Player ratings from Wolverhampton Wanderers’ agonising 1-1 draw away at Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.
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Wolverhampton Wanderers earned their first Premier League point of the season but were left heartbroken by a last-gasp Joao Palhinha goal in a 1-1 draw away at Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday evening.
Santi Bueno’s 54th-minute opener was so nearly enough to earn a famous victory in North London but Palhinha’s clinical strike deep in second half stoppage time shared the spoils at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
It was backs to the wall for Wolves in the first half, but it was level going into the interval. Mohammed Kudus went closest for Spurs, twice, as he saw a close-range header tipped onto the bar by Sam Johnstone and was denied an opening goal by the lineman’s flag. Wanderers’ only real chance of the first period came from the final touch as Matt Doherty glanced the woodwork from an Arias corner.
Wolves took a surprise lead after the break as Santi Bueno poked home from close range when Spurs failed to clear away from a terrific Arias corner. Tottenham goalkeeper Vicario punched the ball straight into teammate Palhinha and Bueno reacted quickest to convert, sending the travelling Molineux faithful into a frenzy on the opposite side.
Once Tottenham went behind, they strangely looked as if they were the ones defending a lead. Wolves enjoyed several spells of sustained possession and arguably looked the likeliest to score as Hugo Bueno had a drilled strike saved and the likes of Munetsi and Jackson Tchatchoua often charged forward on the transition.
But Spurs, motivated by the fourth official signalling six minutes of added time, upped the ante when it mattered and restored parity with one of the last kicks of the game. Mathys Tel’s cross was cushioned down by Pape Matar Sarr and Palhinha struck purely first time, finding the bottom right-hand corner to give Johnstone no chance.
Pereira and Wolves have been doubted plenty at the start of this season, and rightfully so given their hideous start, but the players fought hard as a unit to earn an important point. It will feel like a defeat given how late Spurs scored, but it’s a point nonetheless.
Wolves goalkeeper and defence ratings vs Spurs
Sam Johnstone - Given the nod ahead of Jose Sa, Johnstone proved his manager right as he made a heroic save in the first half to stop Kudus’ header from point-blank range. The former England international was also commanding when defending set pieces. He’ll be devastated to have conceded so late, but he was never stopping that. 7
Matt Doherty (off 46’) - ‘Doc’ was hooked at half time after a tricky first period up against Udogie and Simons. The experienced defender was booked for a clumsy late challenge on Udogie and it was too risky for him to continue. Doherty did make one outstanding sliding tackle to stop a low Udogie cross, though. 6
Santi Bueno - Santi opened his Wolves account with the crucial opening goal and it was well-earned as he was sublime defensively. The Uruguayan made several terrific sliding tackles and he was strong in the air. He’ll be another feeling hard done-by. 8*
Ladislav Krejci - Wolves’ summer signing put in another decent display, even if he wasn’t as imperious as he was against Everton. Krejci’s presence makes the defence look so much more comfortable, both in and out of possession. 7
Hugo Bueno - The Spaniard had a mixed game up against Kudus as he let the Spurs number 20 inside on a few too many occasions in the first half but jockeyed him well in the second. Bueno also made several important interceptions to stop counter-attacks. Bueno, who saw a decent shot saved in the second half, was positive with his forward passing but lacked with his crossing. 7
Wolves midfield and attack ratings vs Spurs
Andre - Assured again at the base of midfield, Andre won three or four tackles throughout and did well to pass and dribble out under pressure on several occasions. 7
Joao Gomes (off 63’) - Frustrated to come off when he did but protected against a potential incoming second yellow card, Gomes was composed when on the ball. His booking for wiping out Simons was sloppy, though, and he didn’t win enough of his duels (just 2/9 overall). 6
Marshall Munetsi - Munetsi marshalled Wolves in all areas - pardon the shameless pun - as he ran his socks off to disrupt Spurs’ rhythm in a demanding box-to-box midfield role. The Zimbabwean also did superbly when defending corners as he headed away five or six in total. 8
Jhon Arias (off 90+2’) - The Colombian couldn’t hit a barn door with his first flurry of set pieces but it was corner which led to the goal, whipped into the danger zone. Arias lacked with his decision-making in open play but worked hard to try and get involved in his fluid attacking midfield role. 6
Hwang Hee-chan (off 46’) - Hwang was pretty anonymous in the first half as he completed just nine passes and made only 19 touches. Although his pace gave Wolves a slight outlet, he ultimately couldn’t threaten. 5
Jorgen Strand Larsen (off 83’) - The striker was hardly involved, in truth, but it was positive to see him play 83 minutes as he steps up his sharpness following his Achilles tendon injury. 6
Wolves subs ratings vs Spurs
Jackson Tchatchoua (on 46’) - Energetic down the right, Tchatchoua was a handy out-ball and he made several great interceptions. 7
Emmanuel Agbadou (on 46’) - Dropped in favour of Krejci, Agbadou came on for the second half as Pereira changed to a back three. The Ivorian looked shaky in a few instances as he scuffed the ball back to Johnstone. He defended okay at times but still isn’t at his best. 6
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde (on 64’) - Bellegarde threw himself about and worked hard to help Wolves keep possession for a decent period. The Haiti international won all six of his ground duels. 7