Joao Gomes delivered a standout performance in Wolves’ win over Aston Villa, prompting praise from his captain Toti Gomes and his manager Rob Edwards.
The match against Aston Villa was always going to be a big test for Wolves, and Joao Gomes rose to the occasion, silencing his critics with a display of talent and determination.
Gomes opened the scoring for Wolves with a terrific finish that kissed the underside of the crossbar, before his namesake Rodrigo Gomes ensured the victory in injury-time with a brilliant breakaway goal.
With the win, Wolves gained a much-needed boost in morale both on and off the pitch, and the dressing room scenes afterwards were great to see.
Hopefully, Gomes will make more impacts like this in Wolves’ remaining matches this season.
Rob Edwards wanted Joao Gomes to be Man of the Match vs Aston Villa, he delivered
It hasn’t really been the best of seasons for Gomes at Wolves. But the same can be said for most of the players in the squad.
What’s never been in doubt though, is his application and attitude.
It felt like he was due a big performance, and against Villa he certainly provided one.
As per Sofascore, he was really good on the ball, completing 37/39 (95%) passes. He also won seven of the 12 duels he contested, and made three defensive contributions.
He was his usual tireless self, and he took his goal like a striker – and after the game he came in for praise from Rob Edwards.
He said (via Wolves official): “He was brilliant. Joao was on the bench against Arsenal because he wasn’t fit and had his trainers on on the bench in the end. We felt, because the performance was good, that we went that way against Palace.
“But he came back into the team and gets his goal. I put a bit of pressure on him before the game at pre-match, and I said I wanted him to be Man of the Match today and he stepped up. I thought he was excellent.”
Toti Gomes was also very impressed, with the captain adding: “He’s an unbelievable player. Of course, sometimes he tries to score, and it doesn’t happen, but he does a lot for us. We need to we need to be grateful, and I’m super happy for him, with his first goal of the season.”
Brilliant win vs Aston Villa can serve as catalyst for Wolves
The win was a nice boost for both the team and the fans, who’ll hope it can now serve as a catalyst for the remaining games.
Rodrigo Gomes expressed the importance of the victory, noting: “We were very happy to give this win to the fans. Everyone knows this season has been tough, but the fans are always with us.”
These improved performances are most welcome for the Molineux faithful, who have certainly endured a challenging season.
Up next for Wolves is Liverpool in the Premier League on Tuesday, and if the spirited Old Gold can produce a similar level, they’ll make it very tough indeed for the Reds.
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