Something in the Making: Lam Matteo

[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
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*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.
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[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
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[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.
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[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.
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[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
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[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)

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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
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[Matt10]

Fixture: 1
Wolves v Newcastle

2-3
Islero 34'
Keogh 50'
Smith 51'
Keogh 53'
Geremi 85'
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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."
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[Matt10]

Fixture: 2
Birmingham City v Wolves

2-1
Phillips 1'
McSheffrey 3'
Matteo 4'
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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."

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[Matt10]

Fixture: 4
Aston Villa v Wolves

2-1

Doyle 49'
Delfouneso 69'
Delfouneso 84'
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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."
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[Matt10]

Fixture: 5
West Brom v Wolves

2-3
Luke Moore 2'
Ebanks-Blake 31'
Teixeira 54'
Keogh 62'
Matteo 79'
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Caution: None​

Super deflection
Matteo's great positioning results in first win of 2019 for Wolves

Johnson Peoples, wolves.co.uk

Match highlights (yes, icon of WBA is wrong)

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"We pressed on and it paid off. I am proud of our fight today."

Next Match: v West Ham (Home) - 4th, 10 pts

Mr. 7.0
Matteo gets best rating for Wolves

After assisting two goals and then scoring the match winner - who could argue?

"Yup, the boot change worked - I played great today, and was very confident when I had the ball."
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[Matt10]

Fixture: 6
Wolves v West Ham United

3-0
Keogh 7'
Matteo 14'
Matteo 73'
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Caution: Behrami (West Ham)​

Wolves dominate at home
Lam Matteo continues incredible form

Johnson Peoples, wolves.co.uk

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"There are things you just cannot teach a player - a gifted player such as Matteo - he singlehandedly created this win - and that's not something a manager will admit often."

Table Position: 14th, 6 pts
Next Match: v Burnley (Away) - 12th, 6 pts

Out of this world
Who said #13 is an unlucky number?

The winning goal last week, now two goals and an assist - could it get any better?

"We are a strong side - and teams need to fear us. Look what we just did to the fourth place team - I won't let use drop under the top 10 this season - it's time to make a difference."
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[Matt10]

Fixture: 7
Burnley v Wolves

1-2
Maierhofer 8'
Own Goal, Mears 56'
Gudjonsson 85'
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Caution: None​

Wolves great fortune continues
Tyrone Mears own goal proves winner at Molineaux

Johnson Peoples, wolves.co.uk

Wolves jumped three spots in the table after their victory against 12th place Burnley tonight. All thanks from Molineaux Stadium went towards Burnley defender, Tyrone Mears...

"We held a great sense of composure tonight - our opening goal was well designed with the big man scoring - and of course the constant pressure resulted in their mistake - and us with the points."

Table Position: 11th, 9 pts
Next Match: v Blackburn (Home) - 12th, 9 pts

Good Showing
NOthing to write home about

After a bit blazing form - Matteo shows he's human

"Making my mark every single game, whether it gets on the sheet or not."
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[Matt10]

Fixture: 8
Wolves v Blackburn

1-2
Keogh 29'
McCarthy 37'
McCarthy 69'
-----
Caution: None​

Sweet Benni ruins Wolves momentum
Blackburn forward scores double in win away from home

Johnson Peoples, wolves.co.uk

Andy Keogh opened the match with a tight finish from a tight angle, but the Wolves defense were unable to contain the leagues best "pro", Benni McCarthy, as the South African notched two goals for his side...

"This wasn't the way we wanted to show the home side that we are a team to be feared. We let their players run circles around us - it was a definitely poor effort that I hope never shows itself again."

Table Position: 14th, 9 pts
Next Match: v Sunderland (Away) - 15th, 8 pts

Not Really There
Time for a shoe change?

Matteo is hoping to make a mark against Sunderland

"That loss hurt a bit - but the season is early and let's just hope we can avoid those type of displays."
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[Matt10]

Fixture: 9
Sunderland v Wolves

4-5
Karl Henry 14'
Rootz Eliquelo 21'
Bent 24'
Bent 35'
Matteo 44'
Iwelumo 47'
Bent 61'
Iwelumo 68'
Keogh 92'
-----
Caution: Bent (Sunderland) Bardlsey (Sunderland)​

Goalfest ends with Wolves victory
Second half sub Andy Keogh notches match winner

Johnson Peoples, wolves.co.uk

The Stadium of Light bore witness to one of the highest scoring matches all season - the victory marked an incredible comeback for Wolves. The side was down 3-1 at near the half time mark, but Lam Matteo's blast from outside the box equalized coming into the second half.

From there it was Darren Bent who scored a hat-trick in the match, Bent scored the last goal for Sunderland in the 61st minute.

Chris Iwelumo made the score 4-4 however seven minutes later after Matteo shot the ball within the box - but the deflection off Craig Gordon was met well by Iwelumo's header, and into the back of the net.

Kevin Doyle was subbed out for in-form Andy Keogh. Andrew Surman looped the ball over the Sunderland defense in stoppage time, and Keogh took advantage of the slippery surface that allowed the ball to skip into his path.

From there, the striker made no mistake and volleyed the ball into the far right corner of Gordon's goal - victory for the away side.

"Victories like today are the ones that prove we have geled as a team finally. I'm proud of our display - and the boys surely deserved this win - our goal is to continue this form and get into the top tier of the table."

Table Position: 11th, 12 pts
Next Match: v Arsenal (Away) - 15th, 10 pts

Scoring, but fatigued
The shoe change worked

Matteo showed high awareness in front of goal, and also defended superbly in today's game.

"I'm just happy we won the match - defending was not great, but we played our hearts out - glad I was able to grab a goal myself."


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[Matt10]

Fixture: 10
Arsenal v Wolves

2-1
Ebanks-Blake 6'
Rosicky 26'
Senderos 38'
-----
Caution: Hill (Wolves)
Sent Off: Matteo (Wolves) ​

Gunners put Wolves in place
Senderos scores improbably winner in first half

Johnson Peoples, wolves.co.uk

"It was a match of chances, ones that we feel should have been scored. Shame about Matteo's red card - I plan on appealing the infraction considerably. The next match against City is what will define us as a team - I hope we can regroup after this loss."

Table Position: 14th, 12 pts
Next Match: v Manchester City (Home) - 5th, 18 pts

Controversial
Footage results red card lifted

Matteo apparently had struck defender Ashley Cole with his head, but upon further review the FA Board have deemed the red card an "unjust" punishment when the striker simply tilted his head up skywards, not knowing Cole was directly behind him.

"I still don't know why Ashley (Cole) was so close to me...talk about close marking."
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[Matt10]

Fixture: 11
Wolves v Manchester City

2-3
Petrov 9'
Matteo 36'
Jarvis 53'
De Jong 64'
Robinho 87'
-----
Caution: None
Sent Off: Toure (Manchester City) ​

10-Man City recovers in victory
Robinho super sub nails late winner

Johnson Peoples, wolves.co.uk

"When Toure was sent off, I felt good - not great, but good. As soon as I saw Robinho enter the match, I knew they (Man City) were pressing for the win. It was a bold move on their part - but Robinho is a bold player, he sliced past the defense, and scored a wonder goal. Terrible result."

Table Position: 14th, 12 pts
Next Match: v Blackburn (Home) - Premiership Cup, Round 2, 1st Leg

What Goal? Big loss.
Matteo scored a beauty, but is indifferent

Despite scoring a cheeky left footed goal - Matteo has been seen quite upset.

"I guarantee you they would not have scored that goal if I were on the pitch - subbing me in the 70th minute - ridiculous. I'm not one to start anything - but that was frustrating."


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[Matt10]

Premiership Cup: Round 2, First Leg
Blackburn v Wolves

3-1
McCarthy 2'
Iwelumo 45'
McCarthy 67'
McCarthy 73'
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Caution: Doyle (Wolves)​

Sweet Benni's hatty beats Wolves
Bad string of performances increases for Coyle's men

Johnson Peoples, wolves.co.uk

"He couldn't be denied today. I'm not sure if we even saved one of his shots. Benni McCarthy is becoming an incredible players with age - he's the equivalent of Steady Teddy (Sheringham) at this point. We have some work to do for the next leg - and it will not be an easy match against Pompey in a couple of days."

Table Position: 14th, 12 pts
Next Match: v Portsmouth (Away) - 15th, 12 pts

Good display, an assist.
Matteo gets most impressive and a 7.0

Only had 2 shots all game, all on target though. His through pass to Chris Iwelumo was precise..

"We are trying our best to get our form together - it's a shame the boss won't play me up top."
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[Matt10]

Matteo rested, back for second leg
Tireless, finally got a break

Owen Coyle opted to rest Matteo, who had shown some visual signs of "utter" fatigue - but the midfielder/striker is now ready to go to try to combat the 3-1 deficit from the first leg.

"It's good to feel energetic again, I'm sure we will put up a good fight against Blackburn, and hopefully advance."​

 

[Matt10]

Premiership Cup: Round 2, Second Leg
Wolves v Blackburn

1-2
Matteo 44'
Emerton 50'
Roberts 63'
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Caution: Diouf (Blackburn)​

Wolves beaten 5-2 on Aggregate, eliminated
Struggling continues for usnure Coyle and Wolves

Johnson Peoples, wolves.co.uk

Even though there was a strong 3-1 cushion against them, it seemed that when Lam Matteo scored the opening goal in Molineaux, that his celebration was too much.

Blackburn continued to press on after the first half goal, and Brett Emerton found himself open in the box - neatly finishing. Jason Roberts is the super sub for Blackburn, and the pest for the Wolves defense considering they had to deal with Benni McCarthy yet again.

Roberts found himself on the scoresheet not too soon after entering the match - his powerful header left Murray no chance.

Final score on aggregate was 5-2, an incredible series performance by Blackburn - or just pathetic excuse of play by Wolves, Coyle feels it was the latter.

"We did not compete. You have matches where you're in it to win it - but this leg battle was not even one, we gave up before the match started."

Table Position: 15th, 16 pts
Next Match: v Manchester United (Away) - 6th, 27 pts

Opening goal
Matteo improves January resume

Blistering pace, left Rovers in shambles...

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