Wolves secured a much-needed win against Everton in the Carabao Cup, and some fans have been discussing Sam Johnstone in the aftermath of the game.
After losing at the weekend to Leeds United in dreadful fashion, it was important for Wolves to respond against the Toffees.
And that they did, with a much improved performance.
Vitor Pereira boldly switched to a back four, and Wolves looked much more solid as a result, with the two centre-backs Ladislav Krejci and Santiago Bueno both impressing.
Matt Doherty also did well playing as a right-back, which is a position he’s not played in quite a while, and Hugo Bueno continued his good form on the left.
They all played a part in last night’s clean sheet, but goalkeeper Sam Johnstone also contributed.
And fans have had a lot to say about the 32-year-old following last night’s game.
- READ MORE: Six things we learned from Wolves’ Carabao Cup win over Everton as Andre dazzles at Molineux
Wolves fans think Sam Johnstone is the new number one
Johnstone replaced Jose Sa between the sticks last night, after the Portuguese struggled against Leeds.
Johnstone would likely have played against Everton anyway, since he played against West Ham United in the previous round.
But there is now an argument for him to keep his place and play in the Premier League.
Against Everton, Johnstone was solid for the most part, making four saves in the game. One of those was particularly impressive from Michael Keane in the first-half where he had to react quickly and tip the ball over the crossbar.
There was one moment where he did give the ball away to an Everton player in a dangerous area. But thankfully the defenders in front of him snuffed out the attack.
On social media, some Wolves fans commented to say they think Johnstone should keep his place in the side.
@pedalsingh: “Sam Johnstone is locked in for me. He played well at Newcastle too. Deserves a run now 👏🏽”
@callum_wwfc1: “Should be starting, Sa has been a liability for ages.”
@WithamWanderer: “Johnstone has got to start on Saturday. Did well against Newcastle and Everton tonight #wwfc #Wolves”
@fedsgotJayden: “Also he gets criticised tons but Sam Johnstone is very clearly 10x better than Jose Sa at the moment #wwfc.”
Johnstone deserves a run in Wolves’ starting XI
That’s now two decent performances from Johnstone this season and he simply has to keep his place against Spurs this weekend.
Johnstone’s display against Newcastle handed Pereira a dilemma for Leeds, but the manager ultimately stuck with Sa, a decision that did not pay off. But now, the Englishman is in a stronger position.
Johnstone’s first season at Wolves was very forgettable, and many were quite happy to see him depart this summer.
He ended up staying, and so far Johnstone has impressed when called upon, and given how poor Sa has been, he now deserves a chance in Wolves’ starting XI.
If Pereira goes with Sa on Saturday night, then it potentially sends out the wrong message – that form is not so important and that it may ultimately not matter how well you play.