Wolves secured a huge win in the Premier League against Aston Villa – and Vitor Pereira was left pleasantly surprised by the performance of one player in particular.
Wolves climbed out of the relegation zone with a 2-0 win over Villa, and it was one of the best performances of the season so far.
The hosts took the lead in the first-half following some good intricate play on the edge of the box from the likes of Matheus Cunha, Pablo Sarabia and Goncalo Guedes.
And it was Jean-Ricner Bellegarde who provided the finishing touch, smashing home emphatically at the near post.
Villa had the lion’s share of possession in the game, but Wolves’ backline put in an inspired performance.
In injury-time, Matheus Cunha put the game to bed with a moment of brilliance.
It was a huge result for Wolves, and great to see Bellegarde – who fans hailed after the win over ASton Villa – produce a top performance.
Pereira days Jean-Ricner Bellegarde was a ‘fantastic surprise’ against Aston Villa
It was interesting to see Pereria go with Bellegarde in midfield alongside Andre.
Joao Gomes was suspended for the contest, and many felt Tommy Doyle was nailed on to come in alongside the Brazilian.
But it was Bellegarde who got the nod – and he more than justified his selection.
The Frenchman was outstanding in the game. Not only did he fire Wolves in front, but he ran his socks off in the engine room, and was tidy on the ball.
After the game, Pereira hailed Bellegarde, admitting (via Wolves official): “For me, Bellegarde was a fantastic surprise, he was excellent today. “
Brilliant Bellegarde
This was the kind of performance Wolves fans have long been waiting for from Bellegarde.
Eyebrows were raised over his selection yesterday by Pereira, as he hasn’t been in particularly good form.
But he played like a man possessed, and it was easily the best he’s been in a Wolves shirt since he signed.
| Bellegarde vs Aston Villa |
| Minutes played – 88 |
| Touches – 44 |
| Goals – 1 |
| Passes completed – 23/26 (88%) |
| Duels won – 6/8 |
The deeper role seemed to suit him. Bellegarde did play as a holding midfielder a couple of times in Wolves’ pre-season and did well, so one does wonder if this could be a more regular role for him moving forward.
But Joao Gomes and Andre are an established pair at Molineux so we’ll see if they continue to start as a two, or if Bellegarde will be added in as a third midfielder.