Wolves stunned Spurs with a 2-1 win, thanks to a double from Joao Gomes. Find out the key moments and performances that decided the match, and what it means for both teams.
Introduction:
Wolverhampton Wanderers pulled off a stunning 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, thanks to a brace from Joao Gomes in the Premier League match. The Brazilian striker scored his first goal of the season, either side of Dejan Kulusevski’s equalizer, to give Wolves their fifth win in eight matches under Gary O’Neil. The result ended Spurs’ unbeaten run of six matches and dealt a blow to their hopes of finishing in the top four.
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Spurs, who had won their previous four matches in all competitions, were expected to continue their momentum under new manager Ange Postecoglou, who had made a positive impact since taking over from Nuno Espirito Santo in December. Wolves, on the other hand, were seen as underdogs, despite their recent improvement under O’Neil, who had replaced Bruno Lage in November.
Joao Gomes gives Wolves the lead
Wolves took a deserved lead in the 42nd minute when Joao Gomes scored his first goal of the season with a superb header. The 25-year-old, who had scored only four goals in 38 appearances for Wolves last season, showed his predatory instincts as he found space in the box and met Pablo Sarabia’s out-swinging corner with a powerful and precise header that left Guglielmo Vicario with no chance.
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The goal was a reward for the Wolves’ dominance in the first half, as they controlled the possession and tempo of the game, and created several opportunities to score. Nelson Semedo and Rayan Ait-Nouri tested Vicario with shots from distance, while Hwang Hee-chan missed a golden chance to open the scoring when he blazed over the rebound from Semedo’s parried effort.
Wolves’ tactics were clear: they pressed Spurs high up the pitch, denied them time and space on the ball, and exploited the gaps behind their full-backs with their pace and width. Spurs, on the other hand, looked sluggish and disjointed, as they failed to cope with the Wolves’ intensity and movement. They barely threatened Jose Sa’s goal, apart from a couple of long-range attempts from Yves Bissouma and Son Heung-min.
Kulusevski levels for Spurs
Spurs came out of the blocks in the second half and equalized within 34 seconds, thanks to a brilliant individual goal from Dejan Kulusevski. The 21-year-old, who had joined Spurs on loan from Juventus in January, showed his quality and potential as he collected a loose ball near the halfway line, drove towards the Wolves’ box, and fired a low shot from a tight angle through Sa’s legs.
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The goal was a lifeline for Spurs, who had scored in each of their last 37 Premier League matches, a run that only Arsenal had bettered in the competition’s history. The goal also sparked Spurs into life, as they increased their tempo and urgency, and created more chances to score. Richarlison, who had been quiet in the first half, headed over from a Son cross, while James Maddison, who had replaced Bissouma at half-time, curled a shot just wide of the post.
Kulusevski and Richarlison were the main threats for the Spurs, as they used their skill and speed to trouble the Wolves defense. Kulusevski, who had scored his first goal for Spurs in the FA Cup win over Leeds United in midweek, was lively and inventive, as he linked up well with Son and Emerson Royal. Richarlison, who had scored four goals in his last five matches for Spurs, was powerful and direct, as he ran at the Wolves’ backline and tested Sa with a couple of shots.
Joao Gomes seals the win for Wolves
Wolves restored their lead in the 63rd minute when Joao Gomes scored his second goal of the season with a clinical finish. The former Benfica man completed a sensational counter-attack, which started from a Spurs corner. Pedro Neto, who had come on for Hwang, picked up the ball inside his half and sprinted more than half the length of the pitch, before cutting the ball back for Joao Gomes, who sidefooted the ball powerfully into the net.
The goal was a testament to Wolves’ resilience and efficiency, as they defended well and countered effectively. They absorbed Spurs’ pressure and restricted them to few clear-cut chances, while they exploited Spurs’ high line and lack of pace at the back with their speed and movement. They also showed more desire and determination, as they won more duels and tackles than Spurs.
Joao Gomes and Hwang were the main protagonists for Wolves, as they led the line with energy and intelligence. Joao Gomes, who had been criticized for his lack of goals and confidence, showed his class and quality, as he scored two goals from two shots on target, and also worked hard off the ball. Hwang, who had scored six goals in his last seven matches for Wolves, was unlucky not to score, but he was involved in the build-up to both goals and also pressed and harassed the Spurs’ defenders.
Conclusion:
Wolves secured a memorable 2-1 win over Spurs, thanks to a double from Joao Gomes, who scored his first goals of the season. The Brazilian striker was the hero for Wolves, who dominated the first half and scored a late winner after Dejan Kulusevski had equalized for Spurs early in the second half. The result lifted Wolves to eighth place in the table, just four points behind fourth-placed Spurs, who suffered their first defeat under Ange Postecoglou.
The result was a huge boost for Wolves, who continued their impressive form under Gary O’Neil, who had taken over from Bruno Lage in November. Wolves have now won five of their last eight matches, and have shown more attacking flair and defensive solidity. They have also beaten some of the top teams in the league, such as Liverpool, Chelsea, and now Spurs, and have emerged as contenders for a European spot.