Something in the Making: Lam Matteo

[Matt10]

Fixture: 10
Manchester United v Wolverhampton

4-0
Berbatov 13'
Rooney 38'
Rooney 77'
Berbatov 86'
-----
Caution: None

United too much for Wolves
Owen Coyle's men granted no chance by Rooney and Berbatov

Johnson Peoples, wolves.co.uk

Fresh off of their first victory of the 2018 campaign, Wolves quickly gave up all points to Manchester United, suffering their worst loss of the season, 4-0 in favor of the home side.

Goals by the strikers Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov was the Wolves demise. The two players seemingly playing their own match, while the Wolves defenders were just a "nuisance".



Once again questions arose when Owen Coyle did not place a sub until the 80th minute, and even more eyebrows were raised that Lam Matteo was not used at all.

"We were not ready for this match. They are just too good of a team, you almost need a month's preparation, rather than a couple of days to face this side."

Mixed signals
Coyle's not even that pretty

Let's hope that OC there can stop the drama and play Matteo - it's no fun reporting when your favorite player isn't in it.

"It's tough being a manager, I can acknowledge that. Heck, I know I want to be one someday - but those decisions need to be adjusted based on team needs. I guess Coyle did not need my services this week - let's see about next week."

[Matt10]

Fixture: 11
Wolverhampton v Arsenal

0-1
Walcott 57'
-----
Caution: Senderos (Arsenal)

Theo Walcott rescues Gunners from embarrasment
Midfielder's unlikely header proves to be winner

Johnson Peoples, wolves.co.uk

Wolves dropped more points, this time against Arsenal in a 1-0 loss thanks to a surprising heading goal by a shorter player, Theo Walcott.

Walcott's goal was not a surprise though, due to the fact the Wolves goalmouth had played host to countless of shots by the Arsenal side. There were 15 shots total, some off target - some well on target - but saved by keeper Wayne Hennessey, who finished the match with 5 saves to show.



Owen Coyle's first sub of the match was Lam Matteo in for Stephen Ward. Coyle had hoped that Matteo would be able to stick with Walcot on the right side, and hopefully put forth effort in scoring a goal.

Matteo did both, and his best effort (and only one) was the agonizing, most talked about, shot the American will ever have documented next to his name.



Striker Andy Keogh made a great effort to get down the touchline, before sending in a low hard cross in the path of partner, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake. However, Ebanks-Blake completely waffled his connection, as the ball scooted under the striker.

Matteo was well positioned on the far post and steadied himself. The ball was met with a half volley that sent the ball directly into the ground and soared well above Fabianski's crossbar.

Matteo could do nothing but stand there stunned - he surely could have done better.

Alas, that was the best chance for Wolves - and unfortunate for Matteo as his stock is steadily decreasing by seeing lack of pitch time.

Owen Coyle, while disheartened about the loss, felt his side did well in containing the Arsenal side fo the most part.

"It's an incredible thing to watch. Their style of play is so fluid and dynamic, it's just a beautiful sight - you can't help but applaud it. This is why I was so proud of the result, yes it's a loss - but also it's still very early in the season. We will come back, we are growing stronger as a result."

Ouch
Top 10 misses of the week, right?

I'm glad Matteo sees the funny side of things.

"Pretty crappy miss that one was. I'd rather go through my car crash than do that again."

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlPWNjgBrqE"]YouTube- varschance2018.mp4[/ame]

[Matt10]

Great to see Lam on one a great team. I guess all that pestering to sign with the Wolves finally sunk in. Hopefully there won't be too many more misses and more goals. Awesome!

Haha - it was the smart choice, first team football (hopefully) and actually a pretty remarkable team with a great history.

The coaching has been suspect, but there's some logic in the virtual Owen Coyle I've created.

[Matt10]

Fixture: 12
Blackburn Rovers v Wolverhampton

1-0
Vince Grella 39'
-----
Caution: None

Rovers edge out Wolves
Doyle smacks post twice third consecutive loss

Johnson Peoples, wolves.co.uk

After barely losing to Arsenal last weekend, the Wolves were favorites against Blackburn. However, the home side pulled away with a goal by Vince Grella five minutes before the half.



Wolves did manage a couple of chances through captain, Kevin Doyle, but Doyle's shots were on target - but luck would not have it as the striker hit the crossbar twice in the match.

Owen Coyle received some scrutiny after the match for not playing one of the faster players on his squad - Lam Matteo.

"Matteo is a man who can change games, it was bad judgement on my part yet again, but my weakness of having too much passion can also be my strength."

If this run of form continues, Coyle wil not have to worry about differentiating between his weakness or strengths. A trip to Goodison Park next week will be a test for his side. Everton are currently 8th, while Wolves have dropped to 17th.

No Love
Matteo gets no chance to shine

Knowing Matteo, he won't ask his coach why he wasn't played - so we can speculate. Of course when I asked him, he basically stayed positive - but I can tell there was a hint of frustration. I sure hope he isn't put in the position to change clubs yet again. We just got here!

"There will be those games that you wish you could have played in. Tonight I have to be gracious for what I've been given. I'm on the bench of a Premier League team, that is good for me - but I won't settle for warming it for long."

[Matt10]

Fixture: 13
Everton v Wolves

3-0
Saha 52'
Fellaini 57'
Saha 70'
-----
Caution: None

Wolves prove unworthy of Everton
Goodison Park witness to fourth loss in a row

Johnson Peoples, wolves.co.uk

The season of losses continued for Owen Coyle and Wolverhampton, this time losing to a much stronger Everton side. Everton were not only lead by Louis Saha's two goals, but the excellent keeping of Tim Howard proved frustrating for the Wolves attackers as well.



Goodison Park celebrated when Louis Saha scored his first goal in the 52nd minute, then Steve Pienaar set up Marouane Fellaini for the 2-0 scoreline in favor of the hosts.

After some strong midfield work again by Pienaar, Louis Saha picked up a loose ball and proceeded to dribble past the Wolves defense, before letting off a screaming low shot that crashed into Murray's goal.



Considering last week's loss as well, Owen Coyle injected some much needed speed into the match by replacing Matthew Jarvis with Lam Matteo.

Matteo showcased his speed, but also his tenacity to pick up loose balls. His best chance of the match was a vicious volley from outside the box, and seemed on its way into the back of the net - but fellow American, Tim Howard, made a remarkable save to prevent the midfielder from scoring his first goal for Wolves.

"Lam (Matteo) played excellent into the half - it's made me think of starting the lad. He threatened the goal, and even set up Stefan (Maierhofer) in the box - unfortunately we were unable to convert our chances tonight."

It would be an incredible "start" for Matteo next week, as the Wolves host his old side, the Cottagers of Fulham. Fulham currently sit in 9th place, and have had a good streak of wins as of late. Wolves continue to drop - and are now in 18th.

Key player
Coyle realizes this finally

What an epic storyline. Matteo will start against Fulham - his old club, his beloved team. How incredible - he was more than excited when I talked to him.

"Words can't express how much I have looked forward to next weekend. Even though we will be hosting the side - it will feel like a homecoming for me. To start the match would be icing on the cake."

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a78S2cFAFCc"]YouTube- chaveverton2018.mp4[/ame]

[Matt10]

How long ago did Mick McCarthy get sacked? Do they still have Kevin Doyle? Don't know if you mentioned him.

Got me hooked by the new team.

"Merlin" got sacked in 2015, think he was due time. My storyline is he is in charge of West Brom (newly promoted).

Kevin Doyle - of course he's around, read up - he's got all the goals for Wolves, lol.

[Matt10]

Fixture: 14
Wolves v Fulham

2-1
Zamora 46'
Ward 49'
Matteo 92'
-----
Caution: Jarvis (Wolves)

Dreams do come true
Lam Matteo bags winner, first goal for Wolves in stoppage time

Johnson Peoples, wolves.co.uk

It has become a true sense of sportsmanship for footballer's who score against their old clubs to not celebrate.

However, noone could blame Lam Matteo for celebrating the game winner in stoppage time against his old club, Fulham.

Starting in his first match of the season for Owen Coyle's side, Matteo was selected as Man of the Match with a brilliant performance.



After Bobby Zamora had opened up for the visiting Cottagers at the very start of the second half, Stephen Ward would equalise three minutes later after a Wolves corner.

As much as the Wolves pressed forward, the final ball was not there.



Which is what made Matteo's goal such one that will be remembered all season.

After a poorly played high ball intended for Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, veteran keeper Mark Schwarzer collected.

Schwarzer opted for a throw across to the other side intended for Stephen Kelly. However, Schwarzer did not notice the blur that was Lam Matteo in pursuit of the ball.

Before both players knew it, it was too late - Kelly's trap was dreadful, and Matteo's chest trap was pure - on his second touch, Matteo drilled a shot - straight into the back of Schwarzer's net.

Wolves win, 2-1.

Owen Coyle had nothing but praise for his goal-scorer, and key signing of the offseason.

"Brilliant anticipation. Matteo is one of those players who will always have the fundamentals, but also the incredible intangibles that every coach dreams of."

With the victory, Lam Matteo and company now move up from 18th, to 16th.

Next week's match against 3rd place West Ham will be the biggest challenge however, as Avram Grant's men are scoring goals at will - and not conceding too many either, ranking second with least goals conceded at 13 (1 behind Everton).

Made his mark
Try taking him off the lineup now

I am pretty sure Matteo is as speechless as I am. Fantastic play, and man - just when you think he won't make an impact...bam!

"It's about damn time. I just hope this solidified my spot as a starter for the club - even if it is at midfield."

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gz0GNyBWF0"]YouTube- vfulham2018.mp4[/ame]

[Tearz49ers]

I love how much depth there is in this. Matteo seems to be a mover but this really could finally be his home in Wolverhampton.

[Matt10]

I love how much depth there is in this. Matteo seems to be a mover but this really could finally be his home in Wolverhampton.

Hope it is. Not a big fan of any other team. Maybe if he gets desperate he can go to a League of Ireland team and dominate.

The thing that is great about Wolves is that they have an incredible history - one of those literally "start from scratch" sides. It's honestly a reporter's dream team. Think about the ML defaults - those guys are better than what Wolves were in 2005, before all the "big" signings.

Pretty cool. 2018 seems to be in tact with the core players, we'll see how january window goes - which isn't too far away for Matteo.

[Matt10]

Fixture: 15
West Ham v Wolves

1-3
Ebanks-Blake 67'
Milijas 76'
Matteo 78'
Carlton Cole 80'
-----
Caution: Jarvis (Wolves)

Wolves shock Hammers at Upton Park
Coyle's men grants back to back wins

Johnson Peoples, wolves.co.uk

For the second consecutive week, Wolves have won a game that was no predicted so on paper. Heavily outmatched, somehow the side managed to stretch out a 3-1 win over third place West Ham.

Goals by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, Nenad Milijas and Lam Matteo solidified a crucial match - and highly unlikely one at that.



Fresh off the stoppage time victory last week at home to Fulham, Owen Coyle's men looked plenty confident. Coyle opted to sit Lam Matteo, the hero of last week, due to fatigue - but quickly introduced the striker in the 60th minute of play.



After the introduction, Wolves would score 7-minutes later, thanks to great strength by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake - powering his header home for second half lead.

It quickly became 2-0 ten minutes later after Lam Matteo sucked in the central defenders on an attack, before slotting a perfectly placed ball in the path of his captain, Nenad Milijas - who cooly slotted the ball into the back of the net.

In a matter of no time - it was 3-0 for the visitors.

Lam Matteo scored his second goal of the season, the second consecutive week, after some incredible work rate off the ball - then stealing the ball from the unsure foot of defender, Matthew Upson.

Matteo collected and gave Robert Green no chance to increase the margin.

A consolation goal by Carlton Cole was not enough to down the spirits of the Wolves, and the final whistle blew. An absolutely improbably win for Coyle and the Wolves - is this the start of something?

"There are matches to be won and to be lost, before the match we were considered to lose by quite the margin. I'm glad we proved everyone wrong - and hope we continue to do so."

Next Match: v Chelsea (Away) - 1st, 37 pts

Keep on keepin on
Goal and an assist - Man of Match ya know!

It's like a cakewalke for Matteo now - hopefully he starts against Chelski!

"Just trying to take advantage of everytime I'm on the field."

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnFdGXH9M0Q"]YouTube- vweham2018.mp4[/ame]

[Matt10]

Fixture: 16
Wolves v Chelsea

0-1

Lampard 77'
-----
Caution: None

Blues edge out victory over Wolves
Molineaux grant Wolves standing ovation for effort

Johnson Peoples, wolves.co.uk

Wovles may have dropped all three points tonight against Chelsea, but the atmosphere in Molineux Stadium remained boisterous and faithful due to the great effort shown by all Wolves players.

After a scoreless first half, the opening goal of the match occured in the 77th minute after Michael Essien's shot from 30 yards out struck Matt Murray's goal post.



The rebound came back into the middle of the box, and as he tends to do, Frank Lampard pounced on the loose ball and finished for the visitors' goal.

From then on, it was nothing but pressure by Wolves, led by none other than Lam Matteo - who continues to impress.



Matteo had 3 shots on goal, and all 3 shots were saved by the Chelsea keeper, Petr Cech.

Matteo's best chance ocured in the dying minutes of the second half, after picking up on a loose ball at the edge of the box, before striking a shot headed into Cech's far post.

Unfortunately for Wolves, the Chelsea shot stopper saved the chance - and went on for another clean sheet.

Although the loss was one that ruins a bit of a streak for Wolves, the form of Owen Coyle's men is constantly improving.

"We showed up to play tonight - and it was a great display by courageous men against a very powerful Chelsea side."

Next Match: v Burnley (Away) - 20th, 2 pts

Tough loss
Still showing the world what he's got

They may have lost, but Lam Matteo felt it was another solid showing on his end.

"Felt good to be able to actually compete with them. I think things are really starting to come together - let's hope everyone can stay healthy."

[Matt10]

Fixture: 17
Burnley v Wolves

2-1
Nugent 20'
McDonald 41'
Caldwell (OG) 47'
-----
Caution: None

Wolves unable to hold off Burnley
Coyle's men continue to drop points

Johnson Peoples, wolves.co.uk

Even though last week's loss to Chelsea was cheered on, this week's loss to Burnley was not well received from the traveling Wolves faithful.

A strong series of attack was what the Burnley side has not exhibited all season - and it just so happens to come together against a resurgent Wolves side.



The go ahead goal was scored by David Nugent in the 20th minute, after a strong passing connection between Chris Eagles on the flank and Kevin McDonald in the center of the midfield.

Nugent took advantage of poor clearing by Wolves defenders, and got goal side on Lam Matteo. The striker had no problem slotting the ball past a helpless Matt Murray.



Burnley doubled their lead when Kevin McDonald found himself free of a marker at the top of the box - before his shot dribbled past a couple of legs - and too late for Murray to react, 2-0 Burnley at the half.

Lam Matteo was the instigator of Wolves only goal.

After receiving a through ball from George Elokobi on the flank, Matteo raced past the Burnley defenders before volleying a cross intended for either Andy Keogh or Chris Iwelumo.

The ball was not met by either players, but struck the side of Steve Caldwell's right ankle - which resulted in the ball deflecting into the net.

Unfortunately that was all the goals the visitors would see. Substitute Sylvan Ebanks-Blake should have at least set up a goal in the 85th minute, when the striker raced down and into the box - but opted to shoot for the far post - but missed high and wide, when in fact Lam Matteo and George Elokobi were wide open in the box.

Another loss, and the momentum for Owen Coyle's side is starting to simmer down. And with two crucial matches before the January transfer window against Manchester City and Aston Villa, Coyle will be hardpressed to not find a more dominant attacker to pair up with Kevin Doyle as no other forward has a goal this season.

"It's unacceptable to not score a legitamite goal today. I hop we can finish the first half of the season on a good note."

Next Match: v Manchester City (Home) - 2nd, 33 pts

Impressive, but no cigar
Is the transfer window on Matteo's mind?

Two weeks remain before the ever popular January transfer window pops up, is Matteo thinking about another club if the big ones come calling?

"I played well today. I just hope I continue to improve - but I want to make something straight - I want to focus on improving Wolves - and only Wolves at the moment."

[Matt10]

Fixture: 18
Wolves v Manchester City

1-3
Robinho 36'
Robinho 48'
Matteo 59'
Robinho 91'
-----
Caution: None

Super Robinho buries Wolves
Wolves continue downward spiral

Johnson Peoples, wolves.co.uk

Wolves are now on a certain downard spiral to last place if this keeps up. Another loss - and make that 3 on the roll, tonight losing to second place, Manchester City.

City have Brazilian, Robinho, to thank for their goals. The striker showcased why he was hailed as one of the top signings a few years ago - and continues to prove his money's worth.



On occasion Robinho looked like the splitting image of another Brazilian named Ronaldo. It was Robinho's second goal that could be hailed as goal of the year as the striker collected the ball behind the midfield - and proceeded to evade 3 Wolves tackles, before faking out keeper Marcus Hahnemann, and finishing with class.



The January transfer window is only one week away, and skeptics are saying that Wolves midfielder/striker Lam Matteo will be on the move on the first day.

Matteo continued his scoring, after doing some hard work in the midfield by tackling Robinho cleanly - and then a one two with striker Stefan Maierhofer, before sprinting through the City defense and placing a perfect shot past Stuart Taylor at the far post.

Owen Coyle received questions about Lam Matteo's possible departure, and according to the Wolves manager, he intends the American to stay.

"He (Matteo) has helped us out immensely out of certain extinction in some games. We haven't won much so far, but we are progressing. He is a catalyst to that progression - and I hope he admires his own hard work, which has made us a better club despite the results as of late."

Next Match: v Aston Villa (Away) - 9th, 29 pts

Some heads looking up
Matteo's continuous hard work is paying off

Is he set to leave? That's the rumor in regards to the 29-year old striker (slash midfielder).

"Goals are coming, that's all I'm worried about. I want goals - and I want more of them, I'm still in a Wolves kit aren't I? So that's all that matters."

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53KCsM29zpQ"]YouTube- vmancity20188.mp4[/ame]

[Matt10]

Fixture: 19
Aston Villa v Wolves

1-1
Cuellar (OG) 65'
Heskey 93'
-----
Caution: Matteo (Wolves)

Heskey's late goal steals points from Wolves
Incredible keeping by Friedel saves Villa

Johnson Peoples, wolves.co.uk

Leading 1-0 within stoppage time, Owen Coyle was nervously chipping away at his fingernails.

A poor clearance, and the ball fell to Gabriel Agbonlahor - who found an unmarked Emile Heskey, who made no mistake - placing the ball perfectly past Matt Murray to spoil the visitor's hopes of all three points at Villa Park.



The opening goal which looked to have been scored by Lam Matteo, was actually credited as an own goal by Carlos Cuellar.

A scramble in the box and block by Friedel that scooted along the goal mouth - found a scrambling Lam Matteo, who twisted and turned his shot - which blasted in James Collins' sliding knee, which then deflected up into Carlos Cuellar's elbow - and into the net.



Matteo almost made it 2-0 immediately after the goal, but his fellow American, Brad Friedel pushed away every shot that looked to be going into the roof of the net.

In the end, the heart break was filled with Wolves tears as Emile Heskey scored the late equalizer.

Going into the January transfer window Monday morning, Owen Coyle has already stated that he will hoping to add a "vicious" attacker, but also might be looking at a rock solid defender.

"The first half of the season has come and gone, and it has already been a roller coster. We are getting substantially better - just on the end of some bad beats, yeah. I hope we can take advantage of some funds to secure some solid players."

Next Match: v Wigan Athletic (Home) - 12th, 24 pts

No credit for the goal?
B.S stats, Matteo put the effort in

Would have been nice for Matteo to get credit for that goal. I'm not sure why he wasn't given it - it was obviously his shot that resulted in the "own goal".

"Yeah, I wanted that one. Oh well, I'm ready to see how the transfer market looks now."

[Matt10]

Teams signal intent for Matteo, all offeres rejected



The January transfer window has come and gone, and all eyes were on Wolves new man, Lam Matteo, who was certain to leave the club after being one of the better players on the team.

However, in a statement Monday, despite offers from West Ham, Sunderland and West Brom, Matteo announced he has and will reject all offers.

"I want to see how this plays out with Wolves," says the American, "I think Wolverhampton could be a fine home to grow old. It's a brilliant club with incredible rags to riches history - I am staying."

With that, Matteo left with a standing ovation from the Wolves faithful, and press.

Matteo and Wolves start the second half the season next weekend against 12th place Wigan Athletic. Matteo has recorded 3 goals, and one assist this season.

League transfers (in):

Burnley >>>> DMF Gulangiala
Sunderland >>>> AMF Rootz Eliquolo
West Brom >>>> GK Ochoa
Newcastle >>>> DMF Islero