Andy Thompson shares who Wolves’ best player really was v Southampton, and it’s not Cunha

Wolves are finally off the mark in the Premier League after beating Southampton at Molineux.

Gary O’Neil went into Saturday’s game with his job potentially on the line. Thankfully for him, he got the three points needed to stay in his position at least a little while longer.

Some fans still think Wolves should sack O’Neil, but Fosun are now unlikely to make a change over the international break.

It was rather the Matheus Cunha show at Molineux, with the Brazilian providing a goal and an assist against the Saints.

Early on he played in Pablo Sarabia after a great burst forward from the left wing, and then in the second-half, he blasted Wolves two goals to the good from around 25 yards.

He was the headline-maker, but Andy Thompson actually voted for another star as his player of the match.

Andy Thompson says Craig Dawson was Wolves’ best player v Southampton

Thompson acknowledged the brilliance of Cunha against Southampton, but went a different route when picking his player of the match.

In his eyes, centre-back Craig Dawson was the best performer for Wolves.

He said on Matchday Live Extra: “I’m going to go a little bit different. I’m going to give it Dawson at the back. Clean sheet, he does everything it says on the tin. Heads it, kicks it.”

Thompson and Lee Naylor also felt that Toti Gomes had a good game.

But Dawson was certainly pretty solid against the Saints and more than played his part in a rare clean sheet for Wolves.

As per Sofascore data, he made a whopping 10 defensive actions in the game – no player made more. Seven of those were clearances, with two blocks and one tackle.

Dawson also used the ball well, completing 35/38 (92%) passes. Only Toti (60) had more touches than Dawson (53) for Wolves.

He also won 4/6 duels, and lost possession just three times – the fewest of any Wolve player who started the game.

Dawson fitness and form will be crucial for Wolves

Key to Wolves pulling away from the relegation zone will be shoring up defensively, and O’Neil needs Dawson on top form in order to make that happen.

Wolves have largely been awful at the back, although Dawson himself has not been too bad.

In recent matches he has looked somewhere close to his best level and it will be so important for him to stay fit.

Since he came to Wolves in January 2023, the backline has benefitted from having a more authoritative presence and most Wanderers supporters feel more confident having him back there.

He is building a decent partnership with Santi Bueno and Toti also looks more comfortable next to Dawson and in this system.