Wolverhampton Wanderers emerged victorious on Saturday, March 15, 2025, with a 2-1 win over Southampton at St. Marys Stadium, marking a significant step away from relegation for the Old Gold. The match was held before 30,950 spectators, and the focal point of the victory was undoubtedly striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, whose two goals ensured three valuable points for his team.
Larsen, who joined Wolves on loan from Spanish club Celta de Vigo last summer, opened the scoring with a well-placed header after 19 minutes, converting Jean-Ricner Bellegarde's excellent cross. Just two minutes after halftime, he doubled the lead with a precise low-driven shot, again assisted by Bellegarde, asserting his dominance on the pitch.
"[Jorgen] Strand Larsen was fantastic, not only with his two goals but with the way he helped the team. Today he felt more confident," praised Wolves manager Vitor Pereira after the match. His praise highlights the importance of Larsen to Wolves, particularly as they strive to cement their place in the Premier League.
The win pushed Wolves to 17th place on the Premier League table with 26 points from 29 matches, now sitting nine points clear of the relegation zone. Yet, even with this significant cushion, fears of relegation still linger among the players. Defender Matt Doherty reflected on the situation, stating, "No, not yet. But we know how big a day this is for us. It’s kind of the results have gone our way again... It’s not done yet, but we know how big a day this was." Such sentiments underline how precarious the situation remains at the bottom of the league.
Meanwhile, Southampton fans expressed dissatisfaction with their team, which is struggling at the bottom of the standings. Comments on social media echoed frustrations with team performance. One supporter lamented, "A broken manager inherited a broken club with broken-spirited players." Another added, "Started well but conceded two soft goals," capturing the disillusionment surrounding the team's current form.
The importance of this match is underscored by Wolves' upcoming fixtures against West Ham, Ipswich, and Leicester, all teams battling to stay clear of the relegation battle. Pereira acknowledged this, hinting at the need for greater performance consistency: "It wasnt the best performance, but it is a great result. It gives us breathing space." He emphasized the urgency of the coming matches, which could seal Wolves' fate for the season.
Despite the win, Wolves' performance had its critics. Although they secured three points, fans and analysts noted moments of vulnerability, particularly defensively. Doherty mentioned, "We had to defend well because we made it nervy toward the end with Southampton scoring, allowing them to exert pressure on us late on."
Fans of both teams took to social media to express their thoughts post-match. Wolves supporters celebrated the win, indicating confidence over the possibility of Premier League survival. One Wolves fan noted, "A great result from the lads but we made it hard for ourselves... surely we will stay up now." The sentiment of confidence, though not without caution, captures the cautious optimism among loyal followers of Wolves.
On the flip side, Saints fans were vocal about their disappointment with the team’s lacking offensive strategy, primarily due to their choice to play without traditional strikers. Doherty reflected on Southampton's decisions, saying, "I was surprised they got down the sides but didn't put the ball in the box. We knew second-half would be tougher, and they would put balls in the box, which they managed to do."
The players seemed to recognize the opportunity this match provided to distance themselves from relegation, with Wolves now eyeing a more secure future. Pereira's management has visibly boosted team morale and performance, as Doherty noted, "He’s had a great impact on us. We obviously weren't in a great spot when he arrived, but we've managed to make the gap a lot bigger. We’re enjoying each other’s company at the moment, so hopefully, this continues for the rest of the season."
The victory against Southampton was not just about the three points; it was also about reaffirming the belief and spirit within the squad. Strand Larsen's brace and subsequent praise signify the potential for growth within the team. The pivotal match provides groundwork for future successes, especially as Wolves approach their final fixtures of the season with determined resolve.
Looking forward, Wolves have their eyes set on securing Premier League football for the following season. The upcoming break will serve as an important period for recovery for several players, including Strand Larsen, who may benefit from the time off after playing through injury. "He’s not the only one who is playing through the pain barrier, I think there’s a lot of us doing just the same," Doherty noted, stressing the team’s resilience.
With the international break now upon them, Wolves will be savoring their victory and preparing strategically for the challenges they will face when domestic play resumes. Confidence is high, and with the right focus and determination, the squad seems poised to retain their spot within England's top tier.
