“I was very happy in the first half, not with the result but with how we played. We had control of the ball and stopped their high press. We had chances but we didn’t score and we spoke about keeping the same idea in the second half.

“We tried to keep going in our game plan and we did it by controlling the game with positioning and good progress with passes, trying to stop their high pressing. Then it was about getting in the box and taking corners and taking chances. The first half, I think, we played like we were speaking and I told them I like to watch our team playing like that. Of course the result is the most important. I think the way to get a good result is like that [in the first half].

“If I can take off the result, I can be happy. We played differently today than we did at Brentford and Man Utd. We controlled the game better but in the first half I told them I want to watch my team playing like that.

“The second half was a little bit different because the match was slower. We had three chances to score in the first half and two in the second. Maybe the fair result was a draw.

“In the second half the rhythm was going down. They were trying to waste time and we didn’t get our best performances trying to play like the first half. It was more difficult. They started the second half getting good chances, it was a good save from Emiliano. We tried to draw and change the match but we didn’t do it.

“They [Wolves] had chances in the second half and we had one very good chance but the key was to score and to try to take the game but we are still keeping chances. We are three points behind Tottenham but we play them at home next week and, in front of our supporters, we will try again and keep the European chance still open.

“They [Wolves] have to play to get off the bottom and they have a game plan at home. They scored quickly but we played the match by trying to keep calm and trying to make our passes to the box.

“We were playing at a high level and winning a lot of points but the last three matches away we played a bit worse. Today, we deserved more. That is the team I want to see in the first half.

“The result is disappointing but, overall, we have to be excited and the position we are in, we could not have dreamed of three months ago. We have to play three matches but the next match against Tottenham is our final.

“Overall, we are still making chances but we are disappointed. We appreciate the supporters and next week we will try to get to our target.

“After that match we will be frustrated a little bit but I think the way we were showing in the first half - it’s the way I want. Diego Carlos also coming back is good news after a long injury. It’s fantastic for the team and for him.

“Then we are still keeping chances for a European position. Of course after this result less but we are going to play against Tottenham next week, three points difference and at home, we have to be excited because three months ago we were thinking about a different target and now we have it [top half].

“Two weeks ago it was better for us, the possibilities [of Europe]. But still we can take it. We will play next week to try and really prepare and enjoy with our supporters at home because, for us, our season isn’t finished.

“I want to play matches like that. Like today, like last week against Manchester United and next week against Tottenham - playing for a new target in front. We will try for the European position and it’s true we have four finals - today we play one, we are reducing our chances but we still have chances for next week.

“I think today’s result is not for that [fatigue in a small squad]. I think we had some chances and we didn’t take them, playing maybe under less control of the game. We achieved some points but, today, we played better and we didn’t do it. I can change my idea and I think this is the way. I want to continue working in this way. To be competitive like we have been, sometimes it’s enough and sometimes it’s not enough. Today wasn’t enough. It was one goal from a set piece. Then we reduced their possibilities to attack our box.

“We reduced a lot by keeping ball possession, keeping good positioning and took control of the game with the ball and that is the way. We have to improve and add different tactical works. Each match is difficult. We are excited because even after this defeat we still have chances [for Europe].

“Manchester United last week and today, maybe we played better than some matches where we’ve won before. Sometimes we have to be clinical, of course. We have to improve as well being more competitive in moments in the game - for example today the two starts to the first half and second half. It was not good for us, they scored and had chances. This is one thing I want to analyse with the players. Overall, the game plan we did like we prepared for before.

“Tyrone’s chances were the best. We had more chances in the first half but were not as clear than Tyrone’s chances. But it’s football. The most important thing is how we can improve and do our way - try to be stronger in our structure, trying to get our style clearer. Today, in this process, we added something more but with the result it’s not completely.”

Unai Emery.


“We are a bit frustrated. We played pretty well and controlled much of the match but Wolves are string at home and a threat from set pieces. They made it difficult for us but we had our chances and on another day we could be going home with a point.

“It makes it tougher. It makes it extremely difficult now but we have three games left and we will try to win all three. We need to react positively and we will asses it the same way we assessed games in the positive run we were on.”

John McGinn.