Midlands | Wolves fans discuss their draw against Brighton

Wolves 1 - 1 Brighton & Hove Albion

Wolves run without a win the Premier League goes on but were there positives to be taken from the 1-1 draw against Brighton?

Author | James L

Stadium | Molineux

Wolves free-kick

Wolves were denied their first Premier League win of the season after Jan Paul van Hecke’s late header earned Brighton a draw at Molineux. The hosts, managed by Vitor Pereira, remain bottom of the table with just two points from seven games. 

They had taken the lead in the first half when Marshall Munetsi’s shot hit the bar and bounced in off Brighton keeper Bart Verbruggen for an own goal, moments after Pereira was controversially sent off for kicking a ball in frustration.

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Despite their manager’s dismissal, Wolves responded with renewed energy and came close to sealing victory. Jhon Arias missed a clear chance to extend their advantage, and Jorgen Strand Larsen struck the post late on after Sam Johnstone had denied Georginio Rutter. 

Their missed opportunities proved costly, as Van Hecke’s powerful header four minutes from time rescued a point for the visitors and prolonged Wolves’ wait for a league win stretching back to April.

In-depth analysis from one Wolves fan

Terry J told us: “We began brightly against Brighton, showing intent and control under Vitor Pereira’s back-four setup. Their dominance was rewarded after 21 minutes with the opening goal, and for much of the first hour, they looked the stronger side. Yet instead of building on that lead, the hosts retreated into caution, echoing the pattern of their previous outing against Spurs. Pereira’s decision to replace Hwang Hee-chan with Emmanuel Agbadou and move to a back three signalled a shift in mindset, one focused on preservation rather than progression."

Wolves celebrate their goal

Terry added: "Those tactical changes proved costly. Wolves lost their attacking outlet and allowed Brighton to take charge of the game, surrendering possession and momentum. With their shape deep and no pace left to threaten the counter, the home side invited sustained pressure. Brighton grew in confidence, recycling attacks and pinning Wolves back until the equaliser, when it came, felt less like a surprise than a conclusion long in the making."

The opinions of other Wolves supporters

Helen: For the second week in a row, the coaching staff have cost us points. Against Brighton, Wolves went into their shell with 35 minutes still to play. The management seem to lack belief in the players, and that uncertainty has clearly spread to the squad.

Douglas: This is the first season where I genuinely fear for our survival. There was no urgency or attacking purpose, particularly when defending the lead. While some lack of cohesion is understandable with so many new faces, surely keeping possession would help rather than constantly running into trouble. Make Jorgen Strand Larsen captain, he shows the fight that too many others lack.

Marcus: A much-improved display. Two hard-earned draws against strong opposition give some hope that things are starting to turn.