I really should have called that score. I remember thinking last week that we’d score a bunch, but probably let in at least one since we were away from home. I seem to remember even thinking a repeat of the AZ scoreline wouldn’t be unfair. Oh, to have put a few schillings on that one. But, what I didn’t expect was just how much bad luck Wolves would have. Two own goals? That’s criminal. Sure, they were the result of the pressure we were putting on them, but the Keystone Cops were certainly in evidence at the back for the Wolfish. No doubt.

Although, for the first 20 minutes or so, we didn’t get to see those Keystone Cops very much because the ball was always in our end of the pitch. All credit has to go out to Wolves for the effort they put in. They were seriously pressuring us right from the whistle. Mick McCarthy looked positively insane on the touchline, screaming not ten seconds into the match. He’s pretty buggy-eyed to begin with, but something had his knickers in a twist right from kick-off. They were playing us tough, though… enough so, that for a few minutes I started to get that sinking feeling. The one that turned out to be for good reason so many times last year. The one where a team we were simply supposed to beat on paper, would throw all caution to the wind and cause us problems we couldn’t deal with. But it wasn’t to be this time. Not this year. Wolves have now received the memo.

The first one went in off Zubar at about 28′. Most thought it was Eduardo Da Silva, but he very quickly threw up his hands and said “Don’t look at me, man!” Eduardo was definitely the bugaboo for Wolves yesterday. Perhaps he’s found a way to throw some of that bad mojo that he brought down on our heads earlier in the year towards our opponents? Before the OG went in, Eduardo was clearly brought down in the area, but no penalty was given. A few minutes later, and the OG happened. Then, at 35′ only seven minutes later… another. Aaron Ramsey, quite the playmaker of late, broke free with Eduardo, dumped off to Eduardo, who took the shot. Untouched, it might have sailed wide. But, Craddock got a bit of cheekbone on it and deflected the shot into the net. 0-2. This time, Eddy claimed the goal, and ran to the cameras to reveal his shirt underneath, on which was written “Paz Na Villa Kennedy – RJ“. This translates in Portugese to “Peace in the Village Kennedy, Rio De Janeiro“. Supposedly, this is the village that Eduardo was born in and as of late, has been suffering from some pretty bad unrest due fighting between criminal factions. I hope his message raises some awareness and the situation there can be brought in line.

At 45′ we saw a lovely little run by Robin van Persie, who dropped the perfect pass in front Cesc Fabregas who had only the lightes of touches before burying our third. Great movement of the ball and a clinical finish. At 65′ Andrey Arshavin took a deflection off a corner kick to put away our fourth goal and seal the match. We kept on the pressure, looking for a fifth, but it was not to be. There may have been a little pressure taken off the accelerator, but I think we did good to keep the pressure on them for the duration.

At 88′ Craddock managed to redeem himself a bit by heading in a corner after throwing off the marking of Thomas Vermaelen. A feat which very few have had success doing this season. Once TV5 gets on your ass, he stays there. All in all, I’d say the scoreline was a bit unfair for Wolves. They played with a lot of heart and despite the loss, should be proud of the effort they put in. If were us having the bad luck yesterday, it could have been quite different.

So, we’re now up to 2nd position (on GD over Red Devils) with a game in hand. Chelsea have pulled 5 points clear though. Right now, they’re looking pretty unstoppable. They’ve only one less than us in Goal Differential as well, due largely to their ability to not leak goals. It also helps to have the officials completely miss things like blatant penalties in the box. But, I guess when you’re John Terry and you’re playing at the Bridge, that’s a luxury you can afford. Cheating prick.

Note to Robert Plant: I had no idea you were a Wolves fan all these years. I saw you in the stands at Molineux and thought “Ah! Percy’s a Gooner! Excellent!” But then I thought a bit more, and I remembered that you’re actually from the midlands. So, I whipped out the iPhone for some Google Fu, and lo and behold… you’re not just a Wolves fan since boyhood, but also their Vice President. FFS, Robert… I’m conflicted here. To watch my team dispatch the team of one of the most important musical influences of my life, does feel a bit weird I have to admit. But I assuage myself knowing you must be so proud that they’ve fought their way up to the top flight. But, I have one burning question… I know you spent some time around The Who back in the day. What sort of banter went back and forth between you and Roger Daltry when and if the subject of football came up? I can imagine you both having a laugh. I’d wager Roger’s been a Gooner even longer than you’ve been a Wolf.