Molineux News

Wolves may not have beaten Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, but there were still a lot of positives to take.

Vitor Pereira came so close to taking three huge points down in north London.

But Joao Palhinha’s last-gasp strike meant the game finished 1-1, with Wolves made to wait a little longer for their first victory in the Premier League.

But there were at least several great individual performances for Wolves.

Santiago Bueno has come in for much praise since the game, and he looks to have climbed to the top of the centre-backs pecking order now at Wolves.

And Lee Naylor and Andy Thompson both felt Andre was Wolves’ best player against Spurs, with the Brazilian starting to look back to somewhere near his best.

But Jhon Arias also shone, and Dave Edwards noted he was doing something fans often saw from Matheus Cunha.

Dave Edwards suggests Jhon Arias showcased Matheus Cunha trait vs Tottenham

It has been a bit of a slow start to life at Molineux for Arias.

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But perhaps that was always going to be the case. He arrived having played a lot of football already this year for Fluminense and having played at the Club World Cup.

He is also likely still getting used to being in England with the language and culture.

But against Spurs, Arias produced his best display.

Sky Sports commentator Alan Smith said Arias had a ‘special’ influence against Spurs, and Dave Edwards reckons he showcased a Matheus Cunha trait at times.

He said The Official Wolves Podcast: “I spoke a lot when he joined about his ability to receive the ball in areas to take pressure off the team. I thought Matheus Cunha was amazing at that. That when Wolves struggled to get out, they could literally shovel a pass into him.

“He’d have his back against someone, he’d wriggle, he’d win a foul and have the awareness for a pass. I said Jhon Arias does that but in a very different way.

“He kind of drops his shoulders and spins really quick. Low centre of gravity. It was the first time I saw that version of Jhon Arias against Spurs, where he received the ball, back to goal in his own half, and he would drop a shoulder, twist one way and the other, and just get away from players.”

Wolves need Arias to make big impact

It was very encouraging to watch the way Arias played against Spurs.

It was undoubtedly his best display yet, and you could see him growing in confidence as the game went on.

He was at the heart of everything for Wolves, and he has likely given himself a very good chance of starting again against Brighton on Sunday.

He has been finding his feet for Wolves, that has been clear to see.

But Pereira now needs to see some final third impact from the Colombian, as the club’s fixture list throws up some good opportunities for points.

Hugo Bueno believes one of his Wolves teammates was truly ‘outstanding’ last weekend against Tottenham Hotspur.

Wanderers drew 1-1 with Spurs down in north London, and were so close to winning the game.

A much-needed victory was snatched away from Wolves in the 94th minute as Joao Palhinha scored for the hosts from the edge of the penalty area.

It was deeply frustrating, because Spurs barely showed any attacking threat in the second-half as Wolves defended their one-goal lead.

But despite that gutting end to the game, there are plenty of positives to take for Wolves.

And one was the excellent display of Santiago Bueno, who got Wolves’ goal.

Hugo Bueno lauds Santiago Bueno after Tottenham draw

Santiago Bueno has entered into a purple patch for Wolves.

Since he signed for the club from Girona, he has mainly been a rotation option.

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But now he finds himself near the top of the centre-back pecking order at Wolves, following a number of impressive performances this term.

He has done especially well in the last two games. After the draw with Spurs, Pereira praised Bueno’s mentality, and his namesake Hugo also gave him his flowers.

He said (via Wolves official): “I’m over the moon for Santi. He’s such a great lad and he’s always one of the players that always keep the standards high in training and give you 100%, it doesn’t matter the situation, and he showed that quality.

“The goal is a gift for all his work, but apart from the goal, I want to highlight his game in defence, because he was outstanding for us, on and off the ball, and hopefully he can keep giving us so much happiness.”

One would have thought Santi Bueno is firmly in contention to make a third successive start for Wolves against Brighton this weekend.

Santi Bueno must seize his opportunity

It is great to hear Santi Bueno coming in for all the plaudits at the moment.

But it will now be important for him to ensure consistency, because Pereira has all his other options fit and available.

While the likes of Emmanuel Agbadou and Toti Gomes have been in terrible form, they are still players who have performed really well for Pereira in the past.

One suspects that if Santi Bueno’s level dips, the manager will be ready to get one or both of those players back in at the Uruguayan’s expense.

That said, both of those players were kept in the team and given several chances to improve, so hopefully Santi Bueno will be managed in the same way should there be a dip.

Tottenham Hotspur denied Wolves their first Premier League win of the season on Saturday – and Dave Edwards believes Vitor Pereira made one big blunder in the game.

After beating Everton in the Carabao Cup, Wanderers went into the game with Spurs with a bit more confidence than they would have.

Vitor Pereira again set Wolves up with a back four, although he changed the system at half-time, which actually prompted the visitors to play better.

Santiago Bueno put Wolves ahead on 54 minutes, and Spurs did not really threaten – until the very end.

A well worked move from Spurs saw Joao Palhinha fire home on 94 minutes to break Wolves hearts.

Lee Naylor felt Jackson Tchatchoua might have done better to clear the ball in the build up to the goal.

But Dave Edwards believes that Pereira did not help his players with one decision he made.

Dave Edwards questions Toti Gomes substitution for Wolves against Tottenham

When a team is defending a one-goal lead, it is not uncommon to see managers throw defenders on in the late stages of games.

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Pereira was obviously desperate for Wolves to see the game out, and he clearly felt putting a defender on was the way to do this.

Toti Gomes entered the action just before the goal – which was a questionable call in the eyes of Dave Edwards, who reckons that change invited unnecessary pressure.

He said in his latest E&S column: “It’s easy to say in hindsight, but one slight criticism I have of Pereira would be the decision to bring on Toti Gomes for Arias late on.

“That made us drop a little bit deeper naturally but I also thought that Ladislav Krejci would fill into midfield, but we went to a back six and it left only Andre and Bellegarde in the middle which meant as crosses were coming in we were getting deeper.

“We were unable to get pressure higher up the pitch on the ball, then when the ball came out, I’m adamant if we had three midfielders playing then Palhinha wouldn’t be in all that space to take on that shot.

“If Arias was still on the pitch or (Ladislav) Krejci pushed through into midfield then (Jean-Ricner) Bellegarde might be on him. We had the box absolutely packed out but we didn’t have any pressure on the edge of the box.

“I feel that was a slight mistake but there’s a lot of luck involved in the way it bounced through and it was a terrific finish as well.”

Wolves were solid enough without needing defensive subs

Some fans did point to that Toti substitution as being a mistake from Pereira.

While Toti himself was not at fault for the equaliser, it did just alter the way Wolves played in those closing stages.

Prior to the introductions of both Toti and Agbadou, Wolves had been very solid at the back.

Spurs did not threaten Wolves at all after Bueno scored. It is perhaps no coincidence that they got a chance with Palhinha right at the end after those defensive changes from Pereira.

One can slightly understand his thinking. But some will argue that the awful form of Agbadou and Toti should have seen them both remain on the bench anyway.

Wolves came so close to getting their first Premier League win of the season on Saturday against Tottenham Hotspur, and Dave Edwards has dropped an emphatic verdict about one player who impressed.

Vitor Pereira was just seconds away from enjoying a huge three points for Wolves at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Wolves had gone into injury 1-0 up after a goal early in the second-half from Santiago Bueno.

But Joao Palhinha’s last-gasp strike broke Wolves hearts, and Wolves are still searching for that elusive first win.

Despite the frustrating end to the game though, Wolves could take a lot of positives.

Jhon Arias had his best game in a Wolves shirt according to Dave Edwards, and few will disagree with that assessment.

And Edwards also came to an emphatic verdict about Marshall Munetsi.

Wolves better when Marshall Munetsi plays, insists Dave Edwards

Munetsi has always been a firm favourite with Vitor Pereira.

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The Zimbabwe international joined the club back in January from Reims, and has started the majority of games he’s been available for.

He played more advanced last season, and this term he has operated more as a box-to-box midfielder.

Wolves have looked much better against Everton and Spurs – and Munetsi has caught the eye in both games.

For Dave Edwards it is simple – Wolves are a better team when he’s on the pitch.

He said in his latest E&S column: “Munetsi polarises opinion but this Wolves team needs him.

“I think they are such a better outfit with him in the team and he did well again.”

Previously, Edwards insisted that Munetsi must start for Wolves in a 3-4-3 formation. Now it seems he wants the midfielder playing regardless of system.

Munetsi must be a joy to play with

As Edwards says, Munetsi does divide opinion within the Wolves fanbase.

Plenty believe that he does not bring enough quality on the ball to go with his relentless running.

But the manager clearly loves what he brings to the table, with Pereira describing Munetsi as an ‘animal’ after the draw with Spurs.

He does get through a huge amount of work when he plays, and this surely makes him a joy for others to play alongside.

Last season we heard Pereira partly put Jorgen Strand Larsen’s improvements down to Munetsi, and there are probably lots of players in that dressing room who appreciate his contributions to the team.

For Dave Edwards, one player had his best game in a Wolves shirt in the 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur.

Vitor Pereira’s side came within just seconds of claiming a first Premier League victory down in north London on Saturday night.

After Santiago Bueno had put Wolves 1-0 up in the second-half, a really solid performance followed and Wanderers looked on track for all three points.

However, right at the end Joao Palhinha scored for the hosts.

Lee Naylor felt Jackson Tchachoua might have done better for Wolves in the build up to the goal. But ultimately, it was a well worked goal by Spurs.

It was hugely frustrating given Spurs had shown barely any threat in the second-half.

But Wolves can take heart from the performance – and Jhon Arias especially can be very pleased with his showing.

Dave Edwards says Jhon Arias had his best game for Wolves against Tottenham

Arias, like a few other Wolves players, had enjoyed a decent performance against Everton last week in the Carabao Cup.

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And as a result, Pereira decided to stick with him for the Spurs game – and it was a decision the Colombian vindicated.

Arias was good in the first-half, but then really came alive in the second and was at the heart of all of Wolves’ good play.

He was his typical hardworking self, but was constantly getting on the ball, which we haven’t seen so much in previous games.

As per Sofascore data, Arias finished the game with the most touches of any player (from either side) with 86.

He was accurate with his passing, competing 50/56 (89%), and three of these were ‘key’ passes.

Arias also put in eight crosses – the most of any Wolves player.

He also provided eight defensive contributions and undoubtedly, Arias can feel very hard done by not to end the game on the winning side.

Sky commentator Alan Smith stated Arias had provided a ‘special and vital influence’ against Spurs, and fans also showered him with praise on social media.

For Dave Edwards this was Arias’ best showing for Wolves to date, saying in the E&S: “I thought Jhon Arias had his best game in a Wolves shirt and that’s a massive plus for Wolves to show that he is ready to start competing at Premier League level.”

Jhon Arias must be given opportunity to thrive for Wolves

Pereira has chopped and changed the team quite a lot so far in the Premier League, but certain players are now starting to prove they should be regular starters.

Arias has had a lukewarm start to life at Molineux, and that is understandable coming in from the Brazilian league, which is totally different to the Premier League.

We saw last term how it took Andre a few months to really get going for Wolves.

But Arias – who Santi Bueno insists the Colombian will be key for Wolves – has looked much better in the last two games, and many will share Edwards’ verdict that Arias looked the best he’s looked so far against Spurs.

He should continue to start for Wolves, and be given the opportunity to build some momentum.

He seems a bit more comfortable playing from the right side, so Pereira ought to persist with playing him there.

Wolves couldn’t quite get the three points against Tottenham Hotspur, but Troy Deeney was left very impressed by one player in old gold.

Wolves drew 1-1 with Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but came agonisingly close to their first Premier League win of the season.

It was a good performance from the visitors, whose organisation and work rate totally nullified Spurs in the second-half.

But there was one moment of quality right at the end from Joao Palhinha, who found the bottom corner from the edge of the box.

It was a hammer blow for Wolves, as three points would have done wonders for confidence.

But Vitor Pereira can still take plenty of positives – and pundit Troy Deeney believes the performance of Santiago Bueno is one.

Troy Deeney left impressed by Santiago Bueno in Tottenham 1-1 Wolves

Bueno once again found himself starting for Wolves against Tottenham.

He had put in a good performance in the Carabao Cup against Everton, featuring in a pairing with Ladislav Krejci.

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Pereira decided he would go with the duo again, and it was the same result against Spurs.

Bueno was excellent in north London and appears to be developing a great understanding with Krejci alongside him.

Not only did he show good poacher’s instincts for the goal, but Bueno defended really well on the whole – and has become the first Wolves player this season to make it into Troy Deeney’s Premier League Team of the Week.

He said (via BBC Sport): “He scored in the draw at Spurs and was excellent. I thought that whole Wolves performance was one that should have warranted a win and more than they got.

“But Joao Palhinha’s finish was super and just oozed quality. For Wolves they will feel like they can’t catch a break at this moment in time but if they perform like that then obviously they are going to be all right.”

Bueno’s time to shine for Wolves

It is great to see Bueno doing well for Wolves.

He has struggled to start games regularly since he came to the club in 2023 from Girona for £8.5 million (BBC Sport), but is now arguably in his best form since his arrival.

There was simply too much chaos going on with Emmanuel Agbadou and Toti Gomes, and both have now rightly been dropped by Pereira.

Together, Bueno and Krejci have brought a level of composure that Wolves have rather been crying out for, and hopefully they’ll be given every chance to let the partnership blossom.

Joao Palhinha broke Wolves hearts with his late strike at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – and Lee Naylor shared who in old gold he felt was most at fault for the goal.

Wolves drew 1-1 with Spurs in the end, and the late goal by Palhinha was deeply frustrating.

A win for Wolves would have done wonders for confidence and morale.

And the visitors would have been worth a victory, having managed the game impressively in the second-half after going 1-0 up through Santiago Bueno.

But Palhinha’s strike gave Sam Johnstone no chance, and Wolves now sit on just one point in the Premier League table rather than three.

Vitor Pereira will no doubt have watched the goal back several times to determine how it came about, and establish what to do if a similar situation arises in the future.

While it was a top strike from Palhinha, the goal was preventable – and Lee Naylor feels one player could have done a lot better.

Lee Naylor disappointed with Jackson Tchatchoua’s role in Tottenham equaliser

There was just a feeling that Spurs were going to get one chance at the end of Saturday night’s game.

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They had barely posed a threat after Bueno put Wolves in front, but there was then some late pressure.

Johnstone cleared the ball away after a Spurs through ball came off Emmanuel Agbadou. Johnstone might have picked the ball up, but seemingly felt the referee might have deemed it a backpass.

The ball was then on the Spurs right wing, with Mohammed Kudus working the ball back after Hugo Bueno contained him.

Spurs worked the ball across from right to left.

Wilson Odobert crossed, and the ball was semi-cleared by Agbadou.

Jackson Tchatchoua then headed the ball, possibly attempting to find Marshall Munetsi who was infield. But the ball was turned over, Spurs sent in another cross from the left, which was laid back to Palhinha to score.

For Lee Naylor, the goal stemmed from the Tchatchoua header.

He said on Matchday Live Extra: “I just think when you’re in that high pressure situation, and things can get a bit frantic, you need cool heads.

“The Tchatchoua header… it’s really got to me. Because that’s one in the sequence that… it’s an easy ‘away’, if you know what I mean.

“Whereas, the sequence that led up to the goal… that part of the sequence we could have got right. And it’s really, really frustrating.”

Wolves were unlucky against Tottenham

Most goals in football are preventable, and you can pick the bones out of Palhinha’s equaliser to find a fall guy.

Yes, Tchatchoua might have done a bit better with a header.

But to lay total blame with him would be harsh – the ball did come towards him fairly quickly and it would have been tricky to decide what to do in that moment. Ultimately, it was a goal of real quality from Spurs.

Fans felt Tchatchoua really changed the game for Wolves against Spurs and provided an outlet on that right side.

Regardless of whether he could have cleared his lines better against Spurs, the Cameroon international has surely put himself in the frame to start against Brighton at the weekend.

Wolves came so close to getting their first Premier League win of the season against Tottenham Hotspur – and one player deserves shouting out.

Vitor Pereira was seconds away from getting three points on the board for Wolves, having gone into injury-time 1-0 up after Santiago Bueno scored.

But Joao Palhinha struck from the edge of the box, giving Sam Johnstone no chance.

It was a real shame for Johnstone, who again played well for Wolves.

It was cruel for Wolves, but the players must now dust themselves off ready for Sunday’s visit of Brighton.

There were undoubtedly lots of positives to take from the draw with Spurs, despite the frustrating end to the game.

Andre was magnificent for Wolves against Spurs, with the Brazilian drawing praise from fans and pundits alike.

Lee Naylor and Andy Thompson both agreed Andre was Wolves’ best player against Tottenham, and it followed another top display against Everton.

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Santiago Bueno also really impressed.

But there is another player who quietly had a really solid game – and that man was Marshall Munetsi.

Marshall Munetsi left it all out there against Tottenham

Munetsi is a player who has always divided opinion at Wolves.

The perception for many is that he’s a player who will run all day, but is not especially amazing on the ball.

Pereira has previously conceded that Munetsi is not the most technical player.

But since signing him, the Portuguese has played him more often than not and it’s clear that the Zimbabwe international is one of his favourite players.

Munetsi was on target last week in the win over Everton in the Carabao Cup, and his performance prompted Pereira to start him again at Tottenham.

And while Andre and Santi Bueno have lapped up most of the plaudits, Munetsi finished the game with some impressive statistics.

He contested a whopping 22 duels, which was easily the most of any Wolves player, winning 10. Only Mohammed Kudus contested more in the game (24).

Munetsi also made 14 defensive contributions, nine of which were clearances – only Santi Bueno had more for Wolves (15).

He also wasn’t bad on the ball, completing 14/19 passes (74%).

Munetsi will be one of Wolves’ most prominent players this season

There can be no doubt how much Pereira adores Munetsi and what he brings to the table.

Pereira described Munetsi as an ‘animal’ in terms of how hard he works for the team, and you could just tell watching the manager talk how much he appreciates him.

Munetsi – who cost £16 million (Nehada Radio) – still has a lot of critics.

But those critics will have to accept that, while Pereira is in the hot seat at Molineux, Munetsi will be prominent in this team.

He’s already fifth for most minutes played this season at Wolves. Considering how fantastic Andre and Joao Gomes are, that is a very good placement for Munetsi.

It has taken a while for Wolves to get off the mark in the Premier League but the Old Gold’s performance against Tottenham provided some hope for the campaign.

Wolves deserved three points, but in football, you do not always get what you deserve, and Tottenham’s late equaliser to make it 1-1 certainly reduced the positivity. However, there were still plenty of positives to take from the game.

Jhon Arias was exceptional vs Spurs, and the Colombian was handed the man of the match for his efforts.

Additionally, Jackson Tchatchoua was praised for his cameo off the bench. The Cameroonian added much-needed pace out wide.

However, there should also be more praise for Vitor Pereira, who made a bold decision that paid off in the end despite a disappointing finish.

Vitor Pereira needs to keep playing the same Wolves players now

After the game, journalist Liam Keen said via the Express and Star that Vitor Pereira’s team selection was both ‘brave and unexpected’ and in many ways it was.

While we saw Pereira use a back four against Everton earlier in the week, it was certainly a surprise when the Old Gold arrived in London looking to do the same.

Tottenham Hotspur are a team filled with attacking talent, and nobody would have been bemused at the Portuguese opting to go with his usual three centre-backs and wingbacks to try and nullify the threat.

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But the tactical shift worked once again. Throughout the opening half, Spurs only had one real moment that caused any danger.

Kudus’ point-blank header was expertly pushed away by Sam Johnstone, and that was all they had really done prior to Palhinha’s late equaliser.

Wolves had looked assured defensively, and the performance levels of the players on the pitch were the highest they have been this season

Pereira has continuously opted to chop and change this season, but now is the time to remain with his ‘brave’ selection against Spurs.

It worked wonders.

Vitor Pereira can switch between the two systems during a match

In the second half, the back three returned and Wolves began looking like the more dominant side going forward.

While the spoils were ultimately shared, the Old Gold deserved so much more, and that is to Pereira’s credit.

Not only was his team selection brave, but the decision to revert back to the three defenders was also bold.

The in-game switch between the two systems can be something that can catch opposition managers out, and it could be a real asset moving forward.

If teams do not know which Wolves are going to turn up, they won’t be able to properly prepare.

Wolves will try again this weekend to get their first Premier League win, and there’s one change Vitor Pereira surely has to make against Brighton.

Wanderers came so close to getting their first win against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday night, but were stung right at the end.

The visitors were just a minute away from beating Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium once again, having been leading after Santiago Bueno scored.

But Joao Palhinha produced an equaliser to break Wolves hearts, and the frustration for Vitor Pereira and the players at the end of the game was clear.

But Wolves must quickly pick themselves up ahead of this weekend’s game with Brighton, who will be a big test.

As ever, Pereira’s team sheet will be fascinating. But there is a strong argument for Jackson Tchatchoua to start against the Seagulls.

Wolves may need Jackson Tchatchoua’s pace against Brighton

Brighton is probably not an ideal game for Wolves to be trying to build on that performance against Spurs.

The south coast club are always a tough nut to crack for Wolves, who have won only one of the last nine meetings.

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The last time Wolves beat Brighton in the Premier League was back in 2021, when Romain Saiss scored a lovely volley from a Ruben Neves through ball.

Wolves have improved defensively since the Leeds game, but there’s one change Pereira may need to consider making against Brighton.

And that is bringing Jackson Tchatchoua in. Either in place of Matt Doherty as part of a back four, or to play as a wing-back, with Doherty on the right of a three.

Because Wolves have to face a big threat in Kaoru Mitoma, who is extremely quick. In the past, he’s been clocked at 34.02 km/h.

Mitoma has played exclusively as a left winger this season, so one would imagine that’s where he’ll be playing again this weekend.

But as we know, Tchatchoua is also rapid. In fact, Tchatchoua is currently the fastest player in the Premier League, making him the ideal counter to Mitoma. Earlier this season he was clocked doing a blistering 37.3 km/h.

To bench him for this game could be a big risk. Mitoma has two goals and one assist in five career appearances against Wolves, and it will be paramount to keep him in check at Molineux.

Fans thought Tchatchoua played well when he came on against Spurs, and Pereira can potentially nullify Mitoma by turning to the Cameroon international.

Tchatchoua can also provide attacking threat vs Brighton

Tchatchoua won’t just be important for keeping Mitoma quiet.

Wolves also need an outlet and so far we have seen Tchatchoua take up some very advanced positions, just like Nelson Semedo used to.

We have already seen Tchatchoua – who cost just under £11 million (BBC Sport) – make an assist for Wolves, which came in just his second appearance in the Carabao Cup against West Ham United.

Currently, the service to the likes of Jorgen Strand Larsen and Tolu Arokodare hasn’t been particularly good.

Both are well over six foot tall and provide a big aerial threat, so some Tchatchoua crosses on Sunday would not go amiss.