Wolves 2-2 Blackburn Rovers - key takeaways from late draw

Tony Mowbray’s side had fought back after Marshall Munetsi’s opener to lead through goals from Sean McLoughlin and Andri Gudjohnsen.

But Rovers were dealt a cruel blow at the death when Ryan Alebiosu was judged to have handled in the box and Rual Jimenez slotted home from the spot.

Here are The Lancashire Telegraph’s key takeaways from an encouraging display in the Black Country

Penalty controversy

Jimenez’s late spot kick was tough to take after a resilient display on the road against one of the early promotion favourites.

Alebiosu cannot have many complaints about the handball call, stopping Jackson Tchatchoua’s cross with his arm away from his body.

But the defender can certainly feel hard done by with the decision to award a penalty, especially at such a key stage of the game.

Watching the incident back on replays, it is still difficult to judge whether his arm was outside the box or on the line.

It would even have been a difficult call to make in the Premier League, with the various angles and slow-motion footage of VAR.

Positive signs

Perhaps the main issue to address from last season was Rovers’ lack of threat in the final third, whether that was creating chances or putting them away.

Only Sheffield Wednesday managed fewer goals in the Championship last season, and it was ultimately Rovers’ defensive stubbornness that kept them in the division.

But Mowbray’s men looked dangerous going forward at Molineux and produced a couple of moments of quality either side of half time.

Andri Gudjohnsen celebrates his goal (Image: CameraSport - Andrew Kearns)

First, Ryoya Morishita delivered a pinpoint cross and McLoughlin did the rest with a clinical header across the goalkeeper. It was the centre-back’s first goal in English football.

Then, Rovers had a dream start to the second half. Morishita was involved again before finding Dapo Afolayan, whose cross was steered home by Gudjohnsen from close range.

It was an encouraging display from Afolayan, who had to be patient for opportunities following his move from St Pauli in January.

The winger looked lively throughout the contest, whether he was cutting in from the left and going for goal or making the most of his freedom to drift across the pitch.

Some supporters might have expected Jayden Fevrier to come into the starting line-up after his late winner at the Pirelli Stadium, but Afolayan certainly justified his selection.

Right-hand side

Morishita and Alebiosu combined effectively down the right flank and caused the hosts plenty of problems.

Both players enjoyed successful first seasons at Ewood Park after arriving from Poland and Belgium respectively.

Morishita played in a more central role at times last term but Mowbray seems to view him as a wide man in the current system.

That role perhaps allows the Japanese international to showcase his dribbling ability more often, and he clearly has the quality required from crossing positions.

Dapo Afolayan wins a header (Image: CameraSport - Andrew Kearns)

And it was more of the same from Alebiosu, who used his energy and athleticism to make an impact at both ends of the pitch. The penalty call shouldn’t take the gloss off a performance which saw him pick up Sky’s Man of the Match award.

The partnership down the right could be a dangerous weapon for Rovers this season, and it will only flourish with more time playing together.

Clinical Gudjohnsen

Gudjohnsen has had the perfect start to the new campaign following his return from injury, with a couple of poacher’s finishes from close range.

The Iceland international had a promising start at Ewood Park before his campaign was cut short, scoring seven times.

If Rovers are to improve their numbers in the final third, it seems like Gudjohnsen will have a big part to play.

Having a forward with a knack for getting in the right places to score - even if they aren’t always the prettiest goals – can make a huge difference over the course of the season.

With Yuki Ohashi in the mix, and Mathias Jorgensen still to return from injury, Rovers arguably have the quality they need in the final third and now the aim is to make sure they keep supplying the front trio.

Late goals

Rovers were one of the worst offenders for conceding late goals in the Championship last season and, even thought there was an element of controversy on this occasion, it is a habit Mowbray and company will be keen to stamp out.

It was a disciplined defensive effort until stoppage time, restricting Wolves to few chances of note despite their plethora of attacking talent on the pitch.

Even the opening goal came out of the blue. One killer pass, and a clever run from midfield, carved the backline open and Munesti made no mistake with a cool finish past the onrushing Balazs Toth.

Toth didn’t have much to do at Molineux. He only made one save, according to the official stats, but even that was routine from a header.

Wolves’ only spell of sustained pressure came just before the break, and even then they were largely restricted to efforts from outside the box.

As mentioned, that defensive stubbornness served Rovers well last season and Mowbray will be keen to preserve it while trying to implement a more attack-minded brand of football. It is not an easy balance to find, though.

One player who will bring that steel is Sam Morsy, who was introduced from the bench 10 minutes into the second half for his debut in blue and white.

Mowbray had spoken about wanting to add experience and leadership to the squad, and the 34-year-old brings those qualities in spades.

Moreover, he has plenty of family from the local area and knows exactly what football means around these parts.