McCarthy’s side face Birmingham next
Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has warned his side there can be no repeat of their 3-0 defeat at Stoke if they are to avoid relegation.
The defeat left them in the bottom three, a point shy of safety with four games remaining.
“We’re in a scrap for Premier League survival,” McCarthy told the BBC.
“But we don’t have a chance if we play like that. My teams usually compete better than that. We were bullied and beaten by the better team.”
Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play.
Wolves fell behind to a Kenwyne Jones goal after 16 minutes before Ryan Shawcross doubled the lead in first-half stoppage time.
Jermaine Pennant rounded off the scoring on a comfortable night for the FA Cup finalists with a goal shortly after the interval.
“Whatever shape we play, we generally stop the opposition far, far better than that,” added McCarthy, whose side travel to Midlands rivals Birmingham on Sunday.
“We’ve had a dreadful time recently – one point from four games.
“I won’t make excuses, I’m just looking about for reasons. Funny to go from the Aston Villa performance their last league victory to four performances like that.”
Stoke’s victory took them to 42 points, which virtually assures them of their Premier League survival.
Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play.
“It was a big game for us tonight,” Stoke boss Tony Pulis reflected.
“The players’ attitude and application towards the job was fantastic. The first half was as good as we have played in the Premier League.
“We hope our status is guaranteed now. To get to a fourth season in the Premier League and reach the FA Cup final is quite a remarkable journey.
“This club and this team is a lot better that the team that came in. We have gradually improved.”
Read this article:
Stoke bullied Wolves – McCarthy