Mixed performance but all three points against resolute Wolves

Our first home game of the season today saw the side put the fans through the mixer. A full house at Eastlands saw a superb first-half performance followed up with a scrappy second in which Wolves were much the better side. We lined up as expected, Carlos Tevez brought in for Craig Bellamy to make his full debut the only change from the opening day win at Blackburn. Wolves tried to cram the midfield with five across and Andy Keogh upfront alone.

We started very brightly indeed, Adebayor very much the focal point, taking the lead in the 17th minute, Robinho with some trickery on the left wing, a ball back to Bridge whose cross into the middle fell at the feet of Tevez. The little Argentinian slotted a clever ball through to Adebayor who dispatched a low shot to the keeper's left.

After that we threatened to run riot and could have added at least another couple before the interval. Wolves really weren't in the game as we played some terrific, flowing stuff. SWP dinked his way past their left-back on the byline, cutting the ball back to the advancing Ireland who nudged the ball onto Adebayor whose shot was saved by Wayne Hennesey.

Robinho could have had a goal, too. Adebayor, who spent a good deal of the game drifting to the right and with some success, spread a ball over to the left, the Brazilian cutting in but only offering a tame shot. A minute later a similar outcome, Adebayor skinned Chelsea loanee Micahel Mancienne on the right touchline, crossing for Robbie whose shot was again weak.

The winger then earnt a free-kick just outside of the area, taking on Richard Stearman, the defender pulling him back and earning himself a booking. Carlos Tevez stepped up, driving an effort into the wall before getting onto the rebound and unleashing a hard shot at their 'keeper from distance.

The visitors began to come into the game over the last ten minutes of the first half. Matt Jarvis getting by Dunne & Toure in the middle of the park and curling a fantastic effort towards the top corner only for Given to make a superb flying save. In the dying minutes Wright-Phillips was brought down in their area, some contact occurring but a penalty might've been harsh, and then Tevez headed a good chance wide after one of many troublesome balls into their box by Gareth Barry.

At the break, Wolves boss Mick McCarthy made two changes, Kevin Doyle and George Elokobi replacing Milijas and Halford. Both went on to play quite well, Doyle's introduction especially gave them a presence upfront and they were the much better side for the second period. From early on we looked vulnerable defending down our right. Micah Richards didn't get too much help and they were having lots of the ball down that side. Within five minutes of the restart they had a couple of good chances, Andy Keogh involved in both, the latter seeing him hit the bar with a ferocious effort.

We did have some chances ourselves but spent most of the half penned back in our own half. Stevie Ireland linked up well with Robinho and should have put the game beyond doubt after a nice one-two. Adebayor blazed over from just outside the box shortly after, Robinho had a goal correctly ruled out for offside following a low cross/shot from SWP on the right and then Bellamy couldn't quite get on the end of a Robinho cross.

The second half really belonged to Wolves, though. We were very much under the kosh and they were unfortunate to not nick a point. Elokobi really put in a shift both defensively and going forward, Jarvis was very tricky in possession and they really stretched us, resulting in some real last-ditch defending and eventually leading to the introduction of Nigel de Jong.

I guess we have to take the positives from the performance. We did create several chances and another goal would've probably seen us relax a bit and stick to our a-game. Adebayor was perhaps the only one of ours who had a very good game, he again seemed very hungry, leading the line well, dropping out wide, even into midfield to put himself about. With Thursday night's game in Barcelona it was perhaps to be expected that we might look leggy later on, and we certainly did. Three valuable points on the board, though, and two clean sheets. As much as we could have played better today sometimes you just have to muck in and graft for the three points, and we certainly did that.

Team:
Given, Richards, Bridge, Toure, Dunne, Barry, SWP, Ireland, Tevez (Bellamy 72), Adebayor, Robinho (de Jong 83)