Shropshire Star

Angry Paul Lambert criticises Wolves performance

Paul Lambert said Wolves were second best and fell well below his standards after they were comfortably beaten at Bristol City.

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An opener from Jamie Paterson and two goals from Tammy Abraham either side of half time helped the Robins to a 3-1 victory at Ashton Gate.

Wolves briefly rallied when Jon Dadi Bodvarsson pulled a goal back - his first strike in seven months - but it was too little, too late.

And an angry Lambert said: "We were second best.

"I can't stand here and really be critical because we've been in incredible form and pulled away.

"But I don't expect that standard, I expect a lot higher standards and we fell short.

"If Dicko's (ninth minute) chance goes in it becomes a different game, but we were too passive, too slow, not aggressive enough with and without the ball. We got what we deserved.

"You certainly learn a lot of things from players, who can do what and who can't do it.

"There are a lot of things there that you see.

"You have to have standards - when you fall below those standards, you feel it.

"We've played a lot of games, the form is really high and that's difficult to sustain every time, you will get beat in certain moments.

"You bounce back as quick as you can, you don't dwell on it. Brighton will be a great game for us (at Molineux on Friday), a big crowd.

"But we certainly can't turn up like that and be 'do you know what lads, we've done a job and look forward to next season', no, my standards are high."

There were a couple of positives despite the defeat, with Bodvarsson's goal and a first professional start for 17-year-old Morgan Gibbs-White, who replaced a rested Ivan Cavaleiro in the starting line-up.

Lambert said of the pair: "Cav was feeling the effects of the amount of games he's played since coming back from his injury.

"I decided to put Morgan in and I think I can handle it.

"The pass for Dicko was an exceptional pass. I'm delighted for him getting his first start but it's not a gift or a prize for him...I think he can do it. He's a really big talent, 17 years old, it's great for the future of the club.

"It was good for Bodvarsson to score. Seven months, for a striker...it's good for him and his confidence. Nobody ever questions his work rate because it's terrific.

"If Jon could add some goals for himself as well as the team he'll be a better player for it."

Helder Costa missed the game with an ankle injury but Lambert is hopeful he'll be fit for the Brighton clash.

Wolves remain 11 points clear of the bottom three, with their rivals having just five games to catch them up.

Safety, therefore, is all-but assured. So what does the boss want to see from Wolves' final six fixtures?

"Winning games," he said. "You can see the crowd today, brilliant. You're a professional footballer and your job is to win games, it doesn't matter if it's the last game of the season or the first game.

"That's the main thing for me, to win matches. And if you can entertain, great."

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