Wolves continue revival under new boss
Tottenham Hotspur 2 - 2 Wolves
Jorgen Strand Larsen’s late equaliser salvaged a point for Wolves in a chaotic Premier League draw with Tottenham, continuing VÃtor Pereira’s strong start as Wolves manager.
Wolves took an early lead when an unmarked Hwang Hee-chan calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the box, capitalising on a lapse in the Spurs defence at a free-kick.
Spurs responded swiftly, with Rodrigo Bentancur nodding in a powerful close-range header from Pedro Porro’s pinpoint corner. Moments later, they were handed a golden opportunity to take the lead when Brennan Johnson was brought down by Andre in the box. However, Wolves keeper José Sá guessed correctly, denying Son Heung-min from the spot.
The missed penalty didn’t deter Tottenham’s attacking momentum. A slick exchange between Dejan Kulusevski and Johnson in a crowded box ended with Johnson firing a precise low shot into the net to give Spurs the lead.
Wolves appoint ex-Porto boss Pereira to help with relegation battle
Tottenham had further chances to extend their advantage in the second half but failed to capitalise. Dominic Solanke narrowly missed connecting with a Timo Werner cross, while Kulusevski wasted a clear opportunity after breaking free.
Wolves, meanwhile, held firm and found their equaliser late on. Substitute Strand Larsen unleashed a fierce angled shot that beat Fraser Forster at his near post, levelling the score with just three minutes of normal time remaining.
Despite 12 minutes of added time and intense pressure, Spurs couldn’t find a winner, capping off December with just five points from a possible 21.
A closer look at what might be going wrong for Tottenham
More dropped points for Spurs. What's going wrong for them? eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com youtu.be/iWfn5Jf_S7g?...
— European Super Football (@superfootball.bsky.social) 29 December 2024 at 22:05
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This match encapsulated life under Ange Postecoglou in 2024. For the 15th time this year, Spurs conceded first in a Premier League home game—the most by any team in a calendar year in the competition’s history. Hwang’s opener, courtesy of a clever free-kick from Rayan Aït-Nouri, highlighted Spurs’ persistent defensive lapses.
Yet, as frustrating as their defence was, there were moments of brilliance. Postecoglou’s high-energy, attacking style brought glimpses of magic, particularly in the silky interplay between Kulusevski and Johnson that led to Tottenham’s second goal.
However, their lack of game management, with three points seemingly within reach, was puzzling and ultimately cost them. Wolves’ late equaliser was a bitter blow in a match Spurs could have won.
There were even flashes of comedy, like the collision between Bentancur and Solanke as they both attempted to shoot at the same time, ending up in a heap on the turf.
As 2024 comes to an end, Postecoglou reflected in his programme notes on the progress made over the past 12 months. But with Spurs guaranteed to end the year outside the top seven for the first time since 2008-09, questions remain about what 2025 will bring for both the manager and the club.
Wolves look a different side
The boss 🙌 pic.twitter.com/npz3eZWEsZ
— Wolves (@Wolves) December 29, 2024
Wolves have rediscovered the basics under VÃtor Pereira, with a clear focus on individual roles within the team’s collective effort.
This renewed clarity was on full display in the performances of their two strikers, both of whom found the net against Spurs.
Hwang Hee-chan, who scored a respectable 12 Premier League goals last season, has faced a more restricted role this term. Injuries hampered his form towards the end of Gary O’Neil’s tenure, limiting his opportunities. This match marked only his third start of the season—and his first since August.
Having ended his drought with a goal in Wolves’ recent 2-0 victory over Manchester United, Hwang added to his tally with another opportunistic finish, scoring in back-to-back games. On his 99th league appearance, his pace caused problems for Spurs’ high defensive line. When he began to tire in the second half, Jørgen Strand Larsen stepped up to continue the attack.
The Norwegian striker ended a five-match goal drought with a clinical late strike, ensuring Wolves extended Pereira’s unbeaten run to three games.
So far this season, Wolves have heavily relied on Matheus Cunha, who has been directly involved in 11 goals in his last 11 league appearances, scoring seven and assisting four. However, the Brazilian had a quiet afternoon and was substituted at half-time with a hamstring issue.
Pereira will no doubt be encouraged by the return of goals from other areas of the pitch, suggesting a more balanced attacking threat as Wolves look to build momentum. A few weeks ago, many Wolves fans were fearing a relegation battle. A few more results like this one and they can start looking up the table.
