Wolves are finally off the mark with their first win in the Premier League, and Troy Deeney has given one man his flowers for his latest performance.
Wolves defeated Southampton 2-0 at Molineux, in what was a must-win game.
Gary O’Neil was under massive pressure heading into the clash, and he may well have lost his job had he not taken all three points.
Wolves won courtesy of a top performance from Matheus Cunha, who provided a stunning goal and brilliant assist.
The Brazilian has lapped up a lot of praise since the game and deservedly so. Troy Deeney said Cunha was ‘miles better’ than every other Wolves and Southampton player.
But Deeney has also moved to praise another Wolves player after the win.
Troy Deeney hails Craig Dawson after Wolves get first win v Southampton
Wolves managed to get their first clean sheet of the season in the Premier League, and first shut-out in the competition since against Sheffield United on February 25.
It’s been along time coming, and O’Neil now needs more of those moving forward.
Southampton had a lot of the ball, and looked threatening around the edge of Wolves’ box. But they struggled to actually break the hosts down and test Jose Sa.
Wolves’ defence was good, and Craig Dawson has come in for praise from Deeney.
Selecting the veteran in his latest Team of the Week for BBC Sport, he said: “It was a huge game for Wolves against Southampton – and he was excellent.
“He showed what he can deliver, didn’t put a foot wrong and even looked like he could play for another 40 minutes after the game – as he was playing on the pitch with his kids! It was easy for him.”
Former full-back Andy Thompson named Dawson as his player of the match in Wolves’ win over Southampton, saying the star does ‘everything it says on the tin’.
Craig Dawson will be key for Wolves
There is always talk about how maverick players like Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri will be key to Wolves surviving this season.
But £3 million signing Dawson will also be extremely key, and it will be so important for him to stay fit.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 15 |  LeicesterLeicester | 11 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 14 | 21 | -7 | 10 |
| 16 |  EvertonEverton | 11 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 10 | 17 | -7 | 10 |
| 17 |  IpswichIpswich | 11 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 12 | 22 | -10 | 8 |
| 18 |  Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace | 11 | 1 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 15 | -7 | 7 |
| 19 |  WolvesWolves | 11 | 1 | 3 | 7 | 16 | 27 | -11 | 6 |
| 20 |  SouthamptonSouthampton | 11 | 1 | 1 | 9 | 7 | 21 | -14 | 4 |
The 34-year-old just brings that steadiness to the backline, and authority. He is someone who has the ability to improve and settle those around him, which is an underrated quality.
Dawson’s years may be advancing, but he is still operating at a high level and Wolves’ backline is better for having him in it.
No doubt Santi Bueno and Toti Gomes appreciate having Dawson at the heart of that defence.
Bueno looks to have improved especially for having the experienced Dawson alongside him, and hopefully, the three of them can turn in more performances like the one against Southampton.