Wolves Fans' Verdict v Espanyol: An amazing night!

Matt Cooper (Talking Wolves)

Reaction to the Result

Wolves never really threatened to get out of first gear but still managed to put on a superb performance in Europe once again.

At three goals, I was still a little nervous about going into the away leg. But that fourth has all but killed the tie off for me.

The timing of Neves’ goal seemed to drain Espanyol of any life they had mustered up in the passage of play beforehand.

Another hat-trick for Diogo in Europe. Now it’s time for him to do it domestically.

A thoroughly enjoyable evening of football in what’s looking to be a truly memorable European campaign.

Man of the Match

Neves has been my man of the match for the past few weeks running, but he just keeps on improving.

He’s showing the maturity and intelligence of someone in their 30s, and that goal really sums up his performances of late. He’s rapidly becoming the player we all thought he’d be.

Something to Improve

I think Wolves need to be wary of the ball in behind Saiss and Coady, as on a few occasions, Espanyol exploited that and got into some good positions.

Clive Smith

Reaction to the Result

Wow, what a result. 4-0 and we only rarely got out of first gear. I could get used to this - shall we say for the next ten years.

Espanyol were no mugs and looked like they might well puncture our clean sheet as they had plenty of possession and put the ball into our box far too frequently.

A new corner routine got us going though, then Neves found his range and Jota had a night not to forget. Terrific stuff. Well coached, well organised. Well done.

Man of the Match

It has been a privilege to have seen all of Neves' wonder strikes first hand. Another beauty tonight. Jota has to claim MOTD though for his clinical finishing. A word too for Saiss, an unsung hero again.

Something to Improve

Some of our passing in the first half was sloppy and some of our choices in the final third could have been better. Let's not be too picky though, eh. 4-0, in Europe... we're having a laugh, ay we.

Adam Virgo

Reaction to the Result

No one could have asked for a better result to take into next week’s second leg. The tie is practically over and to pretty much get the job done already speaks volumes of this squad because now we can rest players next week if Nuno wants to of course.

We got the best result out of everyone involved in the round of 32 and although Espanyol are bottom of La Liga, they’re no mugs under their new manager, albeit they had a much changed side.

The first half performance wasn’t great and Espanyol did have a couple of chances but in the second 45 we dominated a lot more and took the chances when they came.

Neves’ goal though, my word he loves a screamer and the technique to just chest it down and volley it top corner was absurdly impressive, he’s in the form of his life right now too.

Man of the Match

Jota got the hat trick with some nice finishes, especially the third goal the way he dummied one of the defenders before slotting it away beautifully.

But in terms of an all round performance, I thought Saiss, and especially Neves, were quality. Neves has been outstanding in recent weeks and his volley was absolutely ridiculous, he really is showing his worth and that he is a quality midfielder on top of his game currently.

Saiss has been incredible recently too, and the way him and Boly are playing next to Coady right now is perfect. Three clean sheets in our last three and that helps when the defence isn’t changing constantly and right now the combination is looking solid.

Something to Improve

Complacency and sloppiness because at 1-0 with that dodgy Patricio moment, that could have easily been 1-1 but luckily he has reflexes like a cat.

Also I’m not saying the players will be complacent or anything, because under Nuno they certainly shouldn’t be, but sometimes players can get carried away after a big result and it can show in the next game.

I really hope we just take the confidence and second half performance into Sunday because we don’t want to go and play poorly and end up getting beat by a Norwich side seriously struggling for form, especially when we can still get top six and potentially that champions league spot in fifth place with City currently being banned.

Rob Cartwright

Reaction to the Result

Wolves exceeded our wildest dreams on another fabulous night under the lights at Molineux. Nuno’s dream is gaining momentum, just at the right time.

He rightly picked his strongest team to face Espanyol, who have drawn with both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in recent weeks. Isn’t it great to see a much stronger bench, with game changers ready to come on when needed.

We appeared a little apprehensive in the first half. We seemed to switch off for a while after we had taken the lead. Espanyol’s only real chance was as a result of Rui’s ‘little moment’ when miss-kicking twice before redeeming himself with a superb one handed save from point blank range.

The second half was something else!

Both teams really went for it in the opening minutes. It took an absolute banger from Neves to put us in control. From this point on, we never looked back. Nuno sealed the victory with excellent substitutions - right players at the right time.

Jota went on to secure his hat-trick and you could see a release of pressure his mind. This bodes well for the league games to come.

Man of the Match

Quite a few standout players. Boly again, making it 3 clean sheets since his return.

Doherty back to his best and Johnny matching his contribution on the other side.

Moutinho and Neves were masterful. Saiss is getting better and better.

Dendoncker came on after an hour and was just what we needed to secure victory.

Neto was also excellent when he came on and very nearly snatched the goal of the night, hitting the post from 25 yards.

Jota was firing on all cylinders, but gets pipped to Man of the Match by Neves.

Always controlling the midfield, a superb volley from outside the box, reminiscent of that wonder goal against Derby. We are spoiled.

Something to Improve

Free beers for all fans travelling to Barcelona next week, please!

Russ Evers (Hatherton Wolves)

Reaction to the Result

Another great Euro win under the Molineux lights with Diogo finding his shooting boots for his second hat trick in this competition (if they give him the first goal). But more importantly a clean sheet which should allow Nuno to ring the changes next week in Barcelona, and let us take a look at the new guys. Three consecutive clean sheets now, coinciding with the return of big Willy Boly.

Man of the Match

In truth, despite some decent stuff from the visitors, it was one way traffic especially when we got clear. It could have been any score in the end.

Who played well ? Again everyone but MOTM must be Diogo

Something to Improve

To improve? Not a lot- the temperature?