Wolves came from behind to beat Southampton on Saturday – and BBC pundit Martin Keown believes Wolves gave their opponents ‘a lesson in possession’.
Julen Lopetegui masterminded another victory for Wanderers, after they fell behind on the south coast.
Carlos Alcaraz had given the Saints the lead, Mario Lemina had been sent off, and it had looked as though Wolves were in for a tough afternoon and a bit of a reality check after the win over Liverpool.
But Wolves showed fantastic character, and Lopetegui deserves great credit for the changes he made in the game.
It was very refreshing to see Wolves have more of the ball in the second-half and being positive despite being a man down.
A lot of other teams in the same situation would not have been as bold.
Lopetegui opted for a high risk high reward strategy, and it did indeed pay off.
And Lopetegui’s style of football impressed Keown, who believes they taught Southampton a bit of a lesson.
He said (BBC Sport Live, 11/02, 4:55pm): “Nathan Jones, with Wolves going down to 10 men. I can’t help thinking that the manager, the players are so inexperienced.
“The occasion is just too big for them. Wolves, with 10 men, have given them a lesson in possession.”
In the end, it was new £15 million signing Joao Gomes who got the winner for the visitors.
And Keown praised the youngster for his finish.
“They broke away and scored,” he added. “Gomes shapes his body and it is another outstanding finish, another great signing for Wolves.”
Wolves are definitely looking much better in possession now under Julen Lopetegui
Wolves really have made big improvements in possession.
To have finished the game against Southampton with 60% of the ball, despite playing most of the match with 10 men, is really impressive going.
It is clear that Lopetegui wants Wolves to become a team that takes the game to the opponent.
Under Bruno Lage, it felt more about Wolves trying to be organised and hit on the counter.
It is exciting to think about the kind of could be on show the more the players work with such a top coach.