Danny Batth revealed his pride in Wolves’ performance after an impressive 2-0 win at Newcastle on Saturday that provided the perfect response to the previous defeat against Barnsley.
Wolves’ late collapse led to a shock 4-0 defeat at home to the Tykes on Tuesday, on the same night as Newcastle were putting six past Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road.
That was the Magpies’ sixth successive victory, and fifth without conceding a goal, so there weren’t many fancying Wolves’ chances at St James’ Park.
But Wolves confounded the odds with a superb performance, an own goal in the first half and Helder Costa strike in the second sealing a thoroughly deserved victory.
“I think this was an inspired performance after Tuesday,” said the captain.
“The players, the staff, everyone felt responsible, and were very angry about the performance.
“It was important at Newcastle that everyone came together and came out fighting and I thought we showed great character.
“There was a real attention to detail tactically, some brilliant defending and some great saves from Kemes, and we earned the clean sheet.
“We were back to basics to a certain extent.
“There wasn’t too much possession football around the back and we didn’t invite Newcastle on to us.
“But we asked questions of them up front and I think they struggled to keep hold of Big Jon and Costa.
“It was a great performance and a great day because the odds were stacked against us.
“People were looking at the scores on Tuesday – we lost 4-0 and Newcastle won six and people thought there would be a big gap between the teams.
“But we showed the spirit and the character and the quality that Wolves have got.
“We came here in positive mood and wanted to turn the page over from Tuesday,
“The message from the gaffer today was spot on and tactically we were brilliant.
“It was a great result and a big three points but we have shown a lot of quality and determination and I am very proud of the team.”
With a sellout away following of over 3,000 at Newcastle, Batth says the players recognised the importance of giving them something to cheer, and believes getting the first breakthrough was vital.
“After Tuesday, with a few words said in the dressing room by myself and other people, it was clear we all wanted to make a good impression today,” he added.
“A lot of fans had paid good money to come and watch us, and it was important we gave them something to cheer.
“The intensity, determination and character was there for all to see and I was proud of the team.
“To lay the first glove by getting that first goal was vital and got us onto the front foot.
“Credit to the manager and the staff, we had a gameplan and it really came off.
“It was a fierce game and these are the games you want to play in growing up.
“Newcastle away, great stadium, big club, but we wanted to show what Wolves are about as well.
“We are also a big club, and we went out and weren’t intimidated.
“We stamped our authority on the game and the boys in the midfield were excellent.”
With Wolves back at St James’ Park in the EFL Cup on Tuesday night, and then quickfire league fixtures to follow against Brentford, Wigan and Norwich, Batth says the quality and character shown on Saturday has to become the norm.
“This is an indication of what can happen if we get things right on the day,” he explained.
“We have got to do it more often and be more consistent.
“This has to be the bar and level of performance from every Wolves team whoever is in the team, whether it is home or away, and whether it is Newcastle or Barnsley.
“If we can do that and do it regularly we have got a chance of being involved at the top end of the division.”
