Wolves’ FA Cup defeat was a nightmare for Vitor Pereira but, one positive influence could now inspire the manager.
There wasn’t much else that could’ve gone wrong in Wolves’ FA Cup defeat to Bournemouth.
At the Vitality, Matheus Cunha was sent off to pick up a three-match ban, handing Pereira a headache to replace Wolves’ top goalscorer in the challenges ahead.
Additionally, both Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Matt Doherty picked up injuries in another injury blow for the Old Gold.
- READ MORE: Wolves player ratings vs Bournemouth, Matheus Cunha goes from hero to zero but 4/10 man struggles
Sam Johnstone impressed in Bournemouth defeat
With new injuries and a significant suspension to tend to, Pereira has his work cut out ahead of selecting his squad to face Everton.
It’s not only those three dilemmas that the Wolves manager has to swiftly overcome but also a decision to make regarding who starts in goal.
Against Bournemouth, Pereira called Sam Johnstone into action, seeing the Englishman earn another start in the cup.
| Sam Johnstone vs Bournemouth |
| 8 saves |
| 100% run outs |
| 6 saves in box |
| 1 penalty shoot-out save |
| 9 long balls |
| 100% run-outs |
Though Johnstone was criticised for the goal he conceded against Bournemouth, the summer signing redeemed himself quite spectacularly to force the game to penalties despite the hosts’ pressure.
In the shoot-out, the 31-year-old also saved a penalty to make even more of an impact but, for all his efforts, couldn’t win the game for Wolves.
Pereira now has a big decision to make regarding whether Johnstone has earned a spot in the Premier League starting XI.
Perfect time for Vitor Pereira to drop Jose Sa
Now could be considered the perfect time for Johnstone to impress as Jose Sa has been far from convincing in recent weeks.
Sa was questioned against Fulham as the goalkeeper was caught out as Rodrigo Muniz scored after the interval to hand the visitors all three points.
After a shaky performance in the league, Pereira could now call on Johnstone to replace his first choice to increase competition and raise the standard.
Sa has had a poor season for the most part, with Gary O’Neil’s summer signing possibly earning himself an opportunity for the next game.