Matheus Cunha delivered a crucial victory for Wolverhampton Wanderers before putting pen to paper on a lucrative new contract that ties him to the club until 2029. The Brazilian forward scored a brilliant solo goal to seal a 2-0 win over Aston Villa that lifted Wolves out of the Premier League relegation zone.
Cunha’s passionate celebration in front of the Jack Hayward Stand, kissing the club crest and miming a signature, hinted at the blockbuster deal Wolves would soon announce. The contract makes the 23-year-old their highest-paid player and includes a substantial release clause that activates in June, reflecting his rising status.
Cunha Commitment Crucial for Wolves
Head coach Vítor Pereira hailed Cunha as a “special player” and emphasized the significance of his long-term commitment for the club’s future.
“Matheus understands it’s very important that if he leaves the club, he does so with the club in the Premier League. He’s committed with us.”
– Vítor Pereira, Wolves Head Coach
The hard-fought win over Villa ended a dismal run of four straight defeats for Wolves. Jean-Ricner Bellegarde opened the scoring on 12 minutes with a fierce strike that caught out Emiliano Martínez at his near post.
Villa’s Champions League Hangover
For Aston Villa, this lackluster performance extended their poor domestic form since qualifying for the Champions League knockout stages. Unai Emery made four changes at halftime, withdrawing the injured Ollie Watkins, but they rarely threatened a Wolves side galvanized by Cunha.
Villa’s search for attacking reinforcements, centered around a loan move for Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford, takes on greater urgency after this disjointed display. Emery conceded his team is struggling to maintain their level after European exertions.
“We don’t have the power some teams have to get a balance. This year it has been more difficult.”
– Unai Emery, Aston Villa Manager
Cunha’s Match-Winning Quality
Ultimately, it was Cunha’s individual brilliance that sealed three vital points for Wolves. Cutting in from halfway, he shaped to shoot before delaying his strike, wrongfooting the Villa defense and firing low past Martínez. The goal underlined his game-changing ability.
- Cunha’s new deal makes him Wolves’ top earner until 2029
- Wolves move out of bottom three with first win in five games
- Villa’s domestic struggles continue after European progress
While Wolves will be delighted to have secured Cunha’s long-term future, the focus returns to their fight for Premier League survival. Victory over a toothless Villa steadied the ship, but Pereira knows his side’s form must improve drastically. With their Brazilian ace tied down, Wolves will hope Cunha’s goals can fire them to safety.
