For Dave Edwards, one player had his best game in a Wolves shirt in the 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur.
Vitor Pereira’s side came within just seconds of claiming a first Premier League victory down in north London on Saturday night.
After Santiago Bueno had put Wolves 1-0 up in the second-half, a really solid performance followed and Wanderers looked on track for all three points.
However, right at the end Joao Palhinha scored for the hosts.
Lee Naylor felt Jackson Tchachoua might have done better for Wolves in the build up to the goal. But ultimately, it was a well worked goal by Spurs.
It was hugely frustrating given Spurs had shown barely any threat in the second-half.
But Wolves can take heart from the performance – and Jhon Arias especially can be very pleased with his showing.
Dave Edwards says Jhon Arias had his best game for Wolves against Tottenham
Arias, like a few other Wolves players, had enjoyed a decent performance against Everton last week in the Carabao Cup.
And as a result, Pereira decided to stick with him for the Spurs game – and it was a decision the Colombian vindicated.
Arias was good in the first-half, but then really came alive in the second and was at the heart of all of Wolves’ good play.
He was his typical hardworking self, but was constantly getting on the ball, which we haven’t seen so much in previous games.
As per Sofascore data, Arias finished the game with the most touches of any player (from either side) with 86.
He was accurate with his passing, competing 50/56 (89%), and three of these were ‘key’ passes.
| Jhon Arias vs Tottenham |
| Minutes played – 89 |
| Touches – 86 |
| Passes completed – 50/56 (89%) |
| ‘Key’ passes – 3 |
| Successful crosses – 3/8 (37.5%) |
| Defensive contributions – 8 |
| Duels won – 7/14 (50%) |
Arias also put in eight crosses – the most of any Wolves player.
He also provided eight defensive contributions and undoubtedly, Arias can feel very hard done by not to end the game on the winning side.
Sky commentator Alan Smith stated Arias had provided a ‘special and vital influence’ against Spurs, and fans also showered him with praise on social media.
For Dave Edwards this was Arias’ best showing for Wolves to date, saying in the E&S: “I thought Jhon Arias had his best game in a Wolves shirt and that’s a massive plus for Wolves to show that he is ready to start competing at Premier League level.”
Jhon Arias must be given opportunity to thrive for Wolves
Pereira has chopped and changed the team quite a lot so far in the Premier League, but certain players are now starting to prove they should be regular starters.
Arias has had a lukewarm start to life at Molineux, and that is understandable coming in from the Brazilian league, which is totally different to the Premier League.
We saw last term how it took Andre a few months to really get going for Wolves.
But Arias – who Santi Bueno insists the Colombian will be key for Wolves – has looked much better in the last two games, and many will share Edwards’ verdict that Arias looked the best he’s looked so far against Spurs.
He should continue to start for Wolves, and be given the opportunity to build some momentum.
He seems a bit more comfortable playing from the right side, so Pereira ought to persist with playing him there.