Wolves enter the Carabao Cup in Round 1 for the first time since Nuno’s first season in charge, and they start it the same way: with a win. That season ended with promotion, while their cup run was eventually ended by Manchester City on penalties. Could more of the same be in store for Peixoto and his boys?
The Good
Wolves Win Their First Competitive Match of the Season
The last time Wolves won their first competitive match of a season was back in September 2020 against Sheffield United. Round 1 of the League Cup against a League Two side obviously isn’t the same as Premier League competition, but starting the season with a win is still a welcome sight — and one Wolves supporters haven’t seen in quite some time.
The team showed flashes of real quality throughout the match, whether in possession or through their counter-pressing. There is still plenty to improve, but getting a win on the board immediately is a strong way to begin a new era.
The Return of the King
I don’t think much needs to be said about this one. The chants of “Sí Señor” echoed around Molineux from the opening minutes, only growing louder in the 71st when Jiménez finally made his return in Old Gold.
It was a moment Wolves supporters have been waiting a long time for, and his return gives Peixoto another important option going forward. With the likely additions of Raúl and Krejčí to the starting lineup next week, Wolves should already look stronger than they did throughout preseason.
The Bad
A Slow, Slow Start
Before Armstrong scored in the 14th minute, there was a definite sense of uncertainty around Molineux. Wolves started on the back foot, with Port Vale controlling possession and even hitting the crossbar before the home side finally seemed to wake up.
It’s not the worst thing in the world, especially this early in the season, but you would like to see Wolves impose themselves much sooner against lower-league opposition. Starting slowly is something they can probably get away with against Port Vale; against stronger Championship sides, they may not be afforded the same luxury.
Questions About the Defence
Along with the slow start, there were a few all-too-familiar lapses in judgment from the back line. Port Vale hit the bar early, were gifted a completely free one-on-one that really should have been converted, and later received a penalty that Wolves gave away unnecessarily.
Bentley deserves plenty of credit for the brilliant penalty save, but Wolves cannot rely on their goalkeeper to bail them out every time. Many of those chances will be punished by better opposition, and some of the cheap, avoidable mistakes at the back need to be cleaned up quickly.
