Something in the Making: Lam Matteo

[Matt10]

Fixture: 20
Wolves v Wigan

0-0
-----
Caution: None​

Eventful match results in no goals
Coyle starting to feel pressure for results

Johnson Peoples, wolves.co.uk

If Owen Coyle's job was on stake today - it would have been secured for probably one more match.

Tabloids have rumored that "Mr. OC" is on the brink of exiting the club against his will due to the current winless streak for the Wolves.

Wolves last win was an improbable 3-1 celebration over a strong West Ham side in the 15th fixture - and this evening's match did not produce the result the Wolves boss was hoping for.

"Struggling a bit to find the net. I've been playing some attack minded players in the mix - but the results aren't coming our way."

In the response to why Kevin Doyle has not started:

"Kevin is going through a bit of an off-on streak with his fitness - and that's all I can say."

Lam Matteo impressed as the American was everywhere on the pitch - his two shots were on target, but only one of them troubled the outstanding Wigan keeper, Mike Pollitt.

Next Match: v West Bromwich Albion (Away) - 15th, 20 pts

All over the place
Yet, receives 5.5 rating - ugh

Well another match - did he make the right decision to stay? Time will tell.

"Good match, we pressured pretty well - they have a solid back line, and incredible keeping day for Pollitt. I don't pay attention to ratings anymore."
​

 

[Matt10]

Fixture: 21
West Brom v Wolves

0-1
Matteo 38'
-----
Caution: None​

Matteo's first half strike break losing streak
American signing comes through when needed

Johnson Peoples, wolves.co.uk

Owen Coyle can thank his lucky stars for sending him Lam Matteo. The American's goal in the first half resulted in the 1-0 victory over West Brom, and more importantly, another weekend in the saddle for Owen Coyle.

In a match that was dictated by excellent defense and poor finishing, the name of the game was to take advantage of any mishaps that were exposed.

In the 38th minute, the mishaps came to the surface when the West Brom defenders were unaware of a darting diagonal run by Lam Matteo. Matteo received a weighted ball over the defenders, and instead of collecting the ball, opted to take a quick shot.

The shot was pure and gave Craig Gordon no chance in the West Brom goal.

Matteo celebrated by kissing his ring finger, signifying his celebration not only for the goal - but for his 8 year anniversary with his wife, Ess.

There was no pressure from West Brom, as the Wolves defense were inspired to crack their 5 match winless streak, and when the final whistle blew - it appeared to most as if Owen Coyle and the Wolves had won the title.

"A big monkey has jumped off our backs today. I hope we can continue with this form - and show the fine finishing we are truly capable of."

Next Match: v Birmingham City (Away) - 19th, 16 pts

Hero - that's him
Bailed out the boss, start me again?

I think all is good here, Matteo should be a regular - hopefully his stamina will stay in check.

"Felt great, I'm pretty excited about how I played today. I want to keep us winning."
​

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCQC1Y16Rkc]YouTube - vwbrom2018.mp4[/ame]

​

 

[Matt10]

Fixture: 21
Wolves v Porsmouth

1-0
Matteo 5'
-----
Caution: Basinas (Portsmouth)​

Wolves hang on
Matteo's strike pushes Wolves past Pompy

Johnson Peoples, wolves.co.uk

After a 3-0 defeat to Birmingham last week (unintentionally simmed), Owen Coyle and Wolves needed a reboost of energy.

That energy came from Mr. Reliable himself, Lam Matteo.

The 29-year old American scored a blister of a shot in the 5th minute of the match after picking up a poorly cleared ball from the Portsmouth defense.

Matteo collected, and sprinted diagonally across the top of the box - before letting off a cannon that flew uninterrupted into David James' upper ninety.

The tone was set, and Wolves played hard to salvage all three points. It was no surprise when the Portsmouth players began to show their emotions, tackling Lam Matteo a number of six total times - one resulting in a yellow card for midfielder, Angelos Basinas.

The points were indeed granted, and another win after a bad defeat last week, is exactly what Coyle needed to jumpstart his team back into action.

"Once again Matteo has bailed us out of a jam. I hope this isn't the theme of the season for us, because it's far too late in the game to nickel and diming opponents by one goal margins."

Next Match: v Bolton (Away) - 14th, 25 pts

Cannon!
Gotta love it.

I don't think I have ever seen Matteo strike a ball that hard before, and actually go in. Pretty amazing shot - and great run of form.

"I've taken a few shots from outside the box lately, my accuracy is getting better, so I'll keep trying."

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XiZtddNriI]YouTube - vpompy2018.mp4[/ame]
​

 

[Tearz49ers]

"What a stoomer" lets see if you laugh at that the same way I did, everytime he said it.

This season could really be a pathway to bigger and better things for Matteo.

 

[Matt10]

"What a stoomer" lets see if you laugh at that the same way I did, everytime he said it.

This season could really be a pathway to bigger and better things for Matteo.

Lol :2thumbs:

We'll see, he's 29 now, maybe he could be like Giggs! (or even Kevin Phillips)

 

[Matt10]

Fixture: 22
Bolton v Wolves

0-2
Keogh 35'
Maierhofer 39'
-----
Caution: Jarvis (Wolves)​

A solid victory at the Reebok
Coyle and Wolves take advantage of chances

Johnson Peoples, wolves.co.uk

A convincing win by Owen Coyle and his Wolves tonight at the Reebok Stadium, 2-0 winners over Bolton Wanderers.

Both goals were scored in the first half by unlikely candidates Stefan Maierhofer and Andy Keogh.

Maierhofer has not scored a goal all season - and it was quite the relief for the boss who opted to play the tall striker over Kevin Doyle, who is still day-to-day with the flu.

"I am absolutely delighted that Stefan found a goal, it was a goal we badly needed - but I'm sure it was one that he had hoped for since joining the club."

A goal by Andy Keogh was the striker's second goal of the season, but also has two assists as well.

Wolves dominated Bolton in possession, and with speedy Lam Matteo on the flanks - the midfielder utilized such gifts defensively rather than offensively. The American did have a shot on goal, which produced a brilliant save by veteran keeper, Jussi Jaaskelainen.

The second half was dominated by Bolton, however, but well defended by Ronald Zubar and Richard Stearman at the heart of the Wolves defense. When called upon, Wayne Hennessey dominated the goal posts and produced only his 2nd cleansheet of the season.

The victory merits all three points for Wolves, and skyrockets the club to 13th in the ranking - last month they were just two points away from the potential drop zone.


Next Match: v Sunderland (Away) - 10th, 32 pts

Hanging around
KGB doesn't like that, neither did Bolton

Yes, it's a movie reference, but Matteo is continuing his brilliant play - not only on the attacking side, but offensively. I won't present my opinion on his new hairstyle though.

"Hair grows, man - I like it. I'm changing my boots though, maybe I'll even cut the hair. I dunno. Yeah, next week against Sunderland will be a test for us."

​

 

[packersfan4eva]

You should definitely cut your hair, lol. Nice win

 

[Matt10]

Fixture: 23
Sunderland v Wolves

1-3
Bent 1'
Keogh 2'
Keogh 16'
Keogh 66'
-----
Caution: None​

Out of no where
Irishman's hat trick helps Wolves prevail

Johnson Peoples, wolves.co.uk

The move up to the middle of the table continued for Wolves today, and with the excellent play of the Wolves players, Owen Coyle is showing even more and more security in his job.

Of course it doesn't hurt to have a striker with nack of scoring like Andy Keogh.

Before coming into this match, Keogh had only recorded 2 goals for the season. However, today, in the place for recovering (sickness) striker, Kevin Doyle, Keogh became the saving grace for a team that needed the result.

Sunderland striker, Darren Bent, scored very early in the match - and the away Wolves fans were shown hanging their heads already.

However, some great movement on the left flank by Matthew Jarvis and Segundo Castillo - set up a perfectly placed cross for Keogh, who made no mistake and took one back for the visitors.

Keogh would score 14 minutes later when a first time ball by Stephen Ward found the striker stretching out - and connected - giving the visiting fans something even more to cheer about.

Owen Coyle could not have been more pleased for the striker, but even more so for the club as a whole. Wolves have no moved up to 12th, with only 13 matches remaining in the season.

"With the amount of games left, if we continue to play the way we are - and score goals - we could be on the verge of turning this season completely around. I hope our fortune remains, but our work effort increase."

Next Match: v Newcastle (Away) - 18th, 24 pts

An assist!
Forgot to record the vid, and pictures

Matteo was indeed there though, in the thick of the action as always.

"This was a pivotal match for us - and I am definitely excited for Andy (Keogh) for finally finding some goals, he was a man on fire today."
​

 

[Matt10]

Table as of Fixture 24 (13 games remaining)

 

[Matt10]

Good to see you sitting mid-table. Hopefully you can keep improving. At least you're not Burnley, ouch. Sitting at 8 points after 24 matches is not a good spot.

Yeah, poor Burnley - pretty pathetic, thought they were a solid side though. Arsenal is having issues as well, I haven't taken a look at the team info yet - but if results are that bad, there has to be a star missing.

Either that or there are too many o fhtem.

 

[Matt10]

Fixture: 24
Wolves v Newcastle United

2-2
Doyle 17'
Harewood 50'
Matteo 67'
Geremi 82'
-----
Caution: Matteo (Wolves)​

A Point a Piece
Wolves give up one goal lead to hosts Newcastle

Johnson Peoples, wolves.co.uk

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zinsMgqfly0"]YouTube- vnewc2018.mp4[/ame]

Next Match: v Liverpool (H)

 

[Matt10]

Fixture: 27
Wolves v Liverpool

0-0

​

-----
Caution: Torres (Liverpool)
Sent Off: Gerrard (Liverpool)​

Wolves unable to take advantage
Reds without red-carded Gerard manage point at Molineaux

Johnson Peoples, wolves.co.uk

A match that only had 6 shots, 4 of which were for Liverpool - 2 which came from the foot of Lam Matteo for Wolves, it ended with controversy as a result of Steven Gerrard's sending off in the first half.

The controversy arises because right before the sending off, Liverpool had scored what looked like the opening goal - but Ryan Babel's goal was disallowed for offisdes.

Soon after, Gerrard went in studs up against Any Keogh - and connected with the Wolves striker's left calf, sending him writhing in pain.

Gerrard received the straight red - and one would have thought the advantage would be on the home side, but the Reds pushed forward led by midfielder Lucas breaking up plays and setting up opportunities.

Wolves best chance fell to the feet of Lam Matteo. Matteo found some space in the second half, and on a great throughball by Matt Jarvis - the American took a one time shot from outside of the box - but the effort sailed just wide.

Next Match: v Tottenham (Away) - 6th, 43 pts

 

[Matt10]

Fixture: 28
Tottenham v Wolves

0-1
Doyle 6'
-----
Caution: Assou-Ekotto (Tottenham)​

Doyle's early goal proves match winner
Coyle and company continue to move up table

Johnson Peoples, wolves.co.uk

Kevin Doyle's sixth minute strike was enough to push Wolves past Spurs this weekend. The Wolves have grabbed a total of 13 points out of 15 points in their late surge to move as far as away from the botom half of the table.

Owen Coyle's side produced some fine opportunities during the match - but the manager states that it was not about the opportunities to attack that initially won the match.

"We had our chances up front, but we took advantage of their mindset. They were determined to grab an equalizer - and so we frustrated them quite clearly with quick possession passes, and smart defensive moves. Everyone played a role today."

With another win, Wolves move up to 10th, only 5 points away from 9th place West Ham. Euro Giants, Manchester United come into Molineaux Stadium next weekend.

The table toppers are on an incredible stretch in all competitions so far - and the papers obviously have United seeing the match against Wolves a 'warm-up' to Chelsea on the FA Cup weekend.

Next Match: v Manchester United (Home) - 1st, 59 pts

 

[Matt10]

Fixture: 29
Wolves v Manchester United

1-0
Evra (OG) 43'
-----
Caution: None​

Evra's embarrasment, Wolves fortune
Molineaux bears witness to improbable victory

Johnson Peoples, wolves.co.uk

As everyone expected, United boss, Sir Alex Ferguson, opted to play a "B" squad versus Wolves. What was not expected was the hosts to win the match.

Wolves, of course were quite fortunate in the 43rd minute when Patrice Evra's intended clever backpass to Van Der Sar, ended up sliding between the keeper's legs for an embarrasing own goal.

United seemed determined in the second half, but the pairing of Michael Owen and Frederico Macheda was one the Wolves defenders had no trouble defending.

Up front, the tall stature of Stefan Maierhofer was complimented well by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and the ever elusive midifelder, Lam Matteo. Matteo played the role of distributor, leading some well placed through balls time and time again - but the strikers were unable to convert.

Owen Coyle's reputation continues to improve, and the manager of course gives credit where credit is due.

"The lads have done nothing but do as I've asked. They are disciplined and understand that to become a championship team in the premier league takes more than just class - it takes guts and hard work, I feel we played that way tonight - even if it was not us gracing the back of the net."

Next Match: v Arsenal (Away) - 18th, 29 pts

 

[Tearz49ers]

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?

 

[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]​