Julen Lopetegui hailed Joao Gomes yesterday following his winning goal against Southampton in the Premier League.
Wanderers managed to get three huge points at St. Mary’s Stadium, despite going a goal and a man down.
Wolves had to play a large chunk of the game without Mario Lemina, who picked up two yellow cards.
Lemina was cautioned inside 10 minutes for a foul on Carlos Alcaraz.
He then got a second yellow, after referee Jarred Gillett had deemed him to have run over in an ‘aggressive’ manner.
And Ruben Neves has since said Gillett told him he dished out another yellow to Lemina for being the third Wolves player to come over and remonstrate with him.
It was a highly controversial decision, and one that once again brings the standard of officiating in the Premier League under the microscope.
Wolves were able to get back into the game though thanks to some positive changes by Julen Lopetegui.
The introduction of Adama Traore worked well for Wolves, and the winger forced Jan Bednarek to score an own goal.
Wolves then found a winner through debutant Joao Gomes.
It was a superb finish from the Brazilian, who could not have wished for a better first appearance.
The 22-year-old is the talk of the town at Wolves right now, and Lopetegui heaped praise on the youngster for his decisive contribution.
He said (Wolves official): “He’s a very good player. It was a very hard match for him. It was his first match, playing with one player less and losing the match, but he showed that he has a big character, a big personality and football quality, and that’s why my club buy him.
“I’m very happy for him and he’s happy for the team.”
The perfect start for Joao Gomes, and Julen Lopetegui may now consider him to start vs Bournemouth
Gomes couldn’t have asked for a better start to life at Wolves.
The youngster is already off the mark, and is a huge fans’ favourite given the nature of his move from Flamengo.
Lopetegui now has a decision to make with regards to who replaces Lemina against Bournemouth next weekend.
Gomes may well have thrown his hat into the ring.
It’s possible Lopetegui would prefer to go with a more experienced option like Joao Moutinho.
But the Spaniard may also think starting Gomes is the way to go given how confident he’ll be feeling after his goal against Southampton.