Wolves Maintain Perfect Start with Gritty Away Win
Wolverhampton Wanderers extended their flawless start to the 2023-24 Sky Bet Championship campaign with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Hull City at the MKM Stadium. Ruben Neves, Diogo Jota, and Nouha Dicko found the net for Nuno Espírito Santo’s side, who now boast three consecutive wins. Despite Hull’s resilience—captain Michael Dawson and David Meyler scoring—Wolves’ attacking prowess proved decisive.
Match Breakdown: Key Moments and Tactical Insights
Early Brilliance from Neves
Wolves struck first in the 5th minute with a moment of individual genius. Neves, cutting in from the left, unleashed a curling right-footed effort from 30 yards that left Hull goalkeeper Allan McGregor rooted. The goal underscored Wolves’ ability to capitalize on early momentum—a trait that has defined their season so far.
Hull responded with urgency, with Kamil Grosicki and Frazier Campbell threatening down the left. However, Wolves’ defense, marshaled by Conor Coady, held firm.
Hull’s Set-Piece Resilience
The Tigers equalized just before the half-hour mark. Grosicki’s cross caused chaos in the box, and Dawson pounced on a loose ball to head home from close range. Hull’s aerial threat was evident, exposing a rare vulnerability in Wolves’ backline.
Jota Restores the Lead
Wolves regained control three minutes before halftime. Bright Enobakhare powered past Michael Hector and squared the ball to Jota, who smashed it into the roof of the net. The goal highlighted Wolves’ fluid counter-attacking play, a hallmark of Nuno’s tactical setup.
Second-Half Drama
The second half saw Hull push for an equalizer, with Abel Hernandez hitting the post from a Sam Clucas corner. Wolves’ goalkeeper John Ruddy made a crucial save to deny Campbell, preserving their lead.
Dicko sealed the win in the dying minutes, slotting past McGregor after a swift break led by Ivan Cavaleiro. Meyler’s late penalty added tension, but Wolves held on for a vital three points.
Post-Match Reactions
Leonid Slutsky (Hull City Manager)
“Losing Sam Clucas would disrupt our balance. He’s a leader, and we’re fighting to keep him. Hernandez’s injury looks serious—we’re awaiting scans.”
Nuno Espírito Santo (Wolves Manager)
“A good result, but we must improve defensively, especially on set-pieces. The players’ hard work is paying off.”
Linebet Verdict: What This Means for Both Teams
Wolves’ early-season form suggests they’re serious promotion contenders. Their blend of technical quality (Neves, Jota) and defensive solidity (Ruddy, Coady) makes them a formidable force.
For Hull, defensive lapses and missed chances proved costly. Slutsky must address set-piece vulnerabilities and keep key players fit to mount a playoff push.
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