Wolves clinched their inaugural victory in the Premier League season on the eleventh match day at Molineux, a much-needed boost for the struggling side. Aware of the urgency against newly-promoted Southampton and under mounting pressure, Wolves under Gary O’Neil’s leadership showed relentless determination from the get-go. They set the tone early with Pablo Sarabia scoring the quickest goal in the club’s Premier League history within just two minutes of the kick-off.
Matheus Cunha solidified the home side’s dominance with an emphatic strike, securing a long-awaited Premier League triumph. This win propelled Wolves off the bottom of the table and within touching distance of safety, marking a memorable turnaround at Molineux, albeit not without its share of controversy.
In a pivotal moment, Southampton appeared to have equalized through Ryan Manning in the 14th minute, only for VAR to intervene and disallow the goal on the grounds of a foul on Nelson Semedo during the build-up. This decision sparked debates, with notable pundit Alan Shearer criticizing VAR for what he deemed as a significant error, denying Southampton a crucial chance to level the playing field.
Despite the contentious call, Wolves emerged victorious, benefitting from VAR’s rare intervention this time around. The result was a crucial lifeline for O’Neil’s team, lifting them from the bottom ranks and providing hope for a stronger performance in the upcoming fixtures after the break.
While the win might not have been the most stylish, it was undeniably one of the most significant for Wolves this season, offering a glimmer of hope in their bid to climb out of the relegation zone. With renewed momentum and a closer proximity to safety, Wolves now find themselves in a better position to course correct and strive for better outcomes in the challenges ahead.
