10-man Wolves earned a replay in the FA Cup third round against Brentford after a 1-1 draw. Looking back on the game, here are four things we learned from the tie.
Both teams went into the competition fielding strong teams as they both looked to progress into the fourth round.
Wolves were arguably the favourites going into the match after a superb three-game winning run to end 2023 which included a 4-1 demolishing of Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.
However, with numerous players away on international duty, Wolves were without multiple key stars from the campaign so far.
It looked as if the visitors might crash out of the competition early as well when Joao Gomes was sent off early on. This was then followed up with Brentford taking the lead just before half-time as Neal Maupay blasted the ball into the net.
However, a resilient Wolves side got themselves back into the game thanks to a stunner from Tommy Doyle to force a replay at Molineux.
VAR strikes again at Wolves vs Brentford
While Joao Gomes’ red card may split opinions, there is no doubt that Brentford should have been down at least one man.
Mikkel Damsgaard repeated the incident less than 20 minutes later with a challenge on Doyle, yet, he was not given his marching orders.
Then, late on in the game, Keane Lewis-Potter looked to have grabbed Nelson Semedo by the throat as the two clashed. However, yet again VAR failed to intervene.
This is not the first time this season Wolves have seemingly been done by VAR and sadly, it is not likely to be the last.
Tommy Doyle is the real deal for Wolves v Brentford
The midfielder was magnificent against Brentford. After Joao Gomes’ red card, the 22-year-old had to essentially control the centre of the park by himself.
However, this caused few problems for the Man City loanee as he helped Wolves control the second half despite only having 10 players.
This performance was then topped off with a fantastic effort on the edge of the box which resulted in the equaliser. The strike may well go down as the Goal of the Season as his effort sent the away end into raptures.
Pedro Neto is back
Coming on shortly after the start of the second half, Pedro Neto ran the show.
Brentford struggled to contain the winger who has just come back from a two-month injury.
Neto’s attacking vision and threat caused the hosts all sorts of problems as the 23-year-old bagged another assist.
It has taken the winger no time to get up and running again despite time away from the pitch. Hopefully, he will soon be ready to start matches once again.
Wolves are up for the FA Cup
With Wolves looking comfortable in the Premier League at the moment, many of the travelling fans were hopeful Gary O’Neil would put out a strong side for the fixture.
The manager did not disappoint with few changes being made to the side since the 3-0 win over Everton many of which were forced due to the AFCON and the Asian Cup.
However, when Joao Gomes was sent off, it looked as if the game might be over, especially when Brentford led at half-time.
However, Wolves bounced back in style and were arguably the better team in the second half.
Hopefully, O’Neil can replicate a similar performance in the replay and confirm Wolves’ place in the next round.