Wolves: Sky Sports journalist slams Costa, Podence, Gomes and Jimenez’s cameo appearances

Journalist Sam Blitz has blasted the Wolves quartet of Daniel Podence, Diego Costa, Raul Jimenez and Joao Gomes for their second-half displays.
The Lowdown: Wolves struggle in the final third again
It looked as though Wolves had turned a corner under Julen Lopetegui in terms of scoring goals – something they’d struggled with under Bruno Lage – having netted five in the previous two matches.
However, yesterday’s slog against Bournemouth certainly brought them back down to earth at Molineux as they managed just four shots on target in the entire game despite having 67% possession (FBRef).
That suggests Wolves were – once again – dominant in their build-up play but were let down by their more attack-minded players with that result seeing them get dragged right back into a relegation scrap.
The Latest: Lopeteguis’ changes fail to make an impact.
Blitz analysed the encounter post-match and between Podence, Costa, Jimenez and Gomes they have just one goal since January 14th so they were unlikely to make an impact and certainly didn’t.
He said: ‘You can also look at the substitutes that Lopetegui brought on this Saturday. Daniel Podence, Diego Costa, Raul Jimenez and Joao Gomes were all brought off the bench – but all of them looked below par and only one of them has scored since January 14.’
The Verdict: Attacking woes persist
Wolves struggling in the final third is nothing unusual as last season they finished in the bottom four for goals scored and this term they have found the back of the net just 17 times which puts them in the bottom two.
However, the fact that three Premier League proven players and a new signing in Gomes couldn’t make an impact against a Bournemouth side who hadn’t kept an away clean sheet all season should set alarm bells ringing.
It’s not just that these Wolves attack-minded players failed to make an impact in the final third and rescue at least a point for the hosts, but they also only managed to record 59 touches between them during their second-half appearances which also shows a lack of willingness to get on the ball and make something happen.
