Alious**Wolves Enter Survival Mode as Vitor Pereira Unleashes His Secret Weapon**
Wolves fans are bracing for a tense finale to the Premier League season, with Vitor Pereira plotting a path to safety after an encouraging display at Anfield.
Despite suffering a 2-1 defeat to Liverpool, Wolves showed real fight in the second half, dominating possession and keeping the Reds from registering a single shot on target after halftime—a feat not seen in over two decades. Pereira’s halftime tactical adjustments played a key role, injecting fresh energy and attacking intent into his side.
### **Marshall Munetsi: The Unexpected Key to Wolves’ Survival**
Stephen Warnock initially questioned Pereira’s decision to introduce Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Marshall Munetsi at halftime while withdrawing Goncalo Guedes and Pablo Sarabia. However, the move paid off handsomely, with Munetsi stepping into an advanced midfield role that disrupted Liverpool’s defense.
Typically a box-to-box midfielder, the Zimbabwean has adapted to a more attacking role, even filling in as a makeshift striker in Jorgen Strand Larsen’s absence. His intelligent movement nearly led to a breakthrough goal, only for Alisson to deny him in a one-on-one situation.
Since Ruben Neves’ departure in 2023, Wolves have lacked a midfielder capable of producing decisive moments in the final third. Munetsi’s record at Stade Reims—21 goals and 14 assists in 159 games—suggests he could be the unexpected solution.
### **Munetsi Embracing His New Role**
Speaking after the Liverpool game, Munetsi shed light on Pereira’s tactical shift, emphasizing the importance of applying high pressure and quick transitions.
*”The coach wanted us to put them under more pressure, and that’s why we had four midfielders in the second half,”* Munetsi told the *Express & Star*.
Having previously played in a similar role in France, Munetsi is comfortable adapting:
*”As a player, you have to adjust. I played some games like this before, so it’s not unusual for me. I like the duels, I like to attack, and I try to contribute with goals.”*
With Wolves set to face Bournemouth next, Munetsi could be in line for his first start—one that might shape the club’s fight for Premier League survival.
Alious
