Wolves secured an incredible 2-0 victory over Aston Villa on Saturday evening, moving them out of the Premier League relegation zone.
With Leicester City and Ipswich Town both losing earlier in the day, Vitor Pereira perhaps saw this as an opportunity to secure some points.
Wolves were unfancied heading into this clash after losing four straight games in the Premier League however, the hosts looked completely different to the Wolves side that lost to Arsenal.
Pereira’s men were aggressive and on the front foot in the first half with Jean-Ricner Bellegarde putting his side ahead with a fine finish.
The hosts continued to dominate the chances as Goncalo Guedes missed multiple chances to double their lead in the opening 40 minutes.
It felt as though squandering opportunities would come back to bite them however, Wolves’ defence held firm before Matheus Cunha made sure of the points with a sensational strike in the final minute.
Wolves fans were impressed with Jean-Ricner Bellegarde vs Aston Villa
Bellegarde’s inclusion was one of three changes from the defeat to Arsenal, alongside the returning Toti Gomes and Guedes.
Some Wolves fans will have questioned Pereira’s decision to play him in a double pivot next to Andre, though it proved to be an inspired decision from the Wolves manager.
Not only did he put his side ahead with an emphatic finish but he was everywhere on the pitch and flourished with the freedom to get forward and impact proceedings in attack.
Wolves supporters were understandably impressed with the Frenchman, who hasn’t had the greatest season so far.
“Take a bow J J Bellegarde – one of the standout performances of the season. Absolutely brilliant and faultless. Full of fight, guile and endless energy,” one fan wrote.
“Bellegarde has been sensational, like a man possessed to win the ball back! What we have needed him to do since he got here! Hes making John McGinn look like a scrapman,” another replied.
“Bellegarde playing so much better in his proper position. Who would have thought,” a third commented.
“Bellegarde playing in his preferred position in midfield, different gravy,” a fifth said while another responded: “Bellegarde appreciation tweet! Superb.”
“Take a bow Jean Ricnar Bellegarde played through the middle excellent who knew!!!” a seventh exclaimed.
Bellegarde stats vs Aston Villa
Bellegarde usually operates in a wide position for Wolves and he’s mostly flattered to deceive.
Based on his performance against Villa, though, he’s better used as a central midfielder, utilising his incredible physical attributes and ball-carrying.
The 26-year-old shut down the threat of Morgan Rogers for Villa and flourished with the freedom to drive forward, as demonstrated by his statistics from the game.
Bellegarde’s stats vs Aston Villa
- 1 goal
- 43 touches
- 24/27 accurate passes (89%)
- 1 key pass
- 3 accurate long balls
- 6 ground duels won
Hopefully, this performance can be the catalyst for Bellegarde to earn a regular place in the side, as he’s earned it in the absence of Joao Gomes.