Gary O’Neil hailed Matheus Cunha for his performance in today’s 2-0 win over West Bromwich Albion in the FA Cup.
Wanderers are into the fifth round of the FA Cup, where they will now face Brighton.
Pedro Neto and Matheus Cunha got the goals for the visitors, who were not at their best at the Hawthorns. But the only thing that was ever going to matter today was winning the game.
Wolves had not beaten Albion at the Hawthorns since 1996, so it was important to win.
It was yet another great performance from Cunha, who took his tally to eight goals for the season in old gold.
Gary O’Neil lauds Matheus Cunha after role in Wolves’ win over West Brom
Today, Cunha led the line with Jean-Ricner Bellegarde playing more from the left and Pedro Neto operating on the right, although the three did interchange quite a bit.
Cunha – who was branded ‘a talented player’ by Roy Keane before the match – has looked impressive wherever O’Neil has deployed him this season, and is definitely now paying back that £44 million transfer fee.
O’Neil was pleased with his contribution, and after the game he noted an area of the South American’s game that has really improved.
He said (Wolves official): “I’m delighted with both of them, I’m delighted that Pedro managed to get through another stint, he looked sharp, and Matheus Cunha was excellent.
“He just improved his off-the-ball stuff, because his ability is exactly the same as it always was, but his connection to the team and his tactical understanding, he leads the group a little bit now, so he’s matured an awful lot since I’ve been here, so I’m really pleased with where we’ve got him to.”
Cunha is a brilliant team player
This was another great display from Cunha, who once again worked his socks off for Wolves.
Wanderers had some defending to do throughout today’s game and the South American was more than happy to do some dirty work, as he always is.
Sofascore data indicates that he contested nine duels in the match – only Matt Doherty contested more – winning four. He also made three tackles.
It is going to be really interesting to see what happens with Cunha once O’Neil gets that new striker that he craves in.
He ultimately wants Cunha to be more free, so that he can make better use of his ball-carrying and work-rate.
We will see if O’Neil can get someone in in this window, but perhaps the summer will provide more options.