Crystal Palace 0-1 Wolves: Matt Doherty winner extends Wolves' unbeaten run
- Published
- comments
Wolves set a new Premier League record by naming an unchanged starting XI for an eighth consecutive opening game
Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson described his side's performance as a "major disappointment" after Matt Doherty's winner extended Wolves' unbeaten Premier League run to six matches.
Raul Jimenez put Doherty through on 56 minutes and, despite the tight angle, the full-back was able to beat Wayne Hennessey at his near post.
Although the home side began confidently in the first ever Premier League meeting between the clubs, Hodgson's team were wasteful in the final third.
"We did not take our chances," the former England manager said. "At the end it became a desperation type of performance, where we are hoping things will happen.
"Once again we were not good enough in and around the penalty box to create the clear-cut opportunities we need to score a goal. It is a major disappointment."
Rui Patricio had produced an excellent double save as Wolves held onto the win, first stopping Max Meyer's volley and then blocking Wilfried Zaha's follow-up as the hosts chased a first home goal of the campaign.
Substitute Ivan Cavaleiro then struck the bar late on as Wolves achieved their best run in the top flight since 1979, and left Hodgson's side with just one win in their past seven league games.
Patient Wolves rewarded
Wolves were better team - Santo
Nuno Espirito Santo set a Premier League record by naming an unchanged starting XI for an eighth consecutive opening fixture, and Wolves arrived at Selhurst Park as the in-form side.
The visitors had to be patient to force a decisive breakthrough against Southampton last time out, and it was a similar story in south London, where the hosts began largely in control.
But Nuno's men have remained committed to their expansive style of play - and once again that paid off as the adventurous Doherty unlocked the Palace defence with a great finish.
It's no coincidence that eight of Wolves' nine league goals have come in the second half, and they demonstrated their ability to gradually wear down their opponents' resistance.
While their attacking players will continue to receive plaudits, the Wolves defence - and Patricio in particular on this occasion - were excellent, allowing their side to keep a fourth clean sheet in five league matches.
And although Cavaleiro probably should have doubled the advantage late on, victory means Wolves are now seventh on 15 points.
"We did not start so good but when you look at the whole game we were the better team, the way we controlled the game in the second half," Nuno said.
"The base of the team was here last season, so everyone knows their tasks. We go game by game - now it is the international break, players can go to their teams, enjoy it and and play some good football. We go game by game - there are no targets."
Palace problems clear
There are no miracle cures - Hodgson
With a tough run of fixtures against Everton, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United on the horizon, getting a first home league win was an important aim for Hodgson's side.
After Mamadou Sakho's defensive error cost Palace a point on Monday night against Bournemouth, the Eagles needed a response in front of their home crowd.
But since a 2-0 victory over Fulham on the opening day of the season, they have managed just three goals in the subsequent seven league games - two of which have been scored by Zaha, who was silenced for large periods by the Wolves defence.
Palace created enough opportunities, and both Zaha and Aaron Wan-Bissaka provided trickery, but the team lacked a cutting edge once again as they slipped to 14th in the table.
Jordan Ayew failed to produce in the absence of the injured Christian Benteke and the Eagles now sit four points above the relegation places.
A lack of success in the final third is becoming a significant worry for the former England manager, with Palace and Huddersfield now the only Premier League sides yet to score a goal after four home games.
"Once again I cannot fault players for effort, work-rate and determination - it was a game we were hoping to win but somehow could not do so," Hodgson said.
"We had enough of the ball, enough determination, but the game's about winning and scoring goals to win and we didn't."
England call-up for Coady?
Former England captain Alan Shearer on MOTD: "Conor Coady and Matt Doherty were brilliant
"Coady's reading of game was excellent, wanting to play out, very confident with the ball, not panicking. He wanted to stay calm and had a good reading of the game.
"He was absolutely magnificent and if he keeps playing like that it will not be long before he gets a full call-up into Gareth Southgate's England squad.
"Doherty going forward gives them an option and he scored a beautiful goal, it was a lovely finish.
"Wolves do seem very confident in their play."
Man of the match - Matt Doherty (Wolves)
Effective at both ends of the pitch, Matt Doherty scored the winner but also gained possession five times, made four interceptions and had the most touches of any Wolves player in another complete performance.
Jimenez and Doherty continue to shine - the stats
Top flight sides had failed to score in their first four home games of a season only twice before this term, but both Huddersfield and Crystal Palace have managed that this term.
Wolves have won four of their past five top-flight games, as many victories as they managed in their previous 40.
Nuno's side have conceded just one goal in their past seven games in all competitions, after shipping eight in the four before that.
Wing-back Matt Doherty has been directly involved in three goals in his past four league appearances, with one goal and two assists - as many as he managed in his previous 20.
Each of Wolves' past eight Premier League goals have come in the second half, with just one of their nine overall this season coming before the break.
Raul Jimenez has been involved in a goal in each of his past four Premier League games for Wolves, assisting in his past three after scoring in the game prior to that.
What's next?
Following the international break, Wolves host Watford on Saturday, 20 October (15:00 BST) while Crystal Palace travel to face Everton Everton a day later (16:00 BST).