Wolves 1-1 Brighton: Munetsi ScORES, Johnstone Heroics, Late Blow at Molineux

PHIL SMITH REPORTS ON WOLVES 1-1 DRAW WITH BRIGHTON

Today feels like a huge game where a win before the international break really would boost the mood and confidence of everyone connected to the old gold and black.

Brighton have become somewhat of a bogey side especially in recent years here at Molineux with the Wolves only recent home win being the 1-0 victory in the FA Cup when Wolves were riding high under Gary O’Neil.

Some early team news showing that both Wolves Captains of this season Doherty (broken wrist) and Toti (illness) will be missing for Wolves leaving the question over who will take the armband for the Sunday Afternoon clash while Larsen is still working his way back to full fitness from his Achilles injury.

Will VP stick with the 4 at the back or revert to his 3-4-2-1 will be interesting to see as Wolves used both systems to good affect away at Spurs.

The visitors are looking to make it back-to-back wins in the Premier League and another league win at Molineux having only ever lost once at Molineux in the Premier League. Currently sitting 10th on 8 points a solid start to the season but they have lost 2 away games this season to give the Midlanders some hope.

Brighton’s team news and a welcome one for a Wolves point of view with their speedy left winger Mitoma a possible doubt with a foot injury. Another usual thorn in our side Danny Welbeck came off the bench and scored 2 goals so he could be in contention for a start.

Team Line ups

Wolverhampton Wanderers FC

Johnstone, Tchatchoua, S.Bueno, Krejci, H.Bueno, Andre, J.Gomes (C), Munetsi, Arias, Hwang, Larsen.

Brighton & Hove Albion FC

Verbruggen, Wieffer, Van Hecke, Dunk (C), Kadioglu, Balebe, Ayari, Gruda, Gomez, Minteh, Welbeck.

1st Half

11mins – 1st real opening of the game for Wolves when Munetsi slipped in Hwang on the left who attempts to cut back for Larsen was intercepted.

Brighton then build up some pressure with a succession of corners which Wolves defend solidly enough.

20 mins – Red Card – the Wolves boss Vitor Pereira gets a straight red card.

21 mins – Despite the sending off that ignites the home fans and within minutes Wolves take the lead from a free kick which Brighton failed to deal with with the clearance dropping for Munetsi who unleashes an unstoppable strike which hit the crossbar and into the net off the back of the goalie Verbruggen.

Wolves 1 – Brighton 0

24mins – Another free kick from HugoBueno finds Krejci’s head who forces a good save from Verbruggen to tip it over the bar.

A few shots from Brighton but nothing really troubling as they were all straight at Johnstone.

30mins – Hwang drove towards the goal and cuts inside on his right foot he has a go from the edge of the area but it flies over.

Halftime Wolves 1 Brighton 0

Brighton make a change at halftime with Rutter coming onto the field for Baleba.

52mins – Dunk with a free kick which misses the target.

56mins – what a chance to double the lead. Larsen with a great run in the channel holds the ball up on the edge of the box waiting for support, he finds Hugo Bueno who’s pull back cross found Arias unmarked in the box who blazes it over the bar.

58mins – what a save from Sam Johnstone Rutter hitting a first-time volley from just outside the six-yard box which looked to be in but the keeper with a big hand on it to his right to turn it away for a corner.

60mins – Hwang makes way for Agbadou Wolves changing shape to 5 at the back.

Wolves sitting deeper and deeper soaking up pressure with 65 minutes gone but still a long way to go, really need to start getting some possession up the pitch to relieve it.

70mins – Double change from Brighton with Wieffer and Gruda both making way for De Cuyper and Tzimas.

76mins off the post from the Wolves number 9. Larsen was allowed to run into the box unchallenged before striker a shot with the keeper beaten but smacking off the face of the post.

77mins – Double change for Wolves with Larsen and H.Bueno departing for Bellegarde and Wolfe.

While Brighton bring on Milner for Gomez.

86mins – Tchatchoua puts the ball out needlessly for a Brighton corner when nobody was behind him.

Brighton take it quickly with Wolves not ready and its headed home by Van Hecke