In a high-stakes clash at the foot of the Premier League table, Wolves finally had cause for celebration as they overcame Southampton 2-0 to record their long-awaited first win of the season. The star of the show was undoubtedly Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha, whose goal and assist proved the difference between two sides who had been struggling for form and confidence.
Instant Impact from Cunha
Any pre-match nerves among the Molineux faithful were quickly settled when Wolves took the lead inside just two minutes. Cunha was the architect, seizing on a poor defensive header before driving forward and slipping a perfect pass through for Pablo Sarabia to finish calmly past Aaron Ramsdale in the Southampton goal.
It was a much-needed confidence boost for Sarabia, who had faced heavy criticism for his performance in the previous week’s defeat to Crystal Palace. The Spanish winger made the most of his shot at redemption, celebrating joyously in front of the home support.
VAR to the Rescue
Wolves’ relief was short-lived, however, as Southampton began to dominate possession and create chances. The hosts have the worst defensive record in the league this season, and those frailties were once again exposed when Ryan Manning appeared to have equalized midway through the first half.
But in a stunning twist, VAR intervened to chalk off the goal for the most marginal of fouls in the build-up. Wolves manager Gary O’Neil, under intense pressure after a winless start to the campaign, breathed a sigh of relief on the touchline.
Tactical Turnaround
Sensing his side were riding their luck, O’Neil used an injury stoppage to tweak Wolves’ shape, switching to a back five in an attempt to shore up their leaky rearguard. The change paid dividends as Southampton struggled to turn their territorial dominance into clear-cut chances.
Cunha Makes His Mark
Having teed up the opener, Cunha then took center stage early in the second half to double Wolves’ advantage in spectacular fashion. Receiving the ball 30 yards from goal, the Brazilian took a touch before unleashing a piledriver that left Ramsdale grasping at thin air.
Cunha is the kind of player who can make something out of nothing. We’re lucky to have him and he showed his quality today with a goal and an assist.
– A Wolves source close to the dressing room
That moment of magic from the club’s star summer signing effectively ended the game as a contest, with a toothless Southampton unable to muster any kind of response. For all their possession, the visitors failed to land a single shot on target until midway through the second half.
Long Road Ahead
This victory will come as a huge relief to Wolves fans, players and management alike. Having picked up just one point from their first ten games, the prospect of a long and painful relegation battle was beginning to loom large.
But while three points and a first clean sheet of the campaign are certainly causes for optimism, O’Neil will know there is still a mountain to climb if Wolves are to preserve their Premier League status. Cunha’s individual brilliance papered over some all-too-familiar cracks in a side that has looked defensively vulnerable and creatively limited for much of the season.
As for Southampton, this was another chastening afternoon in what is shaping up to be a long and difficult campaign. Ralph Hasenhüttl’s side enjoyed plenty of the ball but rarely looked like scoring, underlining their status as the division’s least potent attack. On this evidence, they too face a fraught fight for survival.
Key Takeaways
- Wolves record first Premier League win at the 11th attempt
- Matheus Cunha scores one and creates another in man-of-the-match display
- VAR controversy as Southampton denied first-half equalizer
- Tactical switch helps Wolves shore up leaky defense
- Southampton struggles continue with another toothless attacking display
So while Wolves will savor this long overdue victory, both of these strugglers know that one win alone will not be enough to turn their seasons around. With tough fixtures ahead and confidence still brittle, the hard work is only just beginning for two sides who already look set for a long and draining battle against the drop.
