6 THINGS LEARNT FROM WOLVES V SPURS

1. One place up the table has never meant so much

Wolves have not been higher than 17th at any point this season. The bottom four, in fact, have been nailed-on certainties for months, with a seemingly insurmountable gap separating them from everyone else. Yesterday, Wolves won their fourth consecutive game in the top flight for over 50 years and the first time ever in the Premier League era. As a result, they moved one place higher in the league to a dizzying 16th.

Few would usually celebrate the movement of one position, but this is a staggering achievement and one that meant so much more than the small movement up the Premier League table. It is just rewards for Vitor and his men for a turnaround in form that heaps even further embarrassment on the previous administration. With the chasm now closed on the pack ahead, Wolves will have their sights on further upward movement. With their momentum and fixture list, you would not bet against Wolves pushing on from here to achieve genuine mid-table respectability—an achievement that might seem like par in any other season, but the transition has been nothing short of miraculous.

2. The Brazilian may be the best to ever wear the old gold.

Even though the new contract has been signed, Wolves will have plenty of callers in the summer for a player whose reputation and performance level continue to improve. The brilliant Brazilian in question is not the one stealing the headlines though—step forward, Joao Gomes. The midfielder has it all: the ability on the ball, the fight, the energy, the calmness. Wolves have had some fine players in their history and in the latest Premier League era, but Gomes is one of the very best. (And I’m calling this one) He is the very best to have ever worn the old gold.

With youth on his side and the way he continues to develop, not only is he the best I have seen, but he also has all the credentials to get even better. This guy is a world superstar waiting to happen.

3. Leicester Vibes

Now, I may be getting carried away, but hear me out. The league is strong, but there are no standout teams this season, and most clubs are going through a transitional period. Look at Nottingham Forest, who have undoubtedly overperformed. It doesn’t take much of a change to elevate from relegation candidates to Champions League contenders. With Wolves’ team for next season looking increasingly appealing on paper, and an upturn in form with such momentum, it does give a striking comparison to the Leicester team who managed to win seven of their final nine games to avoid relegation and carried that form into their unbelievable title-winning season.

Now, I’m not saying we are going to win the league next season—those kinds of fairy tales only happen once in a lifetime, right? But what I am saying is that if Fosun are careful with outgoings and make a couple of smart additions, there is something really quite special brewing here. The defence, with the addition of Mosquera, looks strong, quick, and powerful. Our centre midfield is one that few would swap for anything else the rest of the Premier League has to offer. The major groundwork has been laid. A title win may be dreamland, obviously, but Wolves have a chance of delivering something very special next season.

4. How did everyone miss Agbadou?

Agbadou somehow has the ability to make Willy Boly look tense and anxious in comparison. What an absolute colossus. Wolves seem to have a knack for signings that either hit gold or sewage—there doesn’t seem to be a middle ground. It’s either a huge success or a complete miss. Agbadou’s signing is arguably one of the most important in Wolves’ recent history. He has brought stability and calmness to the team, and not only benefits from his own presence but also significantly improves the players around him. This is an absolute steal of a signing, and it beggars belief that others have looked at him and decided against his purchase. Proof that players are out there at the right price. He could be the rock of this Wolves team for many years to come, and should Semedo leave as expected, the probable next Wolves captain.

5. We will miss our wingbacks if they both leave

There is a strong chance that both Nelson Semedo and Rayan Ait-Nouri will leave Wolves this summer for differing reasons. Losing either would be a huge blow, but losing both could derail Wolves’ progress to a large extent. Rayan Ait Nouri was the star yesterday, scoring a goal and providing an assist alongside a very competent defensive performance

Semedo was less involved and arguably at fault for both goals conceded, but these are blips in what has been a very consistent period of performance and a spell as captain that has transformed the club’s fortunes this season

Replacing both in one summer is a huge risk and one that will come with a heavy financial price. There is youth waiting in the wings, but it is easy to underestimate the contributions, consistency, and balance that both of these players provide. Wolves may be able to compensate for the departure of one, but losing both could cause significant problems.

6… and relax

Wolves are safe. Even the most pessimistic of Wolves supporters would probably now yield that, whilst the maths are not quite there, the reality is that Wolves have survived well before Easter. Vítor has been a revelation. The confidence is back in the club, and even though Wolves were pretty average yesterday, they were comfortable winners against a terrible Tottenham team. Wolves would have wanted to avoid the title of “worst of the rest” and staying up as a default of other teams being ill-prepared for the Premier League, but they should now clearly surpass that. It’s been a horrible season with a dream ending, which is in direct contrast to previous seasons. Wolves don’t look like a team ready for the beach yet, though. Vítor has a team that looks like they have a point to prove. That point can turn into some well-earned pints in the summer.