Wolves fans were delighted to welcome Ruben Neves back to Molineux on Saturday – and he’s been billed as a good luck charm after the club got their first win over Southampton.
Wolves finally got their first Premier League win of the season, beating the Saints 2-0 at Molineux.
It was by no means a great performance from Wanderers.
But they were solid enough at the back, which is positive considering how poor the team have been defensively for most of the season.
Southampton had the lion’s share of possession, but were unable to truly threaten Jose Sa.
Matheus Cunha stepped up with two moments of real quality in the game, assisting Pablo Sarabia before firing in from all of 25 yards in the second half.
It would have been a satisfying day out for former captain Ruben Neves, who is still very much treated like a player in these parts.
Ruben Neves celebrates in Wolves’ dressing room after Southampton win
It has been reported by The Athletic that Ruben Neves was invited into Wolves’ dressing room following the win over Southampton.
Neves may no longer be on the payroll at Molineux, but he is clearly still adored at the club – and that was evident before and during the game on Saturday.
Despite the fact this was a game Wolves should have won, and that the result doesn’t change a huge amount, music was blaring in the tunnel after the final whistle as the players enjoyed their victory.
Neves was invited into the inner sanctum and allowed to spend time with his former teammates and members of staff.
Given he is on crutches at the moment after having knee surgery, he probably wasn’t going as wild as he would have liked to. But it would have been a nice moment for him nonetheless.
It is also stated that Pablo Sarabia brought in a cake for Santi Bueno, who was celebrating his 26th birthday.
Neves could make Wolves return one day
Neves’ return to Molineux on Saturday just generally gave Wolves fans a real lift – and perhaps his presence was felt by his former teammates.
Cunha certainly channelled the Portuguese midfielder with his stunning strike from distance to beat Aaron Ramsdale.
Many Wolves fans would like to think there is a chance that Neves could return to Molineux one day for a second stint as a player.
| Ruben Neves for Wolves |
| Appearances – 253 |
| Goals – 30 |
| Assists – 13 |
His move to Saudi Arabia seemed unavoidable in the end, given the club’s financial position. So some have hope that once he finishes up in the Middle East, then he will perhaps return.
It could be that he heads elsewhere when he comes to leave Al-Hilal.
There is no doubt he loves the club, and still looks out for what Wolves are doing. Neves recently rejoiced on Instagram when Cunha equalised for Wolves against Brighton.
But Wolves fans surely wouldn’t mind Neves coming back later in his career, because the star is simply a legend of the club.