to live commentary on BBC 5 live sports extra (first half) and BBC Radio 5 live (second half), and on BBC local radio; text commentary on BBC Sport website and mobiles

TEAM NEWS

Wolves midfielders Stephen Hunt and Jamie O'Hara are both available after serving one-match bans last weekend, but Karl Henry is suspended after picking up five bookings.

Kevin Doyle and Richard Stearman should be available for Sunday's match despite respective knee and wrist injuries.

Sunderland defender Titus Bramble could play for the first time since September after recovering from a knee injury.

Sebastian Larsson is poised for his 200th career league appearance.
MATCH PREVIEW

Steve Bruce's admission that his relationship with the Sunderland fans had hit rock bottom said it all. There was simply no way back at the Stadium of Light for the man who had led the club to their highest league finish in a decade only six months ago.
Continue reading the main story

    There are some Wolves fans who would like to see Mick McCarthy go the same way as Bruce

In truth, the decline began the moment that Bruce's former bosses accepted Aston Villa's bid for Darren Bent. Asamoah Gyan's shameful defection only made the situation worse. Good players have been bought and, almost to a man, they have underperformed.

Eric Black takes charge for now but the return of Martin O'Neill to the Premier League is long overdue and the former Leicester, Celtic and Villa boss will officially take over as Bruce's successor on Monday. O'Neill's personality is quirky and inspiring, even though the brand of football his teams play is sometimes a little functional. Just now, functional will do for a club badly in need of a lift.

And so to Wolves. There are some fans of the club who would like to see Mick McCarthy go the same way as Bruce. A promising start has quickly morphed into a worrying slide; five points from 11 games is nowhere near good enough.

Those who are paying for the big expansion of the stadium at Molineux are banking on Premier League survival and finding extra fans willing to pay to fill the shiny new seats. Let's just say it would be a good game for McCarthy to win.
MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

    Wolves are unbeaten in their last five home matches in this fixture (W2, D3) since a 1-0 defeat in February 1998.
    Sunderland have lost their last three matches against Wolves.

Wolves

    Wolves have lost eight of their last 10 league matches, earning only four points in that time.
    They have not kept a clean sheet in those 10 matches and conceded 22 goals.
    The club have never drawn a Premier League match in the month of December (W6, L8).
    Mick McCarthy won two, drew four and lost 31 of his 37 Premier League matches in charge of Sunderland between March 2003 and March 2006.
    Roger Johnson should make his 400th career start, and George Elokobi will bring up his century of league starts.

Sunderland

    Sunderland have only taken six points out of the last possible 24 (W1, D3, L4).
    The Black Cats have not had the same result in succession since they suffered back-to-back defeats in April. If that pattern continues on Saturday, they will not be beaten.
    They have only led at half-time in one of their 13 league matches this season, when they beat Stoke 4-0.

 

back to top