Online Reporter
Marshall Munetsi’s effort for Wolves against Brighton yesterday was in vain as the home side could only pick a 1-1 draw.
This means Wolves remain bottom of the table — with just two points from their opening seven games.
In yesterday’s draw, which saw Bart Verbruggen score an own goal, it was Munetsi’s strike which had hit the bar and ricocheted in off the goalkeeper.
That first-half lead looked like it was giving the hosts their first league victory since April, before Brighton levelled to force a draw.
Munetsi, who played as a deep-lying midfielder, played 91 minutes before being substituted. He is now expected to join the rest of his Warriors teammates in Durban for the World Cup qualifier showdown against South Africa.
As most of the Wolves players go for the international break, they will look back and realise they could still have won the game. Jan Paul van Hecke’s late header denied Wolves a first Premier League win of the season as the hosts had boss Vitor Pereira sent off at Molineux.
It came just a minute after Pereira was dismissed by referee Jarred Gillett, having accidentally kicked a ball into the broadcasters’ dugout in fury at Wolves not being awarded a free-kick.
His red card sparked a reaction from the hosts and there were glimpses of Wolves returning to their best in a combative game, with Jhon Arias missing a chance to double their lead in the second half when he fired over.
Sam Johnstone’s brilliant save denied Georginio Rutter an equaliser, while Wolves forward Jorgen Strand Larsen hit the post with 15 minutes left.
But that miss cost the home side when Van Hecke’s bullet header found the bottom corner with four minutes left to earn Brighton a point.
Wolves’ first two games after the international break — at Sunderland and then home to Burnley — now appear absolutely vital.
It took until the 11th game of last season for Wolves to win in the Premier League, a start which ultimately cost Gary O’Neil his job.
The ink is only just dry on the three-year deal Pereira signed last month but it will not be worth much if Wolves cannot end their win-less run.
O’Neil was handed a four-year deal on the eve of last season and was out of the door after four months — so if Pereira and Wolves do not want history repeating itself the victories must come quickly.
There is no desire for a change and Wolves feel Pereira’s experience and quality will dig them out of this hole, but for that to happen, they need to improve.
There were glimpses on Sunday they were returning to some form, but ultimately they were unable to create many chances.
The hosts had just nine touches in Brighton’s box — compared to the Seagulls’ 26 in Wolves’ area — and made only 35 successful passes in the final third, compared to Brighton’s 104.
Wolves are struggling as an attacking force and are also unable to keep clean sheets — a combination which will only lead one way. — Zimpapers Sports/BBC Sport.
Peter Tanyanyiwa