Wolves got back to winning ways in the Premier League yesterday against Tottenham Hotspur – and Joao Moutinho put in a fantastic performance coming off the bench.
Wanderers took three huge points at Molineux, with Adama Traore scoring the game’s only goal.
The winger produced a lovely controlled finish after a Raul Jimenez effort was saved.
Wolves had gone three games without a win before this result.
So it was very important for the players to put in a solid performance.
They struggled in the first-half, but Julen Lopetegui made some changes at half-time which allowed the team to have more control.
Traore and Nathan Collins came on, and the system was changed.
And midway through the second-half, Lopetegui also turned to Moutinho, who replaced Matheus Nunes.
Moutinho was absolutely excellent when he came on.
He provided energy and was much better on the ball that Nunes had been, completing 88% of his passes. He also won the two duels he contested, and completed two key passes (Sofascore).
Moutinho has seen a little less involvement for Wolves of late.
But yesterday, he showed the value he has coming on as a substitute.
Joao Moutinho was vital to win over Tottenham – he’s a great option off the bench
Moutinho’s impact yesterday was fantastic.
The £5 million maestro changed the game for Wolves and had the home team on the front foot for the closing stages.
He was everywhere, and perhaps that was a result of being fresher.
The veteran seemed to relish entering the action later and looked revitalised.
Coming on as a substitute seems to suit him. Being fresher, his quality was able to shine through.