Wolves Climb Out of Last Place with Victory Against Southampton | OneFootball

Cunha’s Strike Lifts Wolves and Deepens Southampton’s Woes

In a crucial encounter for Wolves and Southampton, Matheus Cunha’s remarkable long-range effort inspired Wolves to a 2-0 victory, delivering their first Premier League win of the season. The result lifts Wolves off the bottom of the table, offering respite to manager Gary O’Neil, while Southampton’s struggles under Russell Martin only intensify.

Early Lead and Wolves’ Defensive Grit

The hosts couldn’t have asked for a better start, taking the lead within two minutes thanks to Cunha’s quick thinking and creative play. A misjudged header from Southampton’s Kyle Walker-Peters on the halfway line allowed Cunha to intercept and dash forward, slipping a well-timed pass to Pablo Sarabia. With composure and precision, Sarabia rounded Southampton’s keeper, Aaron Ramsdale, and slotted the ball into the net, igniting Molineux.

After that early breakthrough, Wolves faced considerable pressure as Southampton sought to claw their way back into the game. The visitors’ best opportunity appeared to arrive when Ryan Manning fired an unstoppable shot into the top corner, only for it to be disallowed. Referee Thomas Bramall consulted the VAR monitor and ruled that Mateus Fernandes had fouled Wolves’ Nelson Semedo in the build-up, a call that Southampton’s bench and travelling supporters protested vigorously.

Photo: IMAGO

Cunha’s Decisive Second-Half Strike

The second half saw Wolves under sustained pressure, yet Southampton couldn’t convert their territorial advantage into goals. Taylor Harwood-Bellis missed a promising chance from a corner, heading wide when it seemed easier to score. The visitors had controlled possession but were left ruing missed opportunities, as Wolves’ defence held firm, buoyed by the early lead.

Then came the moment that would ultimately seal the points for Wolves. On the edge of Southampton’s area, Cunha picked up the ball, steadied himself, and unleashed a thunderous strike from 25 yards that soared past Ramsdale and into the top corner. The Molineux crowd erupted, with Cunha’s goal easing any lingering nerves and putting Wolves in control.

Southampton protested what they perceived to be a foul on Cameron Archer in the lead-up to the goal, but referee Bramall dismissed the appeals, leaving Russell Martin’s men to reflect on another decision that hadn’t gone their way.

Pressure Mounts for Russell Martin

For Southampton, the result marks a ninth defeat in 11 games and increases the scrutiny on Martin’s tenure as the team struggles to escape the lower reaches of the table. Despite controlling much of the possession and creating several chances, Southampton lacked the cutting edge to break through Wolves’ defence. Harwood-Bellis and Manning had their chances, but ultimately, their efforts lacked the finishing touch needed to salvage points.

Photo: IMAGO

Southampton’s frustrations were evident, with players and management alike aggrieved by the disallowed goal and the perceived lack of protection in key moments. Martin’s side, with only one win in recent memory, now face a daunting task in the coming weeks to avoid a prolonged stay near the relegation zone.

Wolves’ Reprieve and Path Forward

Wolves’ victory is a much-needed morale boost and an indication that O’Neil’s side can dig deep when required. Their defensive resilience, though tested, held strong for their first clean sheet in 22 games—a milestone that will provide added confidence as they look to climb out of the relegation mire.

With the quality of Cunha and Sarabia up front and a defensive performance to build on, Wolves will feel a renewed sense of purpose moving forward. For Southampton, however, the road to recovery looks steep, with Martin needing answers quickly to arrest the slide and inject belief into his side.