Wolves came so close to beating Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, but at least there were several great performances in old gold.
Vitor Pereira’s frustrations at full-time were clear to see, after Joao Palhinha’s 94th-minute strike cost Wolves two big points.
Wolves had played well in the game, and would have been full value for a win.
Pereira again set up with a back four, but moved to a back five at half-time. The players appeared comfortable in both systems, with the personnel changes serving the team well.
Santiago Bueno has come in for a lot of praise following the draw with Tottenham. Not only did he score, but he was solid throughout the contest.
After the game though, Bueno had some nice words for Jhon Arias.
Santiago Bueno drops Jhon Arias verdict and prediction after Tottenham draw
Arias arrived at Wolves as the second new recruit of the summer after Fer Lopez.
He joined the club from Fluminense for around £19 million, and there was particular excitement about his signing given Pereira had seen him up close in Brazil.
He was also someone who was ready to go in terms of making an impact.
But for the most part, Arias has been fairly underwhelming so far.
However, against Spurs he put in his best display for Wanderers. Sky commentator Alan Smith described Arias as ‘special’ in terms of the influence he provided in north London.
And after the game, Bueno insisted his fellow South American will prove to be a great signing.
He said (via Wolves official): “Honestly, he’s a guy with a lot of talent. From the very first day he joined us, he’s been showing it.
“Little by little, he’s gaining confidence too, and I think he’ll be a key player for us.”
Arias is getting there at Wolves
Some have been slightly disappointed with the way Arias has started at Wolves.
But his transition cannot have been easy. The Premier League is a big step up from the Brazilian league and Arias will still be working out the style and getting used to the physicality.
Upon arrival, Arias also admitted he needed to improve his English, so once he does that things will be a lot easier.
Furthermore, there is perhaps some added pressure for Arias due to being the club’s marquee signing and the fact he’s taken the number 10 shirt.
But against Spurs, he was very lively, especially in the second-half. This came after another decent display against Everton in the Carabao Cup, in which he was involved in the goal scored by Marshall Munetsi.
The verdict from Bueno is encouraging. Clearly in training he’s making a big impression – we just now need to see that in games more often.