Wolverhampton Wanderers

Mike Taylor
BBC Radio WM reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Ten points from the four games of Matheus Cunha's suspension far exceeded the figure feared by some supporters after his dismissal at Bournemouth.

At that time it was not really apparent who would score the goals to earn Wolves points in his absence. As it turned out, the solution had been there all the time, but by Vitor Pereira's account, it was the workflow towards him that had been off.

After the game, Pereira asked himself a question, and answered it. "Do you know why [Jorgen Strand] Larsen is playing better now?" he said. "Because of [Marshall] Munetsi.

"Munetsi now is playing close to him, opens the space for him and helps him to play and attack the space. The markers, they go with him and open the space. [Larsen's] adaptation in the Premier League is getting better, but because now we put a player behind him, creating space, attacking space, helping him in the first ball and the second ball... this is why Jorgen is doing better and better."

The response to the posting of this clip on social media developed into a surprisingly edgy debate about whether this was good judgement or coincidence, and not all were persuaded of Munetsi's merits. Larsen himself, however, told me he is in no doubt.

"I think Marshall has done an amazing job since he came here," said the Norway striker. "He put down so many kilometres, he's running and he's fighting for every ball. Not everything can be perfect, you can't hold every ball up, you're playing against really big, strong defenders every time. He's working a lot around me, that gives me sometimes the energy to finish off the chances and he's nice to have around."

We could fairly say that some of Munetsi's game is unrefined compared to some of his colleagues. He is not as skilled on the ball as Pablo Sarabia. He is not as good a finisher as Cunha. He is not as quick as Rodrigo Gomes.

But what he has brought to Wolves is perpetual energy, a physical threat. In difficult times this season Wolves were frictionless, brushed off by their opponents without leaving a mark. At the very least, Munetsi's presence changes this. He harries and disrupts, and while he may not always be the man to capitalise, he creates the conditions for others, like Larsen, to do so.

This leads to a new question, with its own edge in light of recent events. Is it possible that while Cunha is by common consensus Wolves' best player, the best Wolves team at this moment does not include him?

Listen to full commentary of Wolves v Tottenham at 14:00 BST on Sunday on BBC Radio WM (DAB Black Country)

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Michael Emons
BBC Sport journalist

Ipswich's Kieran McKenna paced along the edge of the technical area, encouraging and clapping his side - calm and steady instead of panicking and nervous.

He was a near-permanent presence there, but when something happened - goals at either end, corners, good challenges, shots - he would watch the clip with the analysts for 10-20 seconds before returning to his position.

A raised fist followed Liam Delap's goal, but McKenna - 40 seconds late for the start of the second half - was dejected after Wolves' late winner.

Wolves manager Vitor Pereira - watching from media seats - and assistant Luis Miguel were suspended, so first-team coach Andre Monteiro took charge.

After Ipswich scored, Monteiro was a chalk-on-the-trainers boss, almost on the pitch, a few paces out of the area. On a few occasions the fourth official had to politely tell Monteiro to get back.

Monteiro was constantly in touch with Pereira, looking in his direction, making hand signals while talking via an earpiece.

When Wolves equalised, Monteiro was about to bring on striker Hwang Hee-chan, but after some hand waving in Pereira's direction, the decision was changed. Wolves' winner left Pereira hugging his coaching staff, with Premier League safety practically secured.

See what all the other managers did

Dazzling Dave
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Matheus Cunha has been a game-changer for Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Since joining, the Brazil forward has delivered crucial performances, often single-handedly pulling Wolves out of difficult situations. His creativity, drive, and skill have been vital, and Wolves fans undoubtedly owe him a lot for his contributions this season.

However, his return after missing the past few games because of suspension presents a real dilemma for Vitor Pereira.

Wolves have been in fantastic form, winning three consecutive Premier League matches in Cunha's absence. Sticking to the old adage "don't change a winning team", Pereira might hesitate to alter a side full of confidence and rhythm.

The numbers back this up. Since Pereira's arrival, Cunha has missed five Premier League fixtures because of suspension. With Cunha available, Wolves' league record reads 10 matches played, four wins, one draw, and five losses, averaging 1.3 points per game. Without him, the side boasts a better return of three wins, one draw and one loss, with a points-per-game average to two. Admittedly, these results have come against lower-table teams, but they are also fighting for survival, making this an impressive achievement.

This improvement does not take away from Cunha's ability or significance to the team. On his day, he is Wolves' most important attacking player, capable of creating chances and making the difference in tight games. But Pereira now faces the challenge of maintaining balance and momentum while reintegrating Cunha.

The real question is: who gets benched to make way for him? The Wolves attack has gelled well in his absence, with the current line-up delivering results. Dropping an in-form player risks disrupting team dynamics.

Cunha's quality ensures he will be back in the starting XI sooner rather than later, but I would still stick with a winning team while keeping Cunha ready to step in when needed.

Find more from Dazzling Dave at Always Wolves, external

Manchester United are interested in signing Wolves and Brazil forward Matheus Cunha, 25, whose £62.5m release clause will become active this summer. (Talksport), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

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Sam Ashoo
Final Score reporter

Image source, Getty Images

This was my first time watching Wolves in the flesh for a couple of months and two things struck me. Number one is that Joao Gomes is brilliant. Number two, Andre is brilliant.

And as a pair, they look unstoppable.

Let's start with Joao. He was absolutely everywhere on Saturday, and while the game is not about how much you run, it is often about winning the ball back and distributing it wisely. That is exactly what Joao did time and time again.

As for Andre, a 93% passing accuracy stat is impressive considering that only Emmanuel Agbadou completed more passes than him. Not to mention Andre has a more creative role on the pitch.

Both of these players come from Brazil, both have the same agent and both are very, very good at football. If the second half on Saturday is anything to go by, 2025-26 could be a great season for Wolves.

Image source, PA Media

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Ipswich and Wolves.

Here are some of your comments:

Ipswich fans

Jonny: With defeat by Wolves, the slim hope of a "great escape" was well and truly put to bed. Most level-headed Town fans will now be preparing for another season back in the Championship. Our hope is that we can play the rest of the season without fear now that the pressure is off, and who knows, maybe even pick up a few more points to send us down with our heads held high.

Ben: Another predictable watch. Lots of effort but no real quality to transition from the back. The lack of Premier League experience is telling - the league needs to have a good look at how any promoted team stands a chance.

Paul: Unfortunately Ipswich do not have the players to survive in the Premier League just yet. They huffed and puffed to no real avail. It was quite an eye opener to witness the gulf in class between these two teams next to each other in the table. Another year in the Championship will help their development and they will have to add better quality players to their squad.

Terry: Good display in the first half but no response after half-time when Wolves were on top. No bite up front in the second half. There appeared to be no belief that Town would win after the equaliser.

Wolves fans

John: Good display after a shaky start. Joao Gomes and Andre were outstanding again and have a really good understanding together. Onwards and upwards, and hopefully Fosun will back us next season after the turnaround from Vitor Pereira.

Jen: Passion, resilience and a sprinkling of class. Wasn't the prettiest but who cares! The players want to play for the shirt, the connection is back with the fans and we have a manager who gets it. Roll on the next few games!

John: Great result obviously against an Ipswich side that had not only beaten us already this season but who were absolutely desperate for points. I remember sitting in the pub five weeks ago and seeing the news of Matheus Cunha's red card against Bournemouth come through and thinking: "OK, no points until Leicester - it's going to get tight." But 10 points from a possible 12 without him and we're flying. Safe with seven games to go - could not have dreamt of that after the farce that was the Ipswich game at Molineux back in December.

David: Yet more evidence that we are a side transformed under Vitor Pereira, and for once we are finishing a season strongly. Three wins and a draw without Cunha. If all are match-fit, does Pereira put him in the starting XI v Spurs next Sunday?

Image source, Getty Images

The Premier League's record goalscorer Alan Shearer praised Jorgen Strand Larsen for his performance in Wolves' 2-1 win over Ipswich on Saturday as his fourth goal in three games helped Vitor Pereira's side to a third successive win.

Speaking on Match of the Day, Shearer said: "The question was how were they going to get on for the four games without their best player [Matheus] Cunha. I actually think they've looked a better team.

"[Strand Larsen] has got 11 goals this season, four in his past three games. Wolves have won three games and drawn one. So that tells you the answer about what are they going to do without their best player.

"He was a nuisance. His hold-up play was excellent and I thought his touch and his control were superb.

"Wolves didn't play that well in the first half, but they certainly improved in the second. When you've got a guy who's 6'4, you have to get balls into the box, and they certainly did that in the second half."

Since Pereira took over at Molineux, Wolves have won more points than Ipswich, Southampton and Leicester put together.

Catch up on Match of the Day on BBC iPlayer

Gary Lineker presents highlights and analysis from Saturday's five Premier League fixtures.

If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up now on BBC iPlayer.

Listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Crystal Palace 2-1 Brighton

• Aston Villa 2-1 Nottingham Forest

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Wolves have won three consecutive matches in the Premier League for the first time since December 2023. They have also won three successive away games in the competition for the first time since a run of four under Bruno Lage in February 2022.

Jorgen Strand Larsen has scored four goals across his past three Premier League games for Wolves, as many strikes as in his previous 18 appearances in the top-flight.

Image source, Getty Images

Wolves boss Vitor Pereira has been speaking to Premier League Productions about the important result: "I'm very happy for the club, the supporters and the team because we deserved it. Today they scored first, but we had some chances. In the second half, we increased our level and we started to feel we came here to win. It's not time to wait, it's time to play, press them and win the game. I was very happy with that.

"I don't care if we lose, I just want my team pressing and putting more pace on the ball and changing one or two things. It's a result because we played with quality in second half, creating opportunities.

"I don't know if it is guaranteed safety, but we will try to win the next game. We have a good team, personality, character and we are connected with the supporters. We have good players to score goals. It was a pity the goal we conceded but, in the end, I'm happy.

"Our pressure is the pressure we put on ourselves. At the end of the game, we need to feel we did our work. We tried to win the game and we didn't want to draw. We came with the intention to win. We tried to prepare to win the game."

Image source, Getty Images

Wolves forward Jorgen Strand Larsen has been speaking to BBC Sport about the result: "A lot of thoughts in my head, good thoughts because it was an amazing comeback. We looked like two different teams today, and it is nice to see that we can come back after a pretty bad first half.

"I've scored many goals already, and many important ones, but this is the best one. Not the prettiest one, probably the ugliest, I was just onside but it was a massive goal at the end of the game.

"It's no secret, I am always working hard. I had a few tough months, having been injured, with a few tough moments not scoring goals. That's the way it is. Your form goes up and down, especially where we have been this season. I haven't changed a thing, just kept being myself, positive and smiling all the time."

On his broken hand and whether he was worried about it in the celebrations: "I couldn't care less about that. The doctor will say: 'you have to be careful'! We went nuts celebrating with the fans, it was amazing.

"Ipswich did well in the first half. They have strong defenders who don't give a lot of time, good crosses and set pieces. We made a few changes at half-time and we got back in the game."

On whether Wolves are safe from relegation: "No, not really. We still have to be in every game because you see how strong Ipswich were today.

"This league is brutal and you never know what will happen. We have a few tough games to play, but we are not afraid of anyone so hopefully we can take three points in next game too."

Were you at Portman Road or following from elsewhere?

What did you make of Ipswich's performance?

What did you think of Wolves' display?

Come back to this page on Monday to find a selection of your replies

Five matches make up Saturday's Premier League action and BBC Sport will bring you every kick.

• Everton v Arsenal (12:30)

• Crystal Palace v Brighton

• Ipswich v Wolves

• West Ham v Bournemouth

• Aston Villa v Nottingham Forest (17:30)

All kick-off times 15:00 BST unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

I am going purely from the heart here, not because I have any feelings for Ipswich but purely because of what I know a Tractor Boys win will mean for my daughter's teacher, Mr Fields.

I have written Ipswich off plenty of times this season and said they are already down but they simply have to win this game otherwise they really can forget any hope of staying up.

What a result it was for Kieran McKenna's side to win at Bournemouth on Wednesday, especially after Wolves had beaten West Ham on Tuesday.

It means that Ipswich are still one place and nine points behind 17th-placed Wolves. With eight games to go, they only have a slim chance of survival but at least they do have a chance, and they could put their nearest rivals under a bit of pressure by beating them here.

They have already beaten Wolves once this season, at Molineux in December, in Gary O'Neil's final game in charge of Wolves, and beating them again at home to get their second win this week would be huge when you consider they had only won three of their first 29 league games.

My head is not exactly convinced that will happen, if I am being entirely honest, even though Wolves' best player Matheus Cunha is still out suspended.

Mr Fields would probably prefer me not to tip Town to win anyway because I have usually been wrong when I've done that in the past, but I am going to say they will get over the line because I want him to be happy.

Sutton's prediction: 2-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Adwaidh Rajan
BBC Sport journalist

Vitor Pereira has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game at Ipswich Town (kick-off 15:00).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Pereira reported no fresh injury concerns and also confirmed Goncalo Guedes and Rodrigo Gomes, who were not involved in the win over West Ham, are fit.

• On whether his side is now safe from being dragged into the relegation battle: "It's not over until the end. I've said it before - it's a league that can surprise you. Ipswich have the quality to fight for a lot of points. I feel my team is confident and consistent. For sure, we will compete. I never prepare my team to go to a game for a draw. We just want the three points." "

• However, he added that the battle to avoid relegation will not be won even if Wolves win against Ipswich and move 12 points clear of safety.

• On the potential of midfielder Joao Gomes who signed a new five-year contract earlier this week: "He is young, he has shown humility and he wants to learn and help. Tactically and technically, he can improve, but he has the spirit. He will have a fantastic career."

• Pereira also had praise for striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, who scored the winner against the Hammers: "My striker must be a fighter and the responsibility is not only to score goals. He has this spirit and this character. I like him."

• Pereira praised his counterpart Kieran McKenna's "fantastic work" at Ipswich, saying he had built a team with tactical ideas and good players.

• He also described Ipswich striker Liam Delap as a "strong player", adding the Wolves defence must be fully focused to keep him quiet.

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Nick Mashiter
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Wolves boss Vitor Pereira will mark his 600th game in management against Ipswich on Saturday.

The Portuguese replaced Gary O'Neil in December when Wolves were four points from safety and has guided them to 17th and nine points above the Premier League relegation zone.

Only Liverpool (17) and Arsenal (14) have earned more points than Wolves (13) in the past two months.

Wolves go to Portman Road closing in on survival and a win over the third-bottom Tractor Boys will restore their 12-point advantage over their rivals.

"Six hundred matches across the world, filled with moments of great joy as well as challenges," Pereira said. "Football is just like life - a world of intense emotions. It is an immense privilege to be in this great league, which I consider the best in the world and to help Wolverhampton achieve its goals.

"These include securing our place in the Premier League while playing quality football and fostering a true sense of unity between the players, fans, club and city. We take great pride in our work, restoring joy and a sense of belonging to our fantastic supporters."

Pereira started his managerial career with Sanjoanense in 2004 while he has also had two spells at Porto and Fenerbache and time at 1860 Munich, Olympiacos, Corinthians, Flamengo and Al-Shabab before joining Wolves.

His record stands at 320 wins, 144 draws, and 135 defeats, having won two titles in Portugal and the double in Greece.

Image source, Getty Images

Wolves have won their past two away Premier League games, as many as in their previous 19 combined.

The Old Gold have won six of their past eight Premier League games against promoted sides.

Their sole defeat though was against Ipswich in December, while Birmingham in 2009-10 are the only promoted side to do the double over Wolves in the Premier League.

Ipswich have lost 10 home Premier League matches this season, their most in a season since 2010-11 in the Championship (also 10). They've only ever lost more home games in one season, losing 13 at Portman Road in 1994-95 when they finished bottom of the Premier League.

Image source, Getty Images

We asked you to tell us something that no-one is talking about at Wolves right now. Here are some of your comments:

Simon: Marshall Munetsi and Emmanuel Agbadou have been fantastic January transfer window signings. Joao Gomes and Andre have really gelled and protecting that back three, with Matt Doherty on the right and Toti Gomes on the left, has allowed Nelson Semedo and Rayan Ait-Nouri to be free.

Molly: Why is everyone apparently so resigned to Matheus Cunha's departure? Why are we not fighting to keep all our brilliant Brazilians? What a team we could be. Back the team or sell the club, Fosun.

Simon: Semedo's expiring contract.

Nick Strand Larsen's goal record is massively going under the radar. For a first season, 10 goals is a good haul and provides a platform to move forward next season. That's the same amount as Raul Jimenez at Fulham and three off his first season at Wolves.

Mark: Over the years there was an apparent "project" that has been lost well under the radar. Players arrive intending to move on once their talent is realised. Nuno Espirito had dreams of Europe,. He got it. Had Fosun backed him with funds, who knows where we would be! A club without a plan is asking for trouble.

Mike Taylor
BBC Radio WM reporter

Image source, Getty Images

A caller to Tuesday evening's BBC Radio WM Football Phone-In, before Wolves beat West Ham, pointed out that at no stage this season have the Molineux side been out of the bottom four of the Premier League table. This really is as good as it has got.

An unexpected victory for Ipswich at Bournemouth may slightly temper Wolves' optimism, but they remain nine points above the relegation zone, and in recent weeks have been steadily pulling away.

After Tuesday's jubilation, there is a sense of the club moving on, after months of labouring uphill and at times seeming to wallow in the misery of it all. Who knew 17th place could feel so good?

In the latest interesting long read on his Football Unfiltered Substack site,, external the well-informed journalist Johnny Phillips suggests there is a "recognition" from owners Fosun that "something needs to change if Wolves are to break what seems like a cycle of under-investment in the transfer market followed by struggles on the pitch". He also reports their wish to restore the sense of a unified club, the "One Pack" motif established while Nuno Espirito Santo was the head coach.

That sounds like the right way of thinking. To what degree the club's ownership has ever lost sight of the "One Pack" idea, only they can really know. It is hard to imagine they ever consciously turned against it. A uniting concept for a football club helps.

• Not a Wolves fan? Find and follow your team's page on BBC Sport

A more prosaic thought is that the best way to pull a club together is to win some games, like they did under Nuno, and are now with Vitor Pereira.

Which came first, the concept or the results? If there is a realisation that restoring it will require sufficient expense, fine. As they have found in recent seasons, inadequate squad-building in the summer only makes for a costly rescue later on.

Anyway, barring accident at Ipswich, there should be plenty of time for musing about all that. Pereira signed a relatively short contract when he arrived at the club, but it sounds like wherever Wolves are moving on towards, he is up for the journey. Joao Gomes signed a new deal this week.

For the second game running, they won with a Jorgen Strand Larsen goal rather than a Matheus Cunha goal. Cunha was on social media this week pledging his allegiance to the badge too, notwithstanding his interview in the Guardian the other day.

When his suspension began, there was a fear of doom; now, before it ends, there is a sense of moving towards a new dawn, with or without him.

Listen to full BBC Radio WM commentary of Ipswich v Wolves at 15:00 BST on Saturday (95.6 FM)

Tune into The West Midlands Football Phone-In from 18:00 on weeknights