Vítor Pereira’s reign as Wolves manager got off to a flying start with a dominant 3-0 win over Leicester City, lifting the mood around the club after a turbulent period. The Portuguese manager’s first match in charge saw his side thrash a Leicester team that looked disjointed and defensively fragile, leaving their supporters frustrated and the team staring at the relegation zone.
Wolves had been in a state of turmoil in recent weeks, with tensions rising both on and off the pitch. Mario Lemina lost the captaincy following an altercation with West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen, and Matheus Cunha was involved in an incident with Ipswich staff. Gary O’Neil was sacked after a poor run of results, with just nine points from 16 games, and the team’s defensive vulnerabilities were well known. However, under Pereira’s guidance, Wolves appeared to have found new cohesion, even though Leicester’s defensive errors played a significant role in the result.
The game at the King Power Stadium saw Wolves take advantage of Leicester’s mistakes. Gonçalo Guedes opened the scoring after just 10 minutes, capitalizing on a defensive blunder by Jannik Vestergaard, who failed to deal with a simple pass into the box. Guedes managed to outmuscle Conor Coady and slot the ball under Leicester’s goalkeeper Danny Ward, who was slow to react. Ward’s struggles continued throughout the match, as he was unable to prevent two more goals.
Rodrigo Gomes doubled Wolves’ lead just before halftime, when James Justin made a costly error by letting a pass from Matt Doherty slip through to Gomes, who bundled the ball into the net for his first goal for the club. The third goal came in the second half, with Cunha adding a simple finish after more poor defending from Leicester, as the ball went through Ward’s hands and into the net.
The result was a clear reflection of the two teams’ contrasting fortunes. While Wolves showed a solid, composed performance, Leicester’s defence was brittle and error-prone, contributing to their own downfall. The Foxes’ defensive frailties have been a recurring issue this season, and their poor showing against Wolves only amplified concerns over their survival in the Premier League.
Pereira’s appointment was seen as a fresh start for Wolves, and the early signs were promising. His first selection saw eight Portuguese-speaking players in the starting XI, a testament to his connections in the football world and his emphasis on familiarity. His tactical approach was evident, with Wolves looking more organized and confident than they had in recent weeks. Pereira himself emphasized the importance of building confidence, particularly in defense, after a season marred by defensive mistakes.
For Leicester, the defeat highlighted the ongoing struggles under manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, who had enjoyed a positive start to his tenure but now finds himself under pressure. The defeat left Leicester just two points above the relegation zone, and their defensive issues were laid bare for all to see. The home crowd’s frustration was palpable, with sarcastic cheers greeting Ward’s every successful touch, underscoring the dissatisfaction with his performance.
Van Nistelrooy, who had seen his team show promise in the early stages of his reign, now faces the difficult task of addressing Leicester’s defensive woes. The goalkeeper’s treatment by the fans was a stark reminder of how quickly things can turn in football, with Ward taking the brunt of the criticism despite the collective failings of the team. Van Nistelrooy defended his goalkeeper, acknowledging the difficulty of the situation and expressing hope that Ward could bounce back from the criticism.
The match served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the Premier League, where fortunes can change rapidly. Both teams are embroiled in a relegation battle, and while Wolves’ win lifted them closer to safety, Leicester’s problems are far from solved. With plenty of time left in the season, both clubs will need to address their issues quickly if they are to avoid the drop. For now, however, Pereira can bask in the satisfaction of a successful start to his Wolves tenure, with the fans already singing his name.
