Wolves are into the fourth round of the FA Cup after edging out Brentford 3-2 at Molineux and it was yet another impactful display from Matheus Cunha.
Gary O’Neil‘s side needed extra-time to defeat the Bees in the third round replay, with Matheus Cunha scoring a penalty late on after Pedro Neto was fouled.
Wolves old boy Nathan Collins opened the scoring for the visitors, but Nelson Semedo got Wolves back on level terms.
Brentford went back in front through Neal Maupay, who scored in the first game, but Nathan Fraser came off the bench to score on his FA Cup debut for the club.
There was a heart-in-mouth moment towards the end when Collins had the ball in the back of the net for Brentford. But VAR – so often Wolves’ nemesis – ruled it out for offside.
The result means that Wolves fans will now look forward to a Black Country derby, with West Bromwich Albion the opponents at the Hawthorns.
Matheus Cunha seriously proving his worth for Wolves as he shines against Brentford
So this was yet another game in which Matheus Cunha has made a big impact for Wanderers.
The Brazilian showed nerves of steel to score the match-winning penalty, and before that, he laid on the assist for young Fraser to score his first FA Cup and second for the club.
Cunha’s contributions tonight mean that he has now either scored or assisted 10 goals in his last 11 games for Wolves (via Statman Dave)
These are some seriously impressive numbers, from a player many have questioned regarding his end product.
Last season, following his £44 million transfer to Molineux, fans quickly determined that Cunha was a player who could frustrate with his end product.
But right now, he’s showing that he does have it in him to contribute goals and assists in the final third regularly, and arguably, he is now looking genuine value at £44 million. He’s always had the work rate and the ball carrying, but he’s looking a huge threat now in the final third.
A mouthwatering game lies in wait
It would perhaps have been typical of Wolves to lose this game tonight, with bitter rivals West Brom waiting in the next round.
But this team under O’Neil is now a different outfit entirely.
The manager has made Wolves competitive again, and this was yet another situation of the team showing really good character and fight.
Wolves will now look to dump the Baggies out of the FA Cup – should that come to pass, O’Neil’s popularity with the fans will absolutely soar.