AliousWolves secured an important draw at home against Everton, but the match could have played out very differently for Vitor Pereira’s team.
Marshall Munetsi marked a milestone by scoring his first goal for Wolves, and the home side controlled much of the game at Molineux. Despite Everton struggling to impose themselves, Wolves dictated the pace of play, largely due to an outstanding performance from midfielder Andre.
The Brazilian midfielder’s display earned widespread praise from Wolves supporters, who were thrilled with the impact of their summer signing. However, not everyone viewed his performance in the same light.
Ex-PGMOL Chief Keith Hackett Weighs In on Andre’s Yellow Card
While Munetsi’s goal proved crucial and Jose Sa made a key save to deny Beto, it was Andre who was named Man of the Match. The 23-year-old has become an integral part of Wolves’ midfield, orchestrating play and maintaining control throughout the match.
However, his impressive night had a controversial moment. In the 53rd minute, Andre was booked for a foul, and his reaction to referee Stuart Attwell sparked debate. Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett believes the midfielder was fortunate to escape a red card.
Speaking to *Goodison News*, Hackett criticized Andre’s response to the booking, calling his protest toward Attwell “unacceptable.”
“If a referee is to maintain authority, then a player getting into the official’s face in that manner cannot be tolerated,” Hackett said. He went on to suggest that had the player’s words been more confrontational, a red card could have been justified.
“The action was on the borderline of a sending-off, and if I had been certain of what was said, I would have advised Attwell to issue a red card. The player was lucky to remain on the pitch.”
Andre’s challenge and subsequent reaction left Wolves in a precarious position, with Attwell’s decision to keep him on proving significant in how the match unfolded.
### Matt Hobbs Was Spot-On About Andre
It’s hard to imagine how Wolves would have fared without Andre in the midfield, as he controlled the game from start to finish. Under Pereira, the Brazilian has thrived alongside Joao Gomes in a double-pivot system, fulfilling the expectations set for him even before the manager arrived.
When Wolves secured Andre’s signing, sporting director Matt Hobbs spoke highly of his potential, predicting that his skill set would translate well to the Premier League.
“Andre works hard, wins his tackles, and recovers second balls. He’s physically strong, and we believe he’ll flourish in the Premier League, just like Joao has,” Hobbs said at the time.
“Our midfield now feels like one of our biggest strengths. As a group, we’re really solid in that area.”
Hobbs’ confidence in Andre has proven justified, as the midfielder has seamlessly adapted to English football. His commanding display against Everton further reinforced his importance to Pereira’s system, making him one of Wolves’ standout performers this season.
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