Despite a fighting effort from Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux, they suffered a 2-1 home defeat at the hands of Fulham. It was a game in which the Old Gold dominated, but could not get over the line against a Cottagers side fighting for Europe.
Vitor Pereira’s side went 1-0 down just one minute into the game. It was a brilliant piece of play from Fulham, who, within a few passes, were in the Wolves penalty box, with Ryan Sessegnon slotting home past Jose Sa. It was far from ideal defending from Wolves, who gifted the Englishman acres of space on the left.
However, the West Midlands outfit hit back with almost 18 minutes on the clock. It was a sublime finish from midfielder Joao Gomes from which they equalised, thrashing home a volley into the roof of the net.
Wolves started the second half much like they did the first, by conceding a goal. This time it was two minutes after kick-off, with Rodrigo Muniz making a run in behind the defence and dinking a finish over the onrushing Sa.
Pereira’s side never managed to get themselves back in the game and ended up as the losing side. However, there were some standout performers, particularly Matheus Cunha and Gomes.
Wolves' best players against Fulham
Wolves’ Brazilian duo are simply vital players at Molineux. Although they were defeated against Fulham, the two still stood out. He did not get a goal or assist on Tuesday night, but Cunha was certainly excellent against the Cottagers.
One of the most impressive things was his influence off the ball. As per Sofascore, the 25-year-old won an exceptional nine out of 14 ground duels, whilst still creating one chance and completing two out of three dribbles.
As for Gomes, he put in a great showing in a more advanced midfield role aside from his goal. The midfielder’s sensational strike, which left Bernd Leno with no chance of saving it, was the highlight of his night, but he was also a creative influence.
This was noted by Charlie Haffenden, journalist for Birmingham World. He gave the Brazilian an 8/10 for his performance, explaining that he ‘created one good opportunity’ for his fellow attacking midfielder Cunha.
Despite the loss, there were certainly positives to take from the clash against Marco Silva’s side. However, a few players did struggle, including one man who was utilised out of position.
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The Wolves star who struggled against Fulham
It was a tough night at the office for January arrival Marshall Munetsi, who played as a centre-forward on Tuesday evening, despite Jorgen Stand Larsen being available and on the bench.
However, it’s safe to say that the experiment for Munetsi to lead the line did not quite work.
The Zimbabwean, who is a midfielder by trade, was rather isolated against the Cottagers. Although he was a presence in the opposition penalty box, the 28-year-old did not make much of an impact, and perhaps could have made a better contribution in the midfield role he is more used to playing.
The stats certainly demonstrate just how well the former Reims star struggled. Despite playing the entire game, he had just 24 touches, fewer than Old Gold goalkeeper Sa. He also won three from six duels and did not manage a shot on target, out of two efforts.
Touches
24
Pass accuracy
75%
Passes completed
12/16
Groud duels won
1/3
Aerial duels won
2/3
Chances created
1
Shots on target
0/2
Haffenden pointed out one of the issues Munetsi had against the West Londoners. The journalist explained he ‘was unable to make much stick in the final third’ despite being ‘heavily involved’ at both ends of the pitch.
It was a tough night for the Old Gold, with the experiment starting Munetsi as a centre-forward instead of Larsen ultimately not paying off. It has certainly given Pereira something to think about ahead of their next fixture, an FA Cup clash against Bournemouth.
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