Molineux News

Wolves came agonisingly close to all three points against Tottenham Hotspur, but Micah Richards believes there are ‘positive signs’ for Vitor Pereira.

Wolves drew 1-1 with Spurs in the capital and many fans would have probably taken that before the game.

However, there is disappointment today, with Wolves having produced their best display of the season.

Wolves were seconds away from taking all three points, but Joao Palhinha’s late strike gave the hosts a point.

It was tough for Wolves to stomach, and you could see how gutted Pereira was after the game as he kept shaking his head.

There were some really good displays in old gold, with Sam Johnstone again impressing against Spurs, as well as the likes of Andre and Jhon Arias.

But this performance could still be the catalyst for Wolves to improve, and pundit Micah Richards really liked what he saw.

Micah Richards shares ‘positive signs’ for Wolves after Tottenham draw and praises Santiago Bueno

For some, this draw feels like a defeat.

And potentially, it will probably feel that way for the players as well.

MORE WOLVES STORIES

But they must try to see the good in what they all did – with this level of performance and commitment going forward, Wolves will have a fighting chance of staying in the Premier League.

On Match of the Day, Micah Richards was left impressed by Wolves – and also picked out goalscorer Santiago Bueno for praise.

He said: “I think they can be very impressed in how they performed. It’s just that confidence – when you’re going through a spell where you’re losing games, and looking for that first point or first win… but they actually played some really good stuff today as well.

“Whether it was Arias running in behind, nice threaded ball there, just a bit of conviction when they got there was missing at times.

“Doherty at the back post hits the bar there – on another day that could have gone in. And this was the goal, Santiago Bueno gets his tap in, and he had a really good game.

“We were actually going to highlight him, but it ended up in a draw.

“Bellegarde, when he came on, was running in behind causing nuisance. These are positive signs and this is exactly what you need. Your luck will turn at some stage if you keep knocking on the door.”

Bueno deserved proper Match of the Day segment

Wolves can certainly take a lot of positives from last night’s performance.

It was a bit of a shame that Bueno did not get at least a small segment on Match of the Day regardless of the end result. His performance warranted one, and it was strange that the programme did not highlight him especially, and give him extended analysis.

From what Richards said, it sounded like they were going to, but then didn’t because the game ended in a draw, which is strange.

The Uruguay international – who cost £8.5 million (BBC Sport) – scored his first goal for Wolves and played a brilliant game, continuing his solid start to the 2025/26 season.

As per Squawka, he won the most duels, tackles and interceptions of any player in the game.

A last-gasp equaliser for Spurs should not have robbed him of proper acknowledgment.

But Wolves fans have certainly been giving him his flowers on social media, and hopefully he can remain in the starting XI and continue to impress.

Wolves picked up their first Premier League point of the season against Tottenham Hotspur, and one player produced his best display in old gold to date.

There is a sense of disappointment today, despite Wanderers getting a point in a game they were not really expected to ahead of kick-off.

That’s because Wolves stood to win the match having led right up until the 93rd minute.

Joao Palhinha’s equaliser was heartbreaking for Wolves, who had played the best they’ve played all season.

It was a resolute and dogged display from the visitors, with a sprinkling of good, free-flowing football thrown in as well.

And one man who really caught the eye against Tottenham was Jhon Arias.

Alan Smith hails Jhon Arias as Wolves let lead slip vs Tottenham

Vitor Pereira barely made any changes to the Wolves team that started against Everton in midweek in the Carabao Cup.

That meant Jhon Arias started in north London – and this was easily his best display for Wolves since joining.

MORE WOLVES STORIES

It was a bit of a mixed first-half for the Colombian, but in the second he really came alive, with Spurs struggling to get a handle on him.

He was cropping up all over the place, was neat and tidy on the ball and also worked hard out of possession.

And his display prompted Sky co-commentator Alan Smith to choose him as the Player of the Match.

He said live on Sky just before Spurs scored their equaliser: “It’s been a great team performance, it really has – and Arias has been one of them.

“He’s provided a really special and vital influence. But every one of those Wolves players out there has played their part big time.”

Arias looking more comfortable in a Wolves shirt

It was a deeply frustrating end to the game for Wolves with that late equaliser, and it almost feels like a defeat.

But Pereira will be greatly enthused with what he saw, and Arias definitely played the best he has so far.

He’s had a bit of an underwhelming start to life at Molineux. It has been clear to see that Arias has been finding his feet after arriving from Fluminense for £19 million (BBC Sport).

But hopefully he’ll take great confidence from his performance against Spurs.

Pereira personally vouched for Arias’ signing by Wolves, and this kind of display made that easier to understand.

There is definitely a really good player there, and hopefully we’ll be seeing him this influential in the coming games now.

Wolves picked up their first point of the Premier League season after Santiago Bueno netted his first goal for the club in a 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur.

The Old Gold are finally off the mark, and Vitor Pereira’s tactical changes seem to be working. While he started in the new 4-3-3 he used against Everton, he switched into the more familiar back three in the second half.

In truth, the Wanderers perhaps deserved all three points, as the Lilywhites struggled to create anything concrete before Joao Palhinha equalised following Bueno’s opener.

While it was a disappointing end, and two points dropped, there were a lot of encouraging displays throughout the squad.

Wolves player ratings vs Tottenham Hotspur

Molineux News have provided their player ratings as Wolves pick up their first win of the Premier League season.

Sam Johnstone – 7

Johnstone made an incredible point-blank save after just 14 minutes played and remained comfortable in net for much of the proceedings. If that Kudus header had gone in, it would have been a different game, and Wolves have Johnstone to thank.

Matt Doherty – 7

Doherty probably should have scored in the first half, as his strike hit the post. Defensively, he did OK, with a couple of nice clearances. Likely subbed off due to a yellow card and Pereira switching to a back three.

Santiago Bueno – 8

Was in the right place at the right time for his first ever Wolves goal and was defensively solid throughout the match too.

Ladislav Krejci – 7

Got excellent contact on the ball from the Wolves corner that resulted in Bueno’s goal. Continues to look like Wolves’ best piece of business during the summer.

Hugo Bueno – 7

Another solid display from Hugo Bueno, who keeps making his case to continue to start going forward. Had the tough task of maintaining Kudus, but often did well even if the Ghanaian did threaten a lot.

Andre – 7

Won his duels throughout the game and didn’t do much wrong when on the ball. Worked incredibly hard when defending.

Marshall Munetsi – 7

Munetsi was very active throughout the match and provided solidity when defending too. He made multiple clearances and won a lot of duels.

Joao Gomes – 5

The Brazilian was taken off after with just over an hour played, and the yellow card was likely part of the reason. However, he struggled against the Tottenham midfield off the ball, and it was not his best game.

Hwang Hee-Chan – 3

Wolves spent the first half mostly without the ball, and when they did have it, Hwang did not impact proceedings much with just one off-target shot taken.

Jorgen Strand Larsen – 5

Strand Larsen was largely anonymous throughout the match and did not receive much service. Barely won any of his battles up top either. This was a game for the defenders and not so much for the attackers, and in saying that, it is not really the Norwegian’s fault.

Jhon Arias – 7

The Colombian was much livelier against Spurs than in the rest of his Premier League appearances this season. His quality is starting to show, and he just needs to start adding goals and assists.

Substitutes

Jackson Tchatchoua – 7

Provided an outlet out wide with his pace, and that helped Wolves both push forward and remain resolute at the back. He was quick to recover back into position on multiple occasions.

Emmanuel Agbadou – 6

Wolves kept Spurs quiet in the second half, and the Lilywhites did not offer anything up top befoe Palhinha’s unlikely equaliser. Agbadou had little to do after coming on.

Jean Ricner-Bellegarde – 7

It was an inspired performance off the bench for Bellegarde, who was able to handle the Spurs midfield and attack more effectively than Gomes.

Tolu Arokodare – N/A

Arokodare’s only highlight was being on the end of a crunching Cristian Romero challenge after coming on with 84 minutes played.

Toti Gomes – N/A

Played just three minutes.

Vitor Pereira made just one change from Wolves’ Carabao Cup win against Everton as he stuck to his new back four formation against Tottenham Hotspur.

Jean Ricner-Bellegarde made way for Joao Gomes, and number two Sam Johnstone kept his place in goal ahead of Jose Sa.

Johnstone has featured three times for Wolves this season before playing Tottenham, with most of his appearances reserved for cup games.

It was a bold call from Vitor Pereira to drop his number one, but it was a decision fans have been calling for.

It seems it may have paid off after he produced an exceptional moment against Tottenham that left Wolves fans in awe.

Wolves fans react to incredible Sam Johnstone save in first half

Sam Johnstone started just his second Premier League game of the season, and the Englishman is making a real case for becoming Wolves’ number one.

Jose Sa has not been in the best of form, and after Johnstone kept a clean sheet vs Everton on Tuesday, the Portuguese stuck with him to face Spurs.

The faith was repaid in the first half after Johnstone stopped an almost certain goal from Mohammed Kudus. The Ghanaian had a point-blank header, but the Wolves ‘keeper managed to get a good hand to it.

MORE WOLVES STORIES

Fans took to social media to react to the save and they had lots to say about it.

One fan said, “What a save from Sam Johnstone that is!!!!”

As another Wolves supporter said, “Sa 100% concedes from the header Sam just saved.”

A Wolves fan said Johnstone is better than Sa, stating, “Johnstone > Sa?? What a save, man.”

Meanwhile, another echoed the sentiment, saying, “I better not see Jose Sa in the starting XI again this season.”

Sam Johnstone must be Wolves’ first choice now

Sam Johnstone has proven he can play at the Premier League level.

He was excellent against Newcastle, when Jose Sa was ruled out through illness, and then was once again a top performer vs Everton.

With Sa bang out of form, there is no reason for the Englishman not to start going forward. The incredibly quick reflexes vs Spurs showed the quality he possesses.

Wolves are going to struggle this season and face many shots, and Johnstone can at least provide some solace with his shot-stopping abilities.

Wolves take on Spurs, looking for their first league points of the season, but the odds appear stacked against them.

The Old Gold have endured a difficult start, and the majority of pundits believe Tottenham will have the upper hand.

Wolves legend Steve Bull has urged his former side to prove they are a good team and secure a positive result.

Meanwhile, Ray Parlour predicts Wolves will at least find the net against Spurs, but still come up short at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The pressure is now firmly on Vitor Pereira and his players to deliver after five straight league defeats.

Darren Bent predicts Tottenham to dominate Wolves

Wolves are looking to avoid setting another unwanted record by becoming the first team to be losing at half-time in ten consecutive Premier League matches.

The Old Gold’s defensive frailties have been exposed all season, and Spurs’ attacking quality could ruthlessly punish them.

MORE WOLVES STORIES

Last season, Jorgen Strand Larsen helped Wolves earn a 2-2 draw at Tottenham, while in the reverse fixture at Molineux the Old Gold beat Spurs 4-2.

Despite these recent results, Bent believes Tottenham will be the dominant side in this encounter.

Speaking on TalkSport, he said: “Yeah, I think Tottenham will win 3-0.”

Wolves desperate to prove doubters wrong

With predictions and criticism mounting, Wolves will be desperate to use this negativity as fuel.

The players need to produce a spirited performance to regain the fans’ trust and confidence.

Spurs will have pressure on them, due to them being the home side, but the Old Gold’s poor start has made delivering a result essential.

Pereira won’t need to motivate his players further as pundits are already doing that.

The 57-year-old’s primary focus will be setting up his team tactically to maximise their chances of securing a first league win.

Wolves head into the encounter with Tottenham with no fresh injury concerns, but their opponents will once again be without two key players.

Jorgen Strand Larsen made his return from injury last week against Leeds United and stepped up his comeback in the Carabao Cup win over Everton.

However, Larsen will not be able to play the full 90 minutes against Spurs, with manager Vitor Pereira confirming that he is not yet ready to complete an entire match.

Ray Parlour has predicted Wolves to score but ultimately lose against Tottenham, casting doubt on the optimism shared by Old Gold supporters.

Despite this, the pressure is now building as Wolves supporters remain adamant their team must finally deliver their first league points of the season.

Tottenham strikers Randal Kolo Muani and Dominic Solanke ruled out of Wolves clash

There is significant pressure on Wolves to deliver a result, with newly promoted teams making the best start to a Premier League season since 2017/18, meaning the West Midlands side can’t afford to go pointless for much longer.

MORE WOLVES STORIES

The Old Gold received a boost ahead of this clash as Thomas Frank confirmed he will once again be without two of his senior strikers.

As relayed by the Express & Star, Tottenham remain without Dominic Solanke and Randal Kolo Muani, with Frank ruling them out in his pre-match press conference.

On Solanke, he said: “It’s an ankle injury which has just been a little bit tricky. It’s nothing big. We are positive it will be relatively quick.

“When there’s a bit of pain, it’s just to see if we can get it right for right now.”

On Kolo Muani, he added: “It’s just a contact injury.

“One of those where sometimes they can take a week or other times they can take a couple of weeks because it started to bleed again unfortunately.”

Their absence will force Spurs to tweak their attacking approach in a game where the Old Gold simply must seize the opportunity.

Wolves must capitalise against injury-hit Tottenham

Last week, Leeds were hit by a mini injury crisis and were missing several first-team players.

However, Wolves failed to make the most of this opportunity and were dominated in a 3-1 defeat at Molineux.

Without Kolo Muani and Solanke, Spurs will turn to Richarlison to lead the line, a player who has enjoyed success against the Old Gold in the past.

However, should the Brazilian tire or Spurs need a late spark, they will have no like-for-like replacement available.

Meanwhile, Pereira has the luxury of a fully fit squad to choose from and could name an unpredictable starting line-up.

With three senior strikers available, Wolves must use this chance to hurt Spurs and finally get their season moving in the right direction.

Wolves travel to North London this weekend off the back of their Carabao Cup win against Everton, a much-needed boost after a turbulent start to the league campaign.

However, another former player has admitted he cannot see the Old Gold getting anything from their visit to Tottenham.

Despite Wolves being unbeaten in their last five meetings with Spurs and boasting an impressive record at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the hosts are strong favourites due to their impressive form this season.

Pundit Paul Merson has also tipped Wolves to leave without a point against Tottenham, echoing concerns about their early-season struggles.

Last season, Jorgen Strand Larsen salvaged a draw with a crucial goal, and the striker will be hoping to reproduce those heroics again this weekend.

However, Ray Parlour has cast doubt on the optimism shared by Wolves fans.

Ray Parlour thinks Wolves will score in a defeat to Tottenham

Spurs are third in the table, picking up 10 points from their first five games.

That is in stark contrast to Vitor Pereira’s side, who remain bottom of the league after five straight defeats.

MORE WOLVES STORIES

Wolves can set an unwanted record for losing at half-time in 10 consecutive matches, if they are behind at the break this weekend.

Their defensive frailties have been ruthlessly exposed in the league, and even Parlour expects Spurs’ attacking quality to prove too much.

However, the pundit acknowledged that Wolves have enough firepower to trouble Tottenham’s backline.

Speaking on TalkSport, Parlour has predicted that Wolves will be beaten by Tottenham on Saturday but has backed them to at least find the net.

He said: “Tottenham are right up there at the moment. Playing well under Thomas Frank, very organised.

“I’m going to go I think Wolves will score. I’ll go 3-1. Tottenham.”

How Wolves can get a result against Tottenham

Despite the negative predictions, Wolves will travel to North London with plenty of optimism.

Their record against Tottenham in recent seasons proves they can frustrate and even unsettle the London side.

Pereira will need his players to stick to a counter-attacking setup, using pace and energy in transitions to exploit the gaps left when Spurs push forward.

Confidence and composure will also be vital, as the Old Gold cannot afford to waste chances when they arise.

Set pieces could also prove crucial, allowing the visitors to make their mark against one of the Premier League’s early high-flyers.

Former Wolves defender Lee Naylor has named the player who will have given Vitor Pereira the biggest headache going into the game with Tottenham Hotspur.

Wolves beat Everton 2-0 on Tuesday night in the Carabao Cup, and will now face Chelsea in the fourth round.

Marshall Munetsi and Tolu Arokodare got the goals for Wolves, who were much improved from the weekend, having changed system.

Vitor Pereira had Wolves playing with a back four, which was something that really came out of the blue.

But it worked, with Wolves looking a lot more solid, although out of form players were dropped for the game.

Pereira went with Ladislav Krejci and Santiago Bueno as a pairing, with Matt Doherty and Hugo Bueno as full-backs.

Krejci was especially impressive against Everton, and Lee Naylor believes the Czech star will now be giving Pereira the biggest headache for the Tottenham game.

Ladislav Krejci a big ‘headache’ for Vitor Pereira

Krejci was making his third appearance for Wolves since signing on loan from Girona in the transfer window.

MORE WOLVES STORIES

But it was his first time in the backline – and his performance was just really solid.

Krejci was so composed on the ball and looked to break the lines when he could. And he didn’t give Thierno Barry or Beto anything in the game.

Pereira now has some big calls to make for the Spurs game.

And given how solid Krejci has looked wherever he’s played, Naylor believes he will be the biggest ‘headache’ for Pereira this weekend.

He said on Matchday Live Extra: “I think the headache he’s going to have the most is Krejci, and where he’s going to play him.”

“Because I thought he was brilliant (against Everton). He set the tone.”

One thing is for sure – Krejci must start for Wolves

It is impossible to predict what Pereira will do against Spurs, and where he plays Krejci will be especially fascinating.

But one thing is for sure – Krejci simply must be on the pitch from the start against Spurs, having looked very solid and comfortable across his three appearances so far.

It has been a chaotic start to the new season for Wolves, and Krejci’s composure is a trait this team needs.

Dave Edwards stated Krejci never looks flustered, and having such a player in the team is essential.

Fans are likely to clamour for Krejci to remain in Wolves’ defence given it has been the weakest area of the team so far this season, and perhaps Pereira will consider that ahead of facing Spurs.

Wolves have broken a few records this season, with most of them being ones they wish they had not.

After losing to Everton in the league, Wolves made top-flight history for the wrong reasons.

Additionally, when Wolves lost to Newcastle, they lost a 127-year record. At the moment, all signs are pointing toward relegation for Vitor Pereira.

They are sitting in last and on zero points. The hope will be that the win against Everton on Tuesday night in the Carabao Cup can spark new life into the squad.

History suggests a good result for Wolves could be on the cards vs Tottenham, but Pereira’s men will need to work hard to deliver that.

And in doing so, they can avoid an unwanted record that could be set.

Wolves can set unwanted record for losing at half-time in consecutive games

In Wolves’ last nine Premier League games, they have entered half-time losing, and that has left them on course to setting a new record.

No team has gone ten games in a row losing at the break, and Tottenham Hotspur have the chance to inflict that record on Wolves.

MORE WOLVES STORIES

It is certainly a stat that the Old Gold won’t want to have but with Spurs offering a lot of attacking quality, it is one that is quite possible for them to receive.

Thomas Frank’s side have scored in the first 45 minutes in three of their five Premier League games this season so far and in six out of eight games across all competitions.

The Danish head coach’s team are quick starters, and that will need to be something Vitor Pereira is wary of ahead of kick-off.

When did Wolves last go into half-time winning in the Premier League?

The last time Wolves were winning at half-time was back at the end of April 2025 in a 3-0 win against Leicester City.

A goal from the departed Matheus Cunha on 33 minutes put Vitor Pereira’s side 1-0 up in the first half.

Wolves will no doubt need some magic from their attackers in order to do the same against Spurs. The Lilywhites are much tougher opposition than Leicester City, who were ultimately relegated.

Jorgen Strand Larsen scored twice against Tottenham Hotspur across both fixtures last season, and the Old Gold may have to rely on his goalscoring threat once again.

Larsen has yet to score since returning from injury and a goal against a team like Spurs could do all the good for his confidence.

Wolves travel to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday evening with hopes of causing a shock result in their quest for their first Premier League points.

History suggests a surprise is on the cards for Wolves, but that does not mean it won’t be a tough fixture for Vitor Pereira’s squad.

Gabby Agbonlahor has already brutally predicted the Spurs vs Wolves game, and the Old Gold are no doubt heavy underdogs.

Paul Merson has now released his weekly predictions for the Premier League, and he has given his verdict on Wolves’ chances.

Paul Merson cannot see Wolves getting a result vs Tottenham

Paul Merson has delivered his weekly predictions once again, and after going with a Wolves win last weekend, he was not quite as kind this week.

It was a disappointing loss against Leeds United, and Wolves need to bounce back in the Premier League as soon as possible.

The win against Everton in the Carabao Cup could provide some confidence heading into the game against Spurs, but Merson only sees it going one way.

MORE WOLVES STORIES

Merson said via his predictions, “I couldn’t believe how Wolves lost last weekend. When they went 1-0 up, I thought the game was done and dusted but they got absolutely destroyed by Leeds! So in all honesty, I can’t see anything but a Tottenham win here.”

The former Arsenal player ultimately settled on a 2-0 win for Tottenham.

Getting a result will not be easy, but there could be one way the Old Gold prove Merson wrong.

Wolves can exploit Micky van de Ven’s aerial deficiencies

Micky van de Ven is a quality defender, and his pace provides Spurs with the ability to push higher up the pitch.

However, one of his weaknesses is his ability in winning aerial duels. Last season he won just 48.7%, and this season so far he is at 46.7% aerial duel success, according to FotMob.

With Jorgen Strand Larsen and Tolu Arokodare, both tall and physical number nines, the best way to get a result could be by targeting the Dutch defender with crosses.

If Vitor Pereira can stick one of his forwards consistently on van de Ven, there will no doubt be some opportunities for big chances.

Wolves are also leading the league in crosses per match, as well as cross success and that only bodes well for the Old Gold.