Wolves 0-1 Nottingham Forest: The star who controlled the game, how Rob Edwards' side could set an unwanted Premier League record - and why VAR should be scrapped for a season
Igor Jesus' header was enough to give Nottingham Forest victory at Wolves and condemn the hosts to an eighth straight Premier League defeat.
Jesus nodded home in the 72nd minute, capitalising on an error from Sam Johnstone to give Sean Dyche's men all three points.
Wolves remain without a win this season and are rooted to the bottom of the table, with the appointment of Rob Edwards so failing to ignite a campaign that appears to be heading for the Championship.
Daily Mail Sport's TOM COLLOMOSSE analyses the talking points from the clash at Molineux.
Give VAR a season off
Good old VAR. Even when it is right, the system still manages to annoy everyone, and it is time to give the technology a season off.
A little more than a year ago, Wolves’ proposal to scrap VAR was swiftly dismissed by rival clubs. Yet there is little love for it among supporters and few would argue it has improved the spectacle.
Igor Jesus' first-half goal was ruled out after a VAR check with Dan Ndoye adjudged to have been offside
Jesus eventually put Forest in front 18 minutes from time after a mistake by Sam Johnstone
So if getting rid of it completely is off the table, how about a halfway measure, where we do without it for a season? Everyone would know where they stood and at the end of the campaign, clubs could vote again on whether to reintroduce it, based not only on the percentage of correct decisions but on the overall experience.
It won’t happen, of course. Vested interests are too great and at the start of next season, the Premier League suits will present their latest measures designed to improve VAR. And as most match-going fans could tell you, they are unlikely to make a significant difference.
VAR is like the busybody at the cinema who talks throughout the film and spoils the enjoyment for the rest of us. When Igor Jesus headed home Omari Hutchinson’s corner in the first half, it was clear from replays that Dan Ndoye was obstructing Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone. So why did the officials need nearly five minutes to chalk the goal off?
Jesus did claim his goal in the end, with his 72nd-minute header from Omari Hutchinson’s cross giving Forest all three points and leaving Wolves winless after 14 games, and without a goal in three games under new boss Rob Edwards. On the winner, at least, VAR could have no arguments.
Anderson the main man again
When – and it surely is a question of when – Elliot Anderson leaves Nottingham Forest next summer, he will not be accepting a supporting role at his new club.
Now a regular for England, Anderson strolled around Molineux as though he owned the place. He has the keys to this team now.
Elliot Anderson strolled around the pitch like he owned the place in another impressive display
Rob Edwards' side are still without a win in the Premier League and are rooted to the bottom
Anderson was excellent in the middle and his exchange with Ndoye during the first half was telling. Annoyed with his team-mates positioning, Anderson shoved him out of the way as he tried to collect the ball. He continued berating Ndoye at the next break in play, and as the players headed off at half-time. Earlier, Anderson had bellowed at the fourth official as he felt fouls on him were going unpunished.
This lad not only has the skills to thrive at a top club. He has the personality too. Watching his progress will be a thrilling ride.
Edwards’ thankless task
It took a little less than half an hour for the Wolves crowd to turn on owners Fosun – much longer than has usually been required this season.
Before that, though, they had vented their frustration at Wolves’ imprecise football, with Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Jackson Tchatchoua among those targeted.
Edwards chose to leave a Championship promotion race with Middlesbrough to come to the club of his heart. Now, he needs help. He must be backed with sensible signings in January, otherwise Wolves may gain fewer points than Derby in 2007-08. The Rams’ total of 11 stands alone in Premier League history but it is starting to look under serious threat.
