Premier League GW28 - Wolves vs Fulham

Wolves Triumph Against Fulham: A Tale of Tenacity and Goals

PREMIER LEAGUE 2023/24 SEASON

3/11/20244 min read

Wolves vs Fulham | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

In a thrilling Premier League match, Wolves hosted Fulham, and Molineux was the venue for a tenacious display. The game played out with drama and intensity, interspersed with moments of brilliance and setbacks due to injuries.

Wolves:

Newcastle United convincingly defeated Wolves last week, resulting in their first away loss since Christmas and a drop in the Premier League rankings. Still, Gary O'Neil's team is three points ahead of today's visitors and is holding onto a top-half standing. The West Midlands team defeated Brighton and Sheffield United 1-0 in the league and cup, respectively, and now looks to win three straight at home in all competitions.


Fulham:

Fulham's dramatic comeback continued last week as they defeated Brighton 3 goals to none. With only one loss in six league games, Marco Silva's team has barely moved up to 12th position. The Cottagers know that beating Wolves, who they defeated 3-2 in the rematch in November, will move them up the table despite the fact that they haven't kept a clean sheet away from home since September.


Line ups:

WOLVES (4-2-3-1): Jose Sa; Nelson Semedo, Santiago Bueno, Max Kilman, Rayan Ait Nouri; Joao Gomes, Mario Lemina; Pedro Neto, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, Pablo Sarabia; Nathan Fraser.

SUBS: Dan Bentley, Boubacar Traore, Hugo Bueno, Tawanda Chirewa, Toti Gomes, Matt Doherty, Noha Lemina, Leon Chiwome, Tommy Doyle.


FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Bernd Leno; Timothy Castagne, Tosin Adarabioyo, Calvin Bassey, Antonee Robinson; Harrison Reed, Sasa Lukic; Harry Wilson, Andreas Pereira, Alex Iwobi; Rodrigo Muniz.

SUBS: Marek Rodak, Tim Ream, Armando Broja, Bobby De Cordova-Reid, Joao Palhinha, Adama Traore, Kenny Tete, Willian, Tom Cairney.

Molineux Stadium | Picture Credits: Lime Venue Portfolio

A goalless first half as both the teams struggled to score | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

First Half: Injury Woes and Defensive Resilience:

Both Wolves and Fulham's defensive challenges and determination were on display in the first half.

Tosin Adarabioyo's header against the bar gave Fulham a pitiful chance to break the deadlock. Wolves kept the tourists at bay in spite of this scare. But Wolves were severely hit by the injury bug, as Pedro Neto and Bellegarde had to leave the field.

Pedro Neto's hamstring injury further worsened Wolves' situation and added to their attacking troubles. With a knock, Nelson Semedo also became a casualty on the list.

Wolves showed tenacity in defense as they kept Fulham at bay going into halftime despite the injury setbacks. Fulham, led by Marco Silva, looked to take advantage of the difficulties the home team was suffering after missing many opportunities.

Second Half: Wolves Rise from Adversity:

With a renewed sense of purpose, Wolves overcame their injured team to take the lead early in the second half.

Wolves elegantly broke the impasse. Ait-Nouri and Toti, the stand-ins, masterminded a brilliant scene. Ait-Nouri was found by Toti's well-placed cross, and he finished expertly high into the net to reward Wolves for their strong second-half performance.

Nelson Semedo's shot, which deflected off Tom Cairney, reached the net, giving Wolves a larger advantage. The play was started by a deft back-flick from Joao Gomes, demonstrating Wolves' adaptability in the absence of important strikers.

Fulham made a valiant effort, but Wolves stood strong and prevented the visitors from getting any momentum in the match. After a short VAR review, Nelson Semedo's goal gave Wolves a 2-0 lead.

Fulham made a late rush in the closing minutes, giving the last act a hint of drama.

Jose Sa, the goalkeeper for Wolves, shown bravery by making a vital save to stop Joao Palhinha of Fulham. But Alex Iwobi's improvised goal in the 90th + 8 minute gave Fulham their first goal and gave the visitors a consolation goal.

It was too little, too late for Fulham's late goal. The Wolves prevailed after a fierce battle, displaying creativity, tenacity, and defensive skill. Fulham kept trying, but they were unable to find the elusive equalizer.

Wolves Overcome Adversity:

After overcoming injuries and defensive issues, Wolves defeated Fulham in a story of perseverance. The objectives of Ait-Nouri and Semedo demonstrated Wolves' flexibility and ability to seize chances. Despite Fulham's valiant efforts, the tenacious Wolves prevailed 2-1.

With a vital victory, Wolves moved six points clear of Fulham in the Premier League standings as the final whistle blew at Molineux. Both teams' journeys continue as Wolves prepares for an FA Cup quarterfinal matchup against Coventry City while Fulham looks to bounce back against Tottenham in their next league game. At Molineux, football fans watched an exciting new chapter in this Premier League story as Wolves overcame all odds.

Nouri scored a goal and broke the deadlock for Wolves which gave them a 1-0 lead | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Iwobi scored a late goal for Fulham | Picture Credits: Sports Brief