Something in the Making: Lam Matteo

[Matt10]

Really tempted to start my own one of these up, the only problem is I have no way to record the videos of goals. Screenshots are easy, I can just use my camera like I do for Madden. What do you think?

PS3? PC? XBoX? What ya working with buddy?

[Tearz49ers]

PS3? PC? XBoX? What ya working with buddy?

PS3, I have a TV Tuner Card in my PC, one that you recommended but I could never get it to work!

[Matt10]

Fixture: 30
Arsenal v Wolves

2-0
Fabregas 28'
Walcott 46'
-----
Caution: Song (Arsenal) Matteo (Wolves) Ebanks Blake (Wolves) Doyle (Wolves)

Gunning for Wolves
Arsenal triumphant at the Emirates

Johnson Peoples, wolves.co.uk

An embarrasing season just got a bit better for Arsenal tonight, as they took care of mid-tablers, Wolverhampton. Goals by captain, Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott were enough to push the Gunners past the out-matched side.

It was clear who would dominate the match as Arsenal started their siege deliberately via Robbie Van Persie. The Dutch striker, shot from 25 yards in the 8th minute, striking Wayne Hennessey's crossbar.

It took only 20 more minutes later for the home side to find the opener. After a poor corner, Lam Matteo for Wolves matched it with an ever poorer clearance. The American midfielder, found the ball stuck under his foot - before Cesc Fabregas picked his pocket, and cooly slotted a ball past Hennessey's far right bottom corner, 1-0 Arsenal.



Theo Walcott extended the lead not too long after. The England international was lead well by a through pass from Fabregas in the 45th minute, as the quick paced midfielder sprinted past the Wolves defense, and easily lofted the ball past Hennessey.



Owen Coyle tried to regroup his side, and build confidence in the second half, but despite his efforts of placing Lam Matteo as a striker - and taking out Ebanks Blake - the Wolves players could not seem to grasp the momentum, nor prevent the Gunners from having anymore of it.

"This was a tough loss to swallow. We wanted to tak advantage of a team that has been playing poorly this season - instead we looked off, and just did not have any confidence - it was not a good showing."

Next Match: v Blackburn (Home) - 14th, 36 pts

[Matt10]

Fixture: 31
Wolves v Blackburn

1-1
Benni McCarthy 62'
Matteo 73'
-----
Caution: None

Matteo saves points for Wolves
Poor display, Coyle thankful for Matteo's efforts

Johnson Peoples, wolves.co.uk

It could have been another tough loss for Wolves if it were not for the efforts of Lam Matteo. The American midfielder was placed on the right midfield, rather than his usual left side, and made an impact by scoring the equalizing goal in the 73rd minute.

The two sides spent the majority of the time feeling eachother out, taking only about 3 shots each - all not hitting the target. The best chance of the first half came for Wolves when Lam Matteo's perfectly placed through ball found Kevin Doyle - but the strike was well wide of Paul Robinson's goal.



The breakthrough came just past the hour mark, when Benni McCarthy ran onto a well played through ball by El Hadji Diouf. The South African striker remained poised, and from an acute angle - placed the ball past Hennessey, and into the far corner of the goal to give the visitors the lead.

While Blackburn played keep-away, Lam Matteo played the role of monkey in the middle.

Matteo's effort would soon be rewarded after his late sliding challenge made no contact with Ryan Nelsen, but the pass from Vince Grella back to Nelsen was intercepted by Matteo.



Matteo proceeded to use his pace - and outran Gael Givet and the Rovers defense, before squaring up and placing the ball past Paul Robinson.

That would be how the match would end, and Owen Coyle had nothing but praise for the American.

"Even though he doesn't score as often as I would like, he is one of those players a club can't be without. Matteo has a natural talent and his anticipation is highly incredible. Fantastic player, and I am happy he found the back of the net when we really needed it."

Next Match: v Everton (Home) - 4th, 57 pts

About time
Scoreless for a bit, finally found it again

I was starting to get worried he wouldn't score again this season.

"As a footballer, it's easy to get superstitious - and I had thought that if I didn't score tonight, I would change my black shoes back to the yellow or even red. Heck, I may still do that."

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lp-dm3kw5qo"]YouTube- vbburn2018.mp4[/ame]

[Matt10]

Fixture: 32
Wolves v Everton

3-0
Maierhofer 64'
Matteo 81'
Ebanks-Blake 85'
-----
Caution: None

Absolutely perfect
Wolves run down Everton at Molineaux

Johnson Peoples, wolves.co.uk

Goals were not hard to come by for Wolves as three different players scored a goal. Stefan Maierhofer used his frame to score the first, then Matteo scoring a potential goal of the season goal - and finished off with Ebanks-Blake barely scooting in a headed goal.

The match did not start off great for Wolves, as Everton's Yakubu showed his speed for a big man, almost scoring the opener in the 5th minute of play - but the striker's shot went just wide.

Wolves had their chances in the first half as well, but poor finishing up front by Ebanks-Blake let go of a sure goal when the striker was played onside - and was up against the keeper, however Ebanks-Blake's second touch went too far and the ball scooted comfortably into Iain Turner's arms.



Stefan Maierhofer scored just past the hour mark, after Ebanks-Blake, yet again ran onto a well played through ball - and managed to turn Tony Hibbert around, before sending in a beautifuly driven ball for the tall Austrian. Maierhofer made no mistake, and the ball crashed into the goal off his head.

The second goal was one that Wovles needed to secure the victory, and in the 81st minute, Molineaux stadium went absolutely crazy for Lam Matteo - when the midfielder blasted in from 20+ yards out.



Matthew Jarvis did well to suck in the Everton defenders before laying off a direct pass to the onrushing Matteo, who side footed the ball - as it blasted off his foot - and crashed into the back of the net.

Ebanks-Blake scored the topper, when he found himself on the advantageous side of a cross by Nenad Milijas. Milijas crossed the ball in just over Joseph Yobo's head, and Ebanks-Blake made contact - which sent the ball onto the underside of Turner's crossbar, before bouncing over the line - then back up into the upper netting to make it 3-0.

With only 6 matches remaining in the 2018 season, Owen Coyle feels that his side can grab all the 18 points to finish inside the Top 8, maybe even the Top 5.

"It would be a brilliant thing considering how our early season went. This was a magical game - and we really showed the league what we are capable of. We are not scared of any big name team, and will surely continue to put them out."

Next Match: v Fulham (Away) - 14th, 37 pts

Screamer
No goals, then two - and a beaut!

Goal of the season in my books, what do you think?

"There have been some great goals this year - but heck, I hardly ever score from outside the box - so I'm happy as can be for tonight - glad we won of course!."

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBxX1_Ckf_M"]YouTube- veverton2018.mp4[/ame]

[Matt10]

Thanks Cudi - 'precciate it.

[Matt10]

United crowned champions
Seven goals differential from Chelsea seals it
by Mark Schwarzer last updated 10 August 2019


*Top Scorer - Wayne Rooney (Man U) 31

*for those wondering, I went a bit over and played a couple of games in a row - and lack the desire of reporting them. So, we are now at the offseason.

[Matt10]

Wolves to renew Matteo's contract? Cottagers await.



Lam Matteo is mainly known for the prolific goal scorer at Fulham - but this past season his efforts were well noticed after rehabilitating into a Premier league player again.

Matteo finished with 9 goals for Wolves, and two assists. At the moment there are discussions going on between Matteo's agent and Wolverhampton football club.

There has been no official announcement, but rumor has it that Matteo could lean back to Craven Cottage to play for Fulham yet again. The 29-year old would be reunited with manager Roy Hodgson, who stood faithful in believing that the despite the horrific car crash, "Matteo will play again".

Does Matteo owe Hodgson another go? Or is he truly the future golden star that Wolves need to make it into the upper tier of Premier league football next season?

Other news:

Possible scandal at St. James? Newcastle threatened demotion
Burnley relegation could be reversed
Sir Alex Ferguson to step down as Manchester United manager

[Matt10]

Offers pouring in
Week 3 brings Spanish side Malaga CF to mix
Week 1 saw Fulham and Wolves pushing for Matteo's services, week 2&3 now shows La Liga participants, Malaga CF - and rumor has it Burnley has also offered to grab Matteo.

Spanish football is a very beautiful view, however my thinking is Matteo might stay with Wolves. While the idea of moving every year is nice - I believe Matteo is now a veteran and should therefore stay committed to a team.

Wolves manager, Owen Coyle, has yet to announce any progress of a deal. If anything, Matteo could receive less due to the club's poor finish last season, despite a courageous middle part of the season.

[Matt10]

Nearing a decision
Malaga revoke offer, Wolves, West Ham and Burnley remain

Week 7 out of 8, and Matteo has still not accepted a contract renewal from Wolves or showed interest in a move to Burnley.

There was some outside hope that Matteo would take the deal with Malaga, considering the club finished in the Top 10 (8) in La Liga, however Matteo's agents stated that Matteo would like to remain in the Premier League:

"Lam Matteo is honored to have been approached by Malaga, however he wishes to finish up his career in the Premier League."

At this very moment, it seems Matteo will stay at Wolves. There would be no remorse if he did - I honestly believe it would be a great place for him to remain. I believe the only issue Matteo has with staying at Wolves is the fact that he was placed as a midfielder the majority of the matches with the club.

As for Burnley and West Ham, both sides could not be more different. West Ham possess an incredible coach in Giofranco Zola, while Burnley have not had a consistent manager for 2 consecutive seasons, this year they are looking to appoint Manchester United legend, Ryan Giggs, to clean up Phil Brown's mess.

Eitherway, both clubs are interested in Matteo - and both have vacancies for a striker spot. West Ham finished in 9th place, while Burnley in last. The question would be if Matteo would be utilized correctly by West Ham, and whether or not he would be playing top flight football with Burnley.

A decision has to be made, and we expect it by next week.

[Matt10]

Wolves lock in Matteo for 2019



A deal has finally been reached between Lam Matteo's agents and Wolverhampton's management, resulting in the striker/midfielder's stay to be extended till the end of the season.

"Signing Lam was one of our highest priorities," states manager Owen Coyle, "I am quite pleased we are able retain his services for another season."

Along with the contract renewal, Lam Matteo has changed his kit number from #22 to #13, stating "It needed to be done."

Wolves schedule has been set for the 2019 season, they start the campaign off hosting Newcastle United at Molineaux Stadium.

Other transfer news:

Wayne Rooney completes deal with Chelsea
Fabregas leaves Arsenal, joins Tottenham
Tom Huddleston joins Cottagers from Tottenham
Landon Donovan joins Pompey

[Matt10]

2019 Schedule and Team

After battling back from the bottom tier of the table in the early part of the season last year, Wolves quickly regrouped and Owen Coyle's emergence as a top manager began to be more clear - as the wolves bounced around 10th, eventually settling for 13th.

This year, Coyle has not made any changes whatsoever, except for re-signing Lam Matteo last week.

Of course, we will not list all 44 fixture lists, here are the first 8, and with the finish last season, the club will not take part in this year's FA Cup.

v Newcastle (Home)
v Birmingham City (Away)
v Everton (Home)
v Aston Villa (Away)
v West Brom (Away)
v West Ham (Home)
v Burnley (Away
v Blackburn (Home)

-------------------

Keepers:

Wayne Hennessey
Matt Murray

Defenders:

Michael Mancienne
Jody Craddock
Ronald Zubar
George Elokobi
Christophe Berra
Matt Hill
Kevin Foley
Greg Halford
Scott Malone
Richard Stearman

Midfielders:

Karl Henry
Segundo Castillo
Michael Kightly
David Edwards
Nenad Milijas
Matthew Jarvis
Stephen Ward
David Jones
Andrew Surman

Attackers:

Lam Matteo
Kevin Doyle
Chris Iwelumo
Andy Keogh
Sylvan Ebanks-Blake
Ashley Hemmings
Stefan Maierhofer

[Matt10]

Fixture: 1
Wolves v Newcastle

2-3
Islero 34'
Keogh 50'
Smith 51'
Keogh 53'
Geremi 85'
-----
Caution: Harewood (Newcastle)

Season opener sees Toon over Wolves
Geremi's header dissapoints Molineaux faithful

Johnson Peoples, wolves.co.uk

The first match of the season was hosted by Molineaux Stadium, home of the Wolves, and Molineaux witnessed the first defeat of the season - hopefully not to be a common reoccurence, especially to the likes of Newcastle.

Newcastle stole points from Wolves thanks to an 85th minute strike by Geremi - an unlikely scorer for the club, however he has been known for scoring game winners often.



The goals did come rapidly for Wolves this time around - unlike last season where it took almost 5 matches before a goal was scored for the season. Andy Keogh quickly regained his form that made him MVP for on week after scoring a hat trick.

Keogh scored back to back goals, responding to the go ahead goal by Islero - and then the quick "recovery" goal by Alan Smith thanks to a well crafted pass from Marlon Harewood.



It was apparent the pace of the match would be dictated by Newcastle, the quality of passes and ball movement was much stronger for the black and white - and the yellow filled stadium grew weary at 2-2, almost impatient for the final whistle to blow.

Owen Coyle replaced an underperforming Lam Matteo for Matt Jarvis, Matteo had his chances in front of goal - but a left footed shot in the first half flew wide of the goal - and other than that, the American was forced to defend rather than attack - not his strongest suit.

The loss, while disheartening, produced some decision making for Owen Coyle in the next match against Birmingham City.

"Well played match, they dominated possession - but we also did not give in so easily. The winning goal was a shame to give up however. Obviously you want to win in front of your faithful followers, but it is a long season - and we have plenty of time to adjust."

Next Match: v Birmingham City (Away) - tied 11th, 1 pt

Tough Start
No goals, no assist, plenty of time

Matteo did not play great - but then again he was well contained from his old side - defender Callum Morris - did well on the left back position.

"I am never a fan of being subbed - this time it hurt because it was the opener. I did the best I could, but honestly should have taken a stronger mental approach to finishing today."

[Matt10]

Fixture: 2
Birmingham City v Wolves

2-1
Phillips 1'
McSheffrey 3'
Matteo 4'
-----
Caution: Ridgewell (Birmingham City)

Wolves drop more points
Birmingham City's two first half goals enough

Johnson Peoples, wolves.co.uk

Immediately from the kick off the Wolves were down a goal. A brilliant passage of play between Kevin Phillips (yes, he's still playing) and James McFadden resulted in the opener for the home side.

McFadden was played in by Phillips on the flank, before the midfielder stroked a perfect pass into the striker's path - and the rest was history, one of the quickest goals ever scored at 39 seconds.



Shortly after the opener, Wolves defense appeared even more startled - when Gary McSheffrey scored the second goal for City in the 3rd minute.

After Phillips collected the ball at the top of the box and shot a well driven ball - which resulted in Wolves keeper, Matt Murray to deflect the ball. The ball would find itself in the path of McSheffry, who somehow managed to loop his header into the far corner of the Wolves goal.

Lam Matteo would score the only goal for Wolves, as he pestered Christophe Berra - who made a back pass to keeper, Joe Hart.

Hart, almost in two minds, opted to pass the ball back to Berra - but Lam Matteo's pace resulted in the midfielder stealing the ball, and finding him instantly one on one.



The American was cool, and easily lifted the ball over a diving Joe Hart.

The match remained 2-1 to the final whistle, it could have been 2-2, but Joe Hart redeemed himself for the earlier mistake after denying Lam Matteo from outside the box, then Sylvan Ebanks-Blake from close range.

Owen Coyle's post match interview was brief, but to the point.

"We played like we did not want to win this match."

Next Match: v Everton (Home) - 1st, 6 pts

Poacher's Goal
Unfortunately results in no win

Matteo did well to get into position and put pressure on Joe Hart - but his teammates failed to take their chances resulting in the loss.

"Sometimest hat's just the way the ball bounces. You can't expect that your efforts are the only efforts needed on the pitch - we lacked some passion tonight."

[Matt10]

Fixture: 4
Aston Villa v Wolves

2-1

Doyle 49'
Delfouneso 69'
Delfouneso 84'
-----
Caution: None

Coyle's men drop to Four losses
Nathan Delfouneso saves embarrasment for Villa faithful

Johnson Peoples, wolves.co.uk

After losing 1-0 to Everton in the 3rd fixture, Wolves would again drop the ball...



"This was a match to win - we failed to take advantage of their weaknesses."

Next Match: v West Bromwich Albion (Away) - 19th, 0 pts

Something's wrong
Matteo can't shoot - Wolves can't win

The offseason was full of promise - and now that Matteo has regained his name as a top player - why is it he can't find the back of the net consistently?

"I'm changing my boots again."