Vitor Pereira
Wolverhampton Wanderers achieved a significant milestone by securing their second victory in the tournament, defeating Everton with a 2-0 win at Molineux. This victory marked their first clean sheet of the season, a feat that has eluded them until now. Goals from Marshall Munetsi in the 29th minute and a late strike by Tolu Arokodare ensured their progression to the fourth-round draw. Despite Everton’s efforts, including the introduction of players like Jack Grealish, Beto, Iliman Ndiaye, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Wolves maintained their defensive solidity.
Pereira said: “It was nice to see the players with confidence, playing good football, good pressure, controlling the game, character, team spirit. It means that, for me, we can do this because they have quality. The players have quality and we can bring a team stronger and get points in the league. A good result can change everything. It can change the spirit of the team, change the atmosphere. I’ve missed it a lot, the smiles of my players and the supporters, and I think we have reasons to smile. It’s a different energy. If you feel the energy of confidence, they can play at this level. This might tell everyone on the pitch that they can play at a different level. I liked it. Sometimes we used to say we need to change to get different things. I think we did it. First clean sheet. We spoke a lot about this last season, when we didn’t concede goals we usually won the games. We cannot concede easy goals with easy mistakes. We need to be consistent and increase our level and play with confidence. For the players, the time for adaptation has finished, it’s time to perform and help the team. Of course (they can go higher). With two or three good results we can play in another level.”
Pereira added: “We are expecting a strong shot on goal because he has the confidence in himself. Of course, he is not in his shape physically speaking. (Jorgen Strand) Larsen worked a lot for the team, and after Tolu went inside and he helped us. This is the spirit I want to see. Tolu came in the moment that we didn’t have Jorgen to play. The plan was not to play with him 90 minutes, the plan was to give him time to adapt and to start getting minutes. He needs to work hard to get his condition, and he will help us.”
The victory was not just about the scoreline but also about the psychological boost it provided to the team. Pereira emphasized the importance of confidence and team spirit, noting that a good result can transform the atmosphere and energy within the squad. The clean sheet was particularly significant, as it highlighted the team’s defensive improvements and their ability to maintain focus and discipline throughout the match.
Arokodare’s goal was a notable highlight, marking his first for Wolves. Pereira’s comments about Arokodare’s potential and the need for him to gain match fitness suggest that the player will be an asset once he reaches peak condition. The manager’s strategic approach to player adaptation and integration into the team underscores the importance of building a cohesive unit capable of competing at higher levels.
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