Four things we learned after Wolves hung on to beat Brighton 1-0 to set up a tie against Coventry in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Mario Lemina’s strike two minutes in proved to be the difference between Wolves and Brighton at Molineux on Wednesday night.
It was a tight affair with Brighton unable to get past Gary O’Neil’s stubborn backline. The visitors pushed all the way to the final whistle but Max Kilman kept the defence strong to see out the win.
Wolves have now earned a spot in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup with O’Neil’s side set to host Coventry on March 16/17.
Now, looking back on Wednesday night’s game, here are four things that we learned from the tie.
Mario Lemina gives Wolves the perfect start
There was a chance it would be a nervy around Molineux at the start of the fixture. Many fans will have picked up that a potential home draw against Championship side Coventry awaited the victor which certainly gave more incentive.
However, a Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Lemina combo ensured these nerves were quickly swapped with celebrations.
The Frenchman did exceptionally well to make space down the flank after beating his man. While he did get fortunate that his cross was fumbled by the opposing ‘keeper, Lemina made up for it with a sensational bit of play. The midfielder performed a stunning sliding challenge before arrowing the ball into the net two minutes into the match.
Max Kilman leads Wolves’ backline by example
After the first 30 minutes, Brighton settled into the game and really put the pressure on Wolves. The visitors had plenty of opportunities to find the net in the first half. However, in the second half, Wolves well and truly shut up shop.
Brighton didn’t have a sniff in the final 45 minutes with Max Kilman leading his defence to a heroic 1-0 win. Matt Doherty and Santiago Bueno both came into the starting XI and were excellent, while the entire backline won everything in the air.
Wolves’ defence hasn’t had much praise so far this season but this was truly a display to be proud of.
Gary O’Neil masterclass
When many fans will have seen the starting XI before the game they will have been surprised. Wolves’ star boy Pedro Neto was on the bench while the in-form Nelson Semedo also didn’t make the cut as the manager made four changes. However, the game went exactly how O’Neil would have dreamed of.
An early goal was vital to the game’s success and Lemina duly delivered. From here, while Brighton had a lot of the ball, they didn’t know what to do with it.
In comparison, O’Neil was able to bring on Neto against the visitor’s tired legs, causing them all sorts of problems. While it might not have been the line-up the fans were expecting, it certainly was the one that did the job.
FA Cup glory awaits?
Wolves fans have long dreamed of a cup since their return to the Premier League. O’Neil has now given the club the best chance of winning their first domestic cup in over 40 years.
A home against Championship side Coventry awaits the fans next month. While it is far from an ‘easy tie’, it was the most favourable out of the teams left.
Then, if Wolves progress, they have put in good performances multiple times this season against the last of the ‘top six’ sides. O’Neil has already collected victories over Chelsea and Man City this campaign and was arguably unlucky not to see out draws against both Man United and Liverpool.
While cup victory is still and long way away, Wolves now see themselves just three wins off the FA Cup and a return to Europe.