Wolverhampton W 4 Sheffield Wednesday 1: Iwelumo helps Wolves recover their bite
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Either wolverhampton Wanderers have undergone a transformation that will make them worth watching this season or football is providing one of its August illusions.
The way Wolves dismantled Sheffield Wednesday underlined a newly-acquired potency that could finally elevate them into the thick of the Championship promotion battle after their endless 'also-ran' years.
Twenty-six League games up to FA Cup third-round last season brought them 24 goals, with 23 conceded; hardly big box office. The lack of a cutting edge denied them even a play-off place and stands in marked contrast to the rush they have already figured in at both ends in 2008-09.
Two matches played, six scored, three conceded – and a 3-2 Carling Cup victory in between. Where are the live TV cameras when you need them?
Leading the charge is Chris Iwelumo, the 6ft 4in target-man who, in a £400,000 deal this summer, decided Wolves were a better bet than Charlton Athletic.
Having had nine clubs in just over 10 years, he has introduced himself at Molineux with four goals in three matches to have his manager, Mick McCarthy, describing him as "the striker I've been seeking for two seasons". "I've been brought here to be a complete nuisance," the 30-year-old said. "It's the most exciting football I've been involved with. I don't tell people my target but, when I reach it, I'll be shouting from the rooftops. I don't believe I got this service at my previous club. I scored 10 at Charlton last season but I've got four now and that speaks for itself."
Wednesday soon pierced Wolves' unconvincing defence through Etienne Esajas' first Championship goal, only for a hamstring problem to then rob them of the winger on a day that ended with defender Richard Hinds in hospital with a suspected fractured leg.
Injuries last week had taken out Marcus Tudgay and Akpo Sodje and, in following a 4-1 win with a 4-1 defeat, some players were accused by their manager Brian Laws of giving up the fight.
Between Iwelumo's headed equaliser and tap-in for number three, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake drove in a penalty, then substitute David Edwards added a neat fourth.
Goals: Esajas (15) 0-1; Iwelumo (28) 1-1; Ebanks-Blake (pen 54) 2-1; Iwelumo (59) 3-1; Edwards (90) 4-1.
Wolverhampton Wanderers (4-4-2): Hennessey; Foley, Stearman, Craddock (Collins, 7), Elokobi; Kightly (Edwards, 85), Henry, Jones, Jarvis (Keogh, 74); Iwelumo, Ebanks-Blake. Substitutes not used: Ikeme (gk), Vokes.
Sheffield Wednesday (4-5-1): Grant; Hinds, Wood, Beevers, Spurr; Esajas (Clarke, h-t), Watson (Smith, 67), McAllister, O'Connor, Johnson (Boden, 70); Burton. Substitutes not used: O'Donnell (gk), Gilbert.
Referee: M Jones (Mansfield).
Booked: Wolves Jones.
Man of the match: Iwelumo.
Attendance: 22,491.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments