Wolverhampton Wanderers recorded their first victory under new head coach Vítor Pereira with an emphatic 3-0 win against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on December 22nd, 2024. This significant triumph came during the 17th round of the Premier League, providing the Wolves with much-needed momentum as they continue their battle against relegation.
Pereira, previously at Brazilian clubs Corinthians and Flamengo, took over the reins from Gary O’Neil, aiming to guide Wolverhampton away from the relegation zone. Despite the victory, the Wolves still find themselves precariously placed at 18th, just two points adrift of Leicester, who now sit one position above them.
The match itself showcased Wolverhampton's tactical sophistication, particularly evident on the defensive front. Pereira's squad not only managed to capitalize on their scoring opportunities but also curtailed Leicester's offense effectively. The hosts had 56% possession and outshot the Wolves, but their attempts lacked the precision needed to threaten Wolverhampton goalkeeper José Sá.
Gonçalo Guedes opened the scoring early, netting the first goal at the 19-minute mark after connecting with Nélson Semedo’s assist. Teammate Rodrigo Gomes doubled the advantage just before halftime, taking advantage of poor defending from Leicester to slot the ball home. Finally, Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha sealed the deal shortly before the break, effectively putting the game out of reach of Leicester.
Wolverhampton's performance was particularly jubilant as it marked only their third win of the season, effectively snapping a four-match losing streak. The fans, who had traveled to support the team, echoed their appreciation, chanting Pereira’s name throughout the match.
While the attacking players garnered praises for their goal-scoring abilities, João Gomes, who was revealed through Flamengo's youth academy, made his presence felt even though he did not score. Despite receiving criticism for his performance metrics – including three dribbles lost and eight possession losses – he maintained impressive passing accuracy, completing 49 of 53 passes and contributing defensively as well.
Pereira's prior experience and aspirations reveal much about his ambition within the Premier League. He had emphasized the significance of this opportunity during his introductory press conference, stating his commitment to rejuvenate the Wolves' play style and instill confidence among his players. “I’ve worked 14 years for this, and I’m here to save this club from relegation,” Pereira asserted.
The victory over Leicester provided immediate proof of his capability to impact the squad positively. “A dream debut for Vítor Pereira with Wolves,” noted the official Premier League account on social media, reflecting the sentiment of fans and pundits alike.
Looking forward, Wolverhampton faces Manchester United next, hoping to continue their newfound form. Meanwhile, Leicester will challenge Liverpool, also seeking to recover their position within the league. No doubt, Pereira's initial victory has instilled hope among the Wolves' faithful, who look forward to brighter days under his leadership.
Overall, this debut win not only boosts the team's standings but also invigorates the fan base who invested their hopes and frustrations as they witness their club's performance improving.