Wolves lost 2-0 to Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday night – but there was one player who left a lasting impression on injured youngster Leon Chiwome.
Wanderers fell at Molineux against the Gunners but gave a battling performance.
Gary O’Neil‘s squad is really feeling the pinch at the moment, and the starting XI looked very different from usual at the weekend.
There were rare rests for Pablo Sarabia and Mario Lemina as they dropped to the bench. And Matheus Cunha, only just back from injury, was out with a new knock.
Arsenal won the game thanks to goals from Leandro Trossard and Martin Odegaard. But O’Neil was pleased with the efforts of his players and fans were also appreciative of the performance given how many key players were missing.
Against the Gunners, there was a first start for Tawanda Chirewa – and the youngster did well…
Leon Chiwome reacts after Tawanda Chirewa makes first start for Wolves against Arsenal
O’Neil rang the changes on Saturday, and Chirewa finally got his chance from the start at Molineux.
We have seen him come in late in games recently for Wolves, and he hasn’t really been able to make a substantial impact. It is always difficult for substitutes to make their mark late on – especially ones who barely have any Premier League experience.
But Chirewa started against Arsenal, and he gave a great account of himself.
He looked like he belongs at this level, and he seemed more comfortable as he was able to feel his way into the game, as opposed to being thrown on late.
He put himself about and linked up well with those around him, and also had a shot on target.
He was replaced by Sarabia in the closing stages, and he can certainly be proud of his contributions.
Chirewa posted about the game, and there was a show of support from his fellow attacker Leon Chiwome, who recently sustained a season-ending ankle injury.
He wrote ‘What a player’ on Chirewa’s Instagram post.
Chirewa did his first-team prospects no harm against Arsenal
O’Neil is having to turn to young players amid this spate of injuries at the moment, and it’s difficult for them to be thrown in at the deep end. But it’s just simply what has to happen right now.
We have seen Nathan Fraser and Chiwome get opportunities to start, and on Saturday it was Chirewa’s turn.
Chirewa can hold his head high. It cannot have been easy to play against a side pushing for the Premier League title, but he did not look out of place.
It’s very possible we could be seeing Chirewa head out on loan next season, with O’Neil surely keen to pack out his squad with a bit more experience and quality.
That said, Chirewa certainly didn’t do his starting prospects any harm.