One decision Vitor Pereira made against Liverpool was a mistake as the Wolves manager came to realise.
Despite losing for the 16th time in the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, Wolves can’t feel too disheartened by their defeat to Liverpool.
The Old Gold were unlucky to not have got more from the game, with Wolves fans taking aim at referee Simon Hooper amid a flurry of controversial incidents.
Pereira watched his side make Anfield feel uneasy with their ability to generate wave after wave of attack but unfortunately, had just one goal to show for their efforts.
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde showed Vitor Pereira up with Liverpool display
While there was a lot to improve from Wolves’ first-half performance at Anfield, whatever was said at half-time certainly inspired the squad.
As well as possible words of encouragement in the dressing room, Pereira opted to make two substitutions, bringing off Goncalo Guedes and Pablo Sarabia.
It was the right decision to hook Guedes and Sarabia, who were ineffective but, it only emphasised the mistake the boss made when selecting his starting XI.
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde was dropped from the starting lineup however, was restored after the interval as Pereira needed a fresh approach.
| Jean-Ricner Bellegarde vs Liverpool |
| 45 minutes played |
| 33 touches |
| 83% pass completed |
| 3 key passes |
| 1 assist |
| 1 big chance created |
| 3 duels won |
| 2 fouls drawn |
The Frenchman made the Wolves manager regret his selection call moments after coming onto the pitch at Anfield, as Bellegarde was one of the Old Gold’s brightest sparks.
Many were confused not to see the 2023 signing in the starting lineup having impressed in recent games, with the midfielder surely not set to miss out again after his spirited cameo.
Bellegarde deserves a starting spot after resurgence
As seen by the 26-year-old’s numbers against Liverpool, it was an inspired display, bringing more to the game in the second half than what was seen from his teammates in the first.
After Bellegarde’s heroics against Aston Villa last time out in the Premier League, it was a shock not to see Gary O’Neil’s signing start the game.
Pereira is surely now aware of the mistake he made as the Frenchman introduced a new level of energy and desire to Wolves’ front line, giving the boss some food for thought.
Against Bournemouth, it would be careless to not select Bellegarde, who was head and shoulders above the likes of Sarabia and Guedes at Anfield.