We’re now in the third round of the FA Cup, so it’s naturally not as impressive to score a lot of goals against Shrewsbury Town as any other Premier League team. – But still it is gratifying that the Norwegian striker has found his scoring foot again and that Wolverhamoton wins the match.
Jørgen Strand Larsen had not scored in his 13 previous games for Wolves and today he served up his first hat-trick for Wolves.
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Jhon Arias also scores before halftime. John Marquis converts penalties for Shrewsbury. – Rodrigo Gomes and Tolu Arokodare complete the easy victory in the FA Cup.
Striker Jørgen Strand Larsen’s hat-trick ended his goal drought for Wolves as he fired them past League Two side Shrewsbury and into the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Jhon Arias also netted before conceding a penalty that John Marquis scored and briefly gave the visitors hope, before Rodrigo Gomes and Tolu Arokodare added late goals to complete the 6-1 scoreline.
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The win made it four games in a row without defeat for Rob Edwards’ side – having lost 12 games in a row in all competitions – as Wolves found some momentum in their miserable season, sitting bottom of the Premier League 14 points from safety.
Strand Larsen – who Wolves are open to selling this month – tipped the ball into the net after nine minutes, before Arias added a second goal shortly after. – It will be easier to sell now that the goals have started to come again, but the real test will come in just over a week when Wolverhampton take on Newcastle, who are among the clubs interested in buying Strand Larsen at the Molineux Stadium.
With 66 places separating the teams, Wolves were in control, but Marquis’ penalty, after Arias felled the attacker, reduced the deficit.
However, there was no backlash when goalkeeper Elyh Harrison gave Strand Larsen a second goal by passing to the striker, who found the empty goal from 30 meters.
Strand Larsen then completed his hat-trick in the second half when he cranked in a shot from Arias’ pass, before Rodrigo Gomes and Tolu gave the result a final touch with two late goals.
BBC’s Wolves analysis: Perfect match for the hosts and Strand Larsen.
If this is Strand Larsen’s last Wolves goal, he can at least leave the club with a repaired relationship with the fans.
Wolves are willing to sell him this month, based on interest from Nottingham Forest, following his poor form and deteriorating relationship with supporters.
He had only scored three goals for the club this season, so doubling that number against Shrewsbury is a much-needed stroke of luck.
The supporters who have targeted him, under the mistaken assumption that the striker doesn’t care after missing out on a move to Newcastle in the summer, chanted his name at Molineux after he completed his three.
That would be exactly what manager Edwards would want – an in-form striker who scores goals that could revive his season.
It could be at Molineux or somewhere else, with the transfer window open for another three weeks.
Edwards is willing to part ways with the striker, but only if it is right for the club – and they had to bring in a replacement, despite having Tolu in reserve.
It helped Wolves deal with the struggling League Two opponents, and with six goals, it gives them confidence and momentum, regardless of the opponent.
What’s next for these teams?
Wolves host Newcastle in the Premier League next Sunday before heading to Manchester City on January 24.
Shrewsbury will host their League Two endeavouring side Harrogate next Saturday and then travel to MK Dons on January 24.
