Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha delivered a Man of the Match performance to lead Wolverhampton Wanderers out of the Premier League relegation zone with a resounding 4-0 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday.
Cunha’s brace, along with goals from João Gomes and Gonçalo Guedes, handed manager Gary O’Neil a crucial win as he fights to prove his doubters wrong and keep Wolves in the top flight. The result marked back-to-back victories for the Midlands club after they ended their winless run against Southampton before the international break.
Fulham’s Top Four Hopes Dented
Marco Silva’s Fulham side missed a golden opportunity to climb into the Premier League’s top four, instead suffering a heavy defeat that exposed their struggles after international breaks. The Cottagers have now won just twice under Silva in matches directly following these pauses in the domestic calendar.
Despite taking an early lead through Alex Iwobi, Fulham failed to capitalize on their bright start. Cunha’s equalizer, a sublime finish after being played in by Mario Lemina’s pinpoint pass, shifted the momentum in Wolves’ favor before halftime.
Cunha’s Creative Spark
The second half saw Cunha turn provider, setting up João Gomes for Wolves’ second goal with a deft pass that caught the Fulham defense napping. Gomes’ low drive skidded past goalkeeper Bernd Leno, exposing the hosts’ soft center.
As Fulham pushed for an equalizer, Cunha delivered the knockout blow with a spectacular strike from outside the box, leaving Leno helpless and sealing the three points for the visitors. Gonçalo Guedes added a fourth in injury time to put the icing on the cake for the rampant Wolves side.
Matheus Cunha was simply unplayable today. His goals, assist, and all-around performance gave us a much-needed boost. We’re not out of the woods yet, but this win gives us real hope in the fight for survival.
– A source close to the Wolves dressing room
O’Neil’s Fighting Spirit
Manager Gary O’Neil’s determination appears to be rubbing off on his Wolves squad. The former midfielder, known for his grit during his playing days, has instilled a new sense of belief and fighting spirit within the team.
By deploying a more attacking lineup, with creative sparks like Cunha and Gomes, O’Neil has shown a willingness to adapt his approach in the face of adversity. This tactical flexibility could prove crucial in the battles ahead.
Fortress Molineux Awaits
With confidence restored and a newfound sense of unity, Wolves will look to make their home ground, Molineux Stadium, a fortress in the remaining weeks of the season. The club’s passionate supporters will undoubtedly play their part in creating an intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams.
As the Premier League enters its final stretch, Wolves’ fate remains in their own hands. If Matheus Cunha can maintain his scintillating form and the team continues to rally around O’Neil’s leadership, the Old Gold may yet secure their top-flight status for another season.
However, the road ahead is far from easy, with clashes against top clubs still to come. The Molineux faithful will be hoping that the victory over Fulham proves to be a turning point in their campaign – a catalyst for a great escape from the clutches of relegation.
As the saying goes, “It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.” For Wolves and their supporters, the finish line is in sight, and they’ll be giving everything to ensure they cross it with their Premier League status intact.
