Wolves returned to winning ways in the Premier League with a 1-0 victory over Fulham at Molineux.
The Black Country club put the horror show that was West Ham United firmly behind them, with Pedro Neto scoring the game’s only goal.
It was by no means a solid performance from Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, but three points was ultimately all that mattered after losing so awfully to the Hammers.
(Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)
What was particularly pleasing was the performance of the defence.
Conor Coady and Willy Boly were much more solid this weekend and Max Kilman did a job as the left-sided centre-half.
Although for large parts there was an air of anxiety about Wolves – that perhaps they’d be the team to allow Fulham to get their first point/s – the Cottagers didn’t actually threaten Rui Patricio too much on the day.
They livened up following the second half introduction of Ademola Lookman, but clear-cut opportunities were not in abundance for the visitors.
(Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)
One man who really did make a difference for Wolves was Leander Dendoncker – recalled to the side at the expense of Joao Moutinho.
The Belgian international was a real handful for Fulham, contributing in both the defensive and attacking phases.
He played a big part in Neto’s goal, and just his sheer presence seemed to benefit the team.
On social media, some Wolves fans praised the 25-year-old for his contributions:
Dendoncker has to be starting every week
— Bd🐺 (@bdrushton04) October 4, 2020
Dendoncker has been incredible today
— JP 🌪 (@ezmoneyjp) October 4, 2020
Dendoncker has made a big difference to our midfield today. Has to be one of the first names on the team sheet #wwfc
— michelle (@wellygoggs) October 4, 2020
Dendoncker just makes us so much better.
— Jx (@_sirjoshsmith) October 4, 2020
This is why Donk should always play.
— Mike King 🦉🐺 (@GlosterBirder) October 4, 2020
Neto finally opens the scoring for Wolves after some good saves by Areola. Dendoncker always adds some good running to the often static Wolves midfield
— Neil Naples (@Linhem) October 4, 2020
Wolves are simply more threatening when Donck is playing further forward, and this play was a good illustration of that.
— Mark (@photoheathen) October 4, 2020
Don’t want to see another starting 11 without Dendoncker this season
— Jack Crockford (@CrockfordJack) October 4, 2020