Craddock fires Wolves warning

Craddock: Wants defensive improvement

We can't worry about the position we're in, we should just keep playing the football.

Jody Craddock
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Jody Craddock admits Wolves must cut out their 'sloppy' errors if they are to beat the drop this season.

The 34-year-old skipper's warning comes after Wolves were on the receiving end of a hiding at home as Arsenal brushed the promoted club aside, leaving Molineux with a 4-1 victory and maximum points while the hosts slipped into the bottom three.

But the Gunners were in a game in the opening exchanges, with Mick McCarthy's West Midlanders bossing the contest, before the visitors grabbed a quick-fire two-goal lead courtesy of own goals by Ronald Zubar and Craddock.

And the veteran Wanderers stalwart has told his team-mates it is essential they avoid another defensive nightmare in the next fixture after the forthcoming international break - quite an ask as they face league leaders Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Sloppy

"We started well but gave away a poor goal and that gave Arsenal the emphasis to push the ball around," said Craddock, who managed to grab a late consolation in Saturday evening's mauling.

"But the first 20 minutes was positive until they got sloppy goals which could have been avoided.

"If we'd stopped the first goal it could have been a different game.

"We were trying hard, we were trying to get back into that game but it was difficult.

"We have another massive one coming up against Chelsea so we have to put this behind us and work to the next game.

"We can't worry about the position we're in, we should just keep playing the football.

"We can survive. We have a good bunch of lads who are hard working but we know it's not going to be easy."

Praise

Carlo Ancelotti's Blues may be setting the pace this term, but Wolves midfielder David Edwards reckons Arsenal are definite contenders for the title this year after experiencing first-hand the qualities of Arsene Wenger's outfit.

Although the Wales international confessed the Gunners are the best team he has ever played against for club or country, the 23-year-old echoed his captain's verdict that Wanderers should have defended better at the weekend.

Edwards said: "I've played international games and whatever and that's by far the best team I've ever played against.

"They pass and move the ball so well and I am sure that the spectators here at Molineux won't see a better team here this season.

"But as good as they were, we were responsible for our own downfall.

"We should have done better - the goals that cost us were our own fault."