The team is growing

Head Coach reflects on another dramatic Molineux afternoon

Paul Lambert believes Wolves are starting to build some momentum after a dramatic win over Bristol City at Molineux.

Having led 1-0 through Dave Edwards, Wolves missed several chances to extend their lead before City took control before half time thanks to goals from Tammy Abraham and Aden Flint.

But Wolves rallied and levelled through a great goal from Helder Costa before Ivan Cavaleiro emphatically despatched a penalty into the top corner on 84 minutes.

There was still time for more drama with two last gasp clearances from Matt Doherty and Richard Stearman to secure a first home win since the end of September.

“I think we deserved the win, I thought we were excellent,” said Lambert.

“Even in the first half, I couldn’t believe we were 2-1 down.

“The entertainment value over the last two home games has been unbelievable.

“With the chances we created, and how exciting we looked going forward was fantastic.

“That is what people want to come and watch football for.

“And then you get a crowd like that generating that atmosphere – I would rather go through that than just get a 1-0.

“I know the game is about winning but that is great to see.

“I think we are definitely a good side which is growing – small steps at times but we are growing.

“We have got some terrific flair players.

“We need one or two to help them in January but the way this club is going at the minute it is an incredible feeling.

“We are a million miles away from where I want to be – but I also think we are so far advanced from the team which started in August.

“Sometimes when you have that momentum and feeling it can take you a long way but we still need a bit of help.

“I thought our general game and some of the football we played was outstanding.”

Lambert also believes the officials got the big second half decisions right in terms of the penalty award and not awarding a goal to City in the final seconds.

“I have seen the penalty incident again,”

“And I think it is the reaction from the lad who handles the ball which makes the decision – it is what he does.

“The incident at the end, that is not over the line.

“It is unfortunate we don’t have goalline technology to decide but I certainly don’t think it was in.”

Lambert was again pleased with the attacking of his front four with Costa and Cavaleiro on target for the second successive game.

“It was a brilliant goal from Helder – he has been great,” said the Head Coach.

“And nerves of steel from Cavaleiro for the penalty.

“I have always wanted my teams to have flair.

“We have flair players so we have to get the best out of them and the front four at the minute are playing at the top of their game.

 “Helder, Ivan and Nouha going forward are always a threat going forward and Bright is growing into it as well.

“Helder and Ivan are really talented players.

“It takes seasoned pros in their situation a long time to adjust so it is going to take younger players a bit longer.

“In my time they have been absolutely fantastic.

“We have had to install it in the lads to be able to work up and down the pitch.

“I think this football dictates that however quick you are going forward your legs can go just as quick going the other way.

“Those two lads have been excellent and have started to get a grip and it and their talent is without question.”

Lambert also explained his decision to leave Romain Saiss out of the 18-man squad.

“It was a tough one to leave him out,” he said.

“I did it because we are going to be without him for at least a month or so at the African Nations Cup.

“That is going to be a blow because he has done well for us and is a terrific lad and I spoke to him before the match about it.

“Mason coming back softened the blow a little bit.”

Lambert was also delighted again with the post-match scenes as the players got involved with the Icelandic Viking clap led by Jon Dadi Bodvarsson.

“I love all that at the end - that interaction between the crowd and the players,” he said.

“If you can generate that it can be special and an unbelievable place to play your football.”