Relief

It wasn’t convincing, it wasn’t pretty, and at times in that first half, it was downright unwatchable unpleasantness. We looked exactly like what we are- a team looking for cohesion and form, heads still on the beaches of ‘beefa, or on summer moves that could have been.

But a win’s a win, so let’s not labour the point and be thankful that in the end, we were slightly less unconvincing than they were. Bale on the right doesn’t work, but Bale trotting out without a brain in that leaky sponge bag between his ears is even more disabling. He’s going to have to work hard this year to become the player we all hoped he was turning into.

Palacios feeds Crouch to score the breakthrough goal in an evenly fought contest… is something you will never have read. Proof, as if it were needed, that quality begets quality, and the replacements of the formerly mentioned produced it. Adebayor looked a bit rusty, but he had some clever touches and all the signs are there for us being in for a treat if we can keep him fit. Our entire attacking set up this season will be based around him. Captain Combover too, was full of snap and snarl, and the previously mentioned assist was more impressive for it’s industriousness; clearing danger one minute, up supporting the forward the next. The word ‘leadership’ was bandied about in the wake of the two Manchester debacles, but with this chap and hopefully a bit more Ledley to come, it’s something we won’t have to worry too much about. Every time a camera was on him, he was growling out orders. Good stuff.

It was nice to see Levy in the stands at Wolves, and nice to see his smiling face when his new boys done the business. ‘What a clever and shrewd man I am’, said young Daniel, pleased with his summers work. I didn’t however, see any shots of his face when it inevitably dawned on him that all this, for a little more bravery, could (and should) have been his last year as well. Ho hum. To his credit, also on show was his refusal to take money for a player that we had no hope of replacing for any amount of money. The Croatian was excellent as always.

It was a pleasant surprise to see Ledley back in the starting line-up, and even if the performance won’t go down as one of his finest, his presence was enough to ensure that all around him kept their heads long enough to see us safely home. A clean sheet as well; we’re just better when he plays. Despite moments of powder-puff delicacy, Kranjcar came up with one (one and a half?) assist to set Defoe off on what we all hope will be some sort of run for a striker who’s been pretty diabolique for too long. For all the raggedy, nervous dross of the first half, we settled down in the second and once the first goal went in, the sense of relief more than anything was palpable, and we never looked like letting the lead slip.

Just a quick word on the Adebayor interview that appeared on MOTD. There was a good 3 minutes of interview footage, which you can see in full on the BBC sport website, including him saying how he was honoured to be representing a club such as ours with a proud history and tradition etc, but they instead chose to pick out 20 seconds of him delivering positive comments about his previous employers at le arse. Surely somebody was on a wind up? I reckon the resident Spurs fan was allowed to edit the arse/Swansea game (''If it weren’t for the Swansea fans this place would be quieter than Islington library''- learlz), and the resident goon got to butcher the Adebayor interview. Either way, poor show from Auntie, sensationalist nonsense is best left to your pals at Sky. Must do better.

Molin-Me, Molineux. Ah-ha!

What do you mean it doesn’t make any sense? Whatev’s.

This should be where we begin to amble into focus, allowing us a modicum of perspective in light of the 2 heavy defeats we’ve already suffered to the sides that will probably be duking it out at the top for the lion-topped silver goblet at seasons end. Wolves, far from being an easy proposition, nevertheless represent our most realistic chance yet to post some prime premier pointage. I say ‘should’… *Spurs related lamentation*…you know the rest.

With new faces comes new hope among our lot. For those who didn’t think he was good stuff already, Scott Parker got himself a MOTM in that groovy black England jersey to celebrate his escape from the East End, and show us what we’ve been missing so far this season. His skill set and personality traits should be just the ticket for tomorrows dust up. Adebayor as well, yearning for the comfort of a loving home after losing his way a little should be Keane like Robbie to make a good impression on his new foster club. He’s famed for starting quickly, and he’ll need to if we’re going to get more goals than them.

New faces to old faces, as our midfield will be facing none other than former Ramos favourite Jamie O’Hara. They say you are what you eat, and followers of his twitter account will know he’s partial to a bit of Nobu. Despite being a bit of a twit, I always quite liked Jamie and his Essex boy snarl, and have seen poorer players retained during his loan stints and subsequent perma-tran to the olden golden of Wolverhampton. His comments about hoping Spurs get knocked out of the F.A.Cup in the hope he’d get to play for Pompey in the final didn’t do him any favours, and the granting of that wish was probably the final nail in his Tottenham career coffin. Still, he’s a decent technician with an attitude befitting his new surroundings and will be one to watch. Especially from range.

Not usually one for line-ups, but it’s fun writing the new lads names down, so lets have a go: BBB, Walker, Dawson, Kaboul, BAE, Livermore, Modric, Parker, Bale, Kranjcar, Adebayor in a sort of 4-2-3-1 type dealey. If that’s too radical, take out Livermore and Krankie for Lennon and Defoe. Either way, I’m sure I’ll be wrong.

3 points, if you'd be so kind.