AliousWolves secured a crucial victory over Southampton, moving nine points clear of the relegation zone and significantly improving their Premier League survival hopes. The 2-1 triumph at St. Mary’s Stadium, combined with defeats for the bottom three clubs, has provided Wolves with some much-needed breathing room.
For Alan Shearer, the relegation battle is all but settled—he firmly believes Wolves have done enough to secure their place in the top flight for another season. However, head coach Vítor Pereira remains cautious, refusing to be complacent despite the growing gap between his side and the drop zone. Deep down, though, he must recognize that survival is now within touching distance.
A major factor in Wolves’ win was the performance of Jørgen Strand Larsen, whose brace proved decisive. The Norwegian forward, who had recently faced criticism for inconsistent displays, responded in the best possible way, taking his season tally to nine goals. His efforts did not go unnoticed, with January signing Emmanuel Agbadou praising the striker’s impact.
Speaking to Wolves TV, Agbadou highlighted Strand Larsen’s resilience and quality: “Jørgen is a very talented striker. Everyone at the club believes in him. Some matches have been tough for him, especially the last two, but the coach has always backed him. Today, he showed why by scoring twice and helping us secure a vital three points.”
Pereira later revealed that Strand Larsen had suffered a fractured hand before the Everton match, making his recent performances even more commendable. Despite the injury, he has continued to play, though he has faced scrutiny from some supporters.
In reality, Strand Larsen has had a solid debut season at Molineux. Strikers often become scapegoats when goals dry up, but in many Wolves matches this season, the service to him simply hasn’t been good enough. Club legend Steve Bull even warned that the forward might struggle due to a lack of chances.
Nevertheless, Strand Larsen has managed to find the net nine times in the Premier League and has chipped in with a few assists as well. With one more goal, he will join an exclusive group of Wolves players who have reached double figures in a single top-flight campaign.
Considering the challenges he has faced, his contributions have been more than respectable. Now that he has adapted to the demands of the Premier League and built a stronger understanding with his teammates, there’s every reason to believe he will be even better in his second season at the club.
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