Gary O'Neil finds redemption as Wolves fight relentlessly to the final whistle."
Wolves manager Gary O’Neil, often marred by setbacks from officiating calls, player departures, and lapses in focus, finally saw his side’s hard work rewarded. His team mounted a two-goal comeback capped off by a dramatic last-minute equalizer from Matheus Cunha, earning them a point against Brighton when all seemed lost.
Wolves Resilient Despite Danny Welbeck’s Opener
After a disciplined first-half effort, Wolves were undone just before halftime as Danny Welbeck slotted home his sixth goal of the season, capitalizing on a pass from Georginio Rutter. Welbeck’s strike left Wolves trailing, setting up a challenging second half where missed opportunities seemed poised to doom them further.
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Brighton Extends Lead Through Evan Ferguson
As the second half wore on, Wolves’ finishing continued to falter, and Brighton took advantage. Evan Ferguson netted his first goal since November 2023, putting Brighton up 2-0. Following two costly giveaways, O’Neil’s future seemed in jeopardy, with pressure mounting ahead of a crucial meeting with fellow strugglers Crystal Palace.
Late Comeback Sparks O’Neil’s Relief
O’Neil, who had remained visibly tense on the touchline, finally relaxed after witnessing his team claw back. Wolves managed to pull away from the Premier League’s bottom ranks with their late comeback. "We decided to do it the hard way,” said O’Neil. “"Down 2-0, I anticipated facing some tough questions."
Hürzeler’s Brighton Let Victory Slip Away
Brighton’s wunderkind manager, Fabian Hürzeler, acknowledged his team’s shortcomings after they failed to hold onto their lead. Following Cunha’s equalizer, Brighton’s aggressive forward charge left them vulnerable, allowing Wolves to stage their rally. “Today, we fell short of our growth targets," Hürzeler stated.. "This game was too immature for us to win."
Doyle’s Impact and Wolves’ Tactical Adjustments
Wolves implemented tactical changes, with midfielder Tommy Doyle’s passing range giving them more control in the second half. O’Neil, however, expressed regret for a conservative starting formation that featured five defenders. Doyle’s crucial interception of Mats Wieffer’s pass ultimately led to Cunha’s equalizer, a redeeming moment after an earlier missed opportunity.
Aït-Nouri and Gomes Shine for Wolves
Key contributors to Wolves’ revival included Rayan Aït-Nouri, who scored the team’s first goal, and João Gomes, adding creative flair. Yet, the Wolves’ issues with consistency and concentration persisted, leading to an intense tactical struggle as Brighton piled on the pressure with set pieces.
Welbeck Continues Scoring Streak for Brighton
As Brighton’s attacking opportunities mounted, Welbeck capitalized with a simple finish, continuing his impressive season form. Half-time brought changes for Wolves, with O’Neil swapping Toti and Mario Lemina for Pablo Sarabia and Carlos Forbs in an attempt to match Brighton’s shape and intensify Wolves’ attack.
Wolves Gain Momentum in Chaotic Second Half
Wolves began pushing forward, though Brighton threatened with counterattacks. Welbeck narrowly missed a second goal after Sarabia inadvertently played him through. Brighton midfielder Yasin Ayari also added to the tension, missing a promising chance.
Wolves’ Persistence Pays Off
Sarabia’s pinpoint pass found Cunha, though the forward’s finish was wayward. Brighton responded by introducing Ferguson, whose increased presence heightened Wolves’ difficulty. However, Aït-Nouri managed to score Wolves’ first goal, setting the stage for an intense finish.
Hürzeler Reflects on the Closing Moments
Brighton’s coach acknowledged his team’s inability to close out the game with grit. “Games like this, you don’t win in a beautiful way, you have to win in an ugly way,” Hürzeler commented, lamenting the passive play that led to the Wolves’ equalizer.
Cunha’s Decisive Goal and O’Neil’s Jubilant Reaction
Cunha’s decisive solo run culminated in a shot that deflected off Jan Paul van Hecke, finding the back of the net and sparking euphoric celebrations from O’Neil, who acknowledged his team’s resilience. “They have given everything,” he said, grateful for the point salvaged from a hard-fought contest.
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