Vitor Pereira did an excellent job to save Wolves from relegation last season, but throughout the start of the current Premier League campaign, it seemed like lightning wouldn’t strike twice.
The Portuguese joined Wolves with the Old Gold languishing in the relegation zone, and his results quickly pulled them out of danger.
They ultimately finished in 16th place, 17 points off the drop. It was a remarkable turnaround, and despite the terrible start to this season, he was handed a new contract due to his work.
Now, Wolves have secured two back-to-back good results, and in those games, a key aspect of Pereira’s side last campaign seems to be creeping back in.
Wolves are becoming more defensively resolute again
In the last two games, Wolves have looked much more comfortable when defending.
Individual mistakes and sloppy errors at the back have been a big theme for the Wanderers this season, but against Everton and Tottenham, there were encouraging signs.
Wolves survived relegation through Vitor Pereira making them harder to score against, and it looks like he has rediscovered that trait.
Everton failed to score on Tuesday night, and Spurs struggled to create optimal chances on Saturday night as well.
The home side did have a very good first-half opportunity, but Sam Johnstone pulled off an exceptional save that left fans in awe.
Other than that chance, there was not much other danger.
The Lilywhites were fortunate to come away with a point, and if it weren’t for the individual brilliance of Joao Palhinha, Wolves would have secured a deserved win.
Next up is Brighton at Molineux, with the Seagulls having scored 11 goals in their last three games. Pereira will need that strong defence to perform once more if they want any chance of another good result.
It seems clear who should play that game.
Wolves’ best defensive options are clear
Vitor Pereira should already know his best defence following the last two results.
Sam Johnstone is by far Wolves’ best option in goal, while Ladislav Krejci needs to be a guaranteed starter.
Santiago Bueno has been a surprise performer this season, but his last two displays have earned him a rightful spot in the team.
Hugo Bueno has also unexpectedly staked his place in the starting XI, after new arrival David Moller Wolfe was assumed to be Wolves’ left-back going forward.
The biggest headache comes at right-back. Matt Doherty does offer solidity at the back, but Jackson Tchatchoua has impressed with his pace.
We’ll have to see who he opts for moving forward, but Wolves finally look like they are starting to gel.