AliousWolves are starting to see the rewards of appointing Vítor Pereira earlier this season, with his influence bringing clear and positive changes to the team’s performances.
Their recent 1-0 away victory against Bournemouth provided them with some much-needed breathing space in the battle to avoid relegation, lifting them five points clear of the bottom three.
However, their survival in the Premier League is far from guaranteed, making their upcoming clash against Fulham at Molineux another crucial fixture.
A win on Tuesday could help the Midlands club build momentum at a key stage of the campaign.
Former Wolves midfielder Dave Edwards has been particularly impressed with Pereira’s impact and shared his thoughts on the Bournemouth match in his *Express & Star* column.
While the manager himself had little time to reflect on the result, Edwards analyzed the key factors behind the win, particularly Wolves’ smart game management following Illia Zabarnyi’s controversial red card.
He praised the tactical intelligence Wolves displayed, noting that they had already begun to exert influence over the game before the sending-off.
However, once Bournemouth went down to ten men, Pereira’s squad needed to be strategic, controlling possession and minimizing their opponents’ counter-attacking threats.
Edwards highlighted that despite their numerical advantage, Bournemouth still posed a danger with their attacking players, but Wolves handled the situation effectively—especially by scoring soon after the red card, which helped settle the contest.
The ex-midfielder also commended how well Wolves adapted their approach after Matheus Cunha’s goal, maintaining control of the match despite the tense atmosphere.
While there were moments of nervousness in the stadium, Edwards pointed out that Bournemouth didn’t create many clear-cut chances, and Wolves’ disciplined performance helped them see out the victory.
Even before the Bournemouth game, Edwards had observed a growing sense of control and composure within the team under Pereira—qualities that could be vital in securing Premier League survival.
The Portuguese manager has managed to turn around what was shaping up to be a disastrous season, implementing a much-needed tactical structure and improving the team’s overall cohesion.
Although Wolves are not safe yet, there is now a clearer pathway to survival.
Pereira’s arrival has resulted in better defensive solidity, an increase in points, and a higher standard of football.
However, some fans may still question why the club took so long to part ways with Gary O’Neil, whose tenure had hindered Wolves’ progress in the 2024/25 season.
With Pereira at the helm, the team now has a fighting chance to steer clear of relegation.
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