Like many other Wolves fans, Dave Edwards felt very encouraged by the performance against Manchester United on Monday.
Gary O’Neil took his first game after replacing Julen Lopetegui as manager.
Wolves put in one of their best displays in a long time, but somehow came away with nothing.
Wolves should have had a penalty right at the death when Andre Onana took out Sasa Kalajdzic.
But, naturally, the claims were waved away and Simon Hoope’s on-field decision was upheld by VAR. The officials have now been dropped for Premier League games this weekend.
As frustrating as the end result was, there were so many positives to take.
And Edwards believes there were two big ones in the centre of the pitch for Wolves…
Dave Edwards hails Mario Lemina and Joao Gomes
Edwards spoke about Monday’s game in his latest Express & Star column.
He was very pleased with what he saw from Wanderers.
He mentioned Matheus Cunha and Matheus Nunes as being major thorns for United.
But he also pointed to the dynamic of Mario Lemina and Joao Gomes in midfield.
He said: “There’s a lot to like about the starting XI but I think the ball-winning ability of Joao Gomes and Mario Lemina in the middle of the park, in particular, is going to be key this year.
“Both of them were sensational against United. Wolves have such a terrific midfield this season and that is going to be a key difference between struggling and being comfortable in mid-table.”
The Wolves midfield is looking good
Due to the exciting attacking displays from the likes of Cunha and Nunes, Lemina and Gomes probably haven’t had quite as much attention as they’ve deserved.
But they were both immense in the engine room at Old Trafford.
Lemina did fantastically well in the game considering he picked up an early booking. He really did show great discipline while on a caution.
And Gomes has a remarkable knack of popping up from out of nowhere and nicking the ball back for Wolves.
They have both provided really encouraging signs for Wolves in a post-Ruben Neves era.