Wolverhampton Wanderers have been dumped out of the FA Cup at the fifth round stage, losing 2-0 to Southampton at Molineux.
Nuno Espirito Santo was punished for fielding a weakened side against the Saints, with Danny Ings grabbing the first goal shortly after the restart, and Stuart Armstrong sealing victory for the visitors late on after a terrible phase of play from Leander Dendoncker and John Ruddy.
It was arguably one of the worst performances all season from Wolves, who were utterly toothless in the tie.
Wolves’ first and only attempt on target came in the 78th minute of the game – Pedro Neto crossing for fellow substitute Adama Traore who was denied by the feet of Fraser Forster.
The whole game there was a real lack of ingenuity and urgency from Wolves.
The starting forward trio of Vitinha, Fabio Silva and Morgan Gibbs-White were all poor, with Silva again guilty of missing a golden chance early in the second half.
To say that Southampton didn’t deserve to win this game would be an outright lie.
The form guide before a ball was kicked tonight suggested Ralph Hasenhuttl’s team were there for the taking, making the collective performance unacceptable.
The Austrian’s players will now undoubtedly be geared up for Sunday’s league game between the two sides.
On social media, lots of Wolves fans took aim at Nuno’s decision to field a weakened side and keeping the likes of Traore and Neto on the bench:
‘DISMAL’ #wwfc @Wolves https://t.co/AVdqrRkxne
— WOLVESTRUTH (@WolvesTruth) February 11, 2021
Shocking #wwfc
— Anna Marie (@annie_m282) February 11, 2021
One step forward and two steps back. All on Nuno that one. #wwfc
— Whitty (@witdawit) February 11, 2021
That was a hard watch #wwfc
— Dicky (@WiseWolf69) February 11, 2021
What a shambles tonight has been. Sums up our season completely; miles off the pace.. #wwfc #wolves
— Kieran James (@KJOx) February 11, 2021
This is 100% on Nuno. Pathetic lineup, pathetic tactics. Chucked away the cup to focus on what? Finishing 14th?
Gave up on the ONE thing keeping our season alive.
Fully expecting a convincing win on Sunday then 🤷♀️ #wwfc #WOLSOU #EmiratesFACup
— michelle (@wellygoggs) February 11, 2021
Let’s call a spade a spade, the team selection was suspect at best. The performance however has been absolutely disgusting. No excuses tonight for the players or the manager with this #WWFC #Wolves
— Jordan Russell (@Jordruss7) February 11, 2021
How on earth can Nuno put out a weakened team when this is all we have got to play for, absolute disgraceful performance no creativity giving the ball away constantly cant defend!, Nuno has to go its untenable! @TimSpiers @NathanJudah @JoeEdwards_Star #wwfc
— Wolves Fan (@WolvesBlogger1) February 11, 2021