Alan Shearer makes bold new Matheus Cunha claim after Wolves’ latest win over Ipswich

Wolves are all but safe in the Premier League, after recording another huge win on Saturday against Ipswich Town.

Wolves came from behind to beat the Tractor Boys 2-1 at Portman Road, top open up a 12-point gap with eight games to go.

Vitor Pereira’s side went 12 points clear in the week after beating West Ham United. But it was cut back down to nine when Ipswich beat Bournemouth.

Some had feared the worst when Ipswich took the lead on Saturday through Liam Delap. The prospect of Ipswich winning the game and closing the gap to six points did not sit well with many.

But Wolves showed great character, and came from behind to win with goals coming from Pablo Sarabia – who Wolves fans hailed as a game-changer – and Jorgen Strand Larsen.

It has been a remarkable past few weeks for Wolves, and made even more brilliant by the fact that Matheus Cunha has been unavailable.

And on Match of the Day last night, Alan Shearer made a very interesting claim about Wolves without Cunha.

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Alan Shearer suggests Wolves have been a better team without Matheus Cunha

When Cunha picked up a red card against Bournemouth, fans really feared the worst.

The Brazilian has been highly influential this season, scoring 13 Premier League goals.

Undoubtedly, he’s played his part in Wolves’ current position – but since he’s been out of the team, Wolves have been just fine.

And that was recognised by Shearer last night on Match of the Day. He thinks Wolves actually might be a better team without Cunha.

He said: “The question was how were they going to get on for the four games without their best player Cunha.

“Well, I actually think they’ve looked a better team, and the manager actually said it there.

“And this guy has more than played his part, Strand Larsen. He’s got 11 goals this season, four in his last three. Wolves have won three games and drawn one, so that tells you the answer that what they’re going to do without their best player. He was a nuisance today.

“Wolves didn’t play that well in the first-half, but they certainly improved in the second. His hold-up play was excellent, his touch and control were superb.”

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Vitor Pereira has a big decision to make on Cunha now

Wolves are now in the best form they’ve been in all season, and it’s ironically come while the club’s best player Cunha has been unavailable.

No one can downplay the contributions that Cunha has made for Wolves this season. He has been magnificent, and without him who knows where the team would be right now.

However, many Wolves fans will probably agree with Shearer about Wolves looking better as a team without the Brazilian.

When Cunha plays, there is a tendency for the team to be over-reliant on him, which is understandable given how good a player he is.

But we’ve seen in these past few weeks how the team can play without him, and the points haul doesn’t lie.