Wolves kicked off their 2020/21 Premier League campaign with a comfortable 2-0 win over Sheffield United.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side flew out of the traps at Bramall Lane, with Raul Jimenez and Romain Saiss scoring inside six minutes.
Nuno had named a somewhat surprising starting XI, with Pedro Neto getting the nod over Diogo Jota and Leander Dendoncker preferred to Ruben Neves.
(Photo by Sam Bagnall – AMA/Getty Images)
There was also a debut for new signing Fernando Marcal, who operated at left wing-back in place of the injured Jonny, and did very well.
It was a brilliant first 45 minutes from the visitors, who left United shellshocked after the two early goals.
The Blades did perform much better in the second half, but the damage had already been done and the Wolves defence continued its fine form from the back end of last season, with goalscorer Saiss particularly impressive.
There were many fine performances, but it was Jimenez who was arguably the star of the show.
The Mexican striker took his goal superbly well, controlling a half-volley into the top corner from Daniel Podence’s cross.
(Photo by Dave Thompson/Pool via Getty Images)
He might well have had a hat-trick, but can probably be forgiven for lacking total deadeye finishing in the first game after a few weeks off.
On top of being a constant threat throughout, his general hold-up play was also exceptional.
It was undoubtedly one of Jimenez’s finest displays in a Wolves shirt since his arrival from Benfica.
It prompted some Wolves fans on social media to laud the striker for his contributions:
One part of our game that needed to improve from last season was being clinical at the right times . We have done exactly that so far . Jimenez superb #wwfc
— Matt (@molineux4eva) September 14, 2020
Jimenez produced probably the best half I’ve seen from him in a Wolves shirt. What an incredible footballer he is. Seems to have more responsibility in this system to build play as well as finish it. A truly complete striker #WWFC #SHUWOL 🐺
— Musings from Molineux (@molineuxmusings) September 14, 2020
So lucky to have Jimenez world class
— russell wwfc (@rusno1) September 14, 2020
That first half performance from Raul, wow. #WWFC
— Hoops (@RyHoops83) September 14, 2020
What a first half, not used to seeing first halves as good as that from us, that finish from Raul is exactly why top European clubs are after him, incredible technique. #wwfc
— Danny Smith (@SmithyWolves) September 14, 2020
Raul is a top, top class centre forward. His all round game, when he’s on song like this, is outstanding. Very glad he’s ours! #wolves #wwfc
— Kev Baker 👥 (@bakes1970) September 14, 2020
Jimenez is low key better than Messi
— John 🐺🇵🇹 (@wwfc_john) September 14, 2020
Jimenez is actually gonna get the Golden Boot though isn’t he 🔥🔥
— Rob 🐺 (@Robbo_WWFC) September 14, 2020
Jimenez to chiselled god of a striker!
🐺🇲🇽 🐺🇲🇽 🐺🇲🇽 🐺🇲🇽 🐺🇲🇽
— Wolves Fancast (@WWFCFancast) September 14, 2020