Nuno jumping for joy after nine-man win
EVEN with nine men, Wolves made it look easy — and that is why they will be celebrating promotion to the Premier League within a month.
Indeed, they could be up as early as April 11 if they win their next three matches and the celebrations at full time told of a team who know the job is as good as done.
Manager Nuno Espirito Santo leapt in front of Tony Pulis, an incendiary act which the Boro boss did well to ignore.
‘They were delighted, I’d be the same,’ said Pulis, who disappeared down the tunnel before a shoving match ensued between the rival benches.
‘The manager jumped, but that’s up to him. I might have reacted differently. He’s welcome to come in my room, but I don’t think he will.’
Nuno responded: ‘ I celebrated with our fans because it was massive for us. It is 67 years since Wolves won here. I jumped, I was very happy.’
The visitors were coasting to victory after first-half goals from Portuguese pair Helder Costa and Ivan Cavaleiro.
But, as if to further demonstrate their superiority, they had Ruben Neves and Matt Doherty sent off after the break and still strode to a win which keeps them 13 points clear of third-placed Fulham.
Rivals have criticised the Chinese-owned club in recent weeks, accusing them of buying the league with the help of agent Jorge Mendes. But surely they should be applauded for utilising contacts and spending wisely? Pulis agrees.
‘They have invested well,’ he said. ‘The players they have brought in, anyone in this league would love to have them. I’ve got no qualms with that. They’ve got the money and the contacts and they’ve used it.’
For all of that, Wolves did not start well. In fact, their fans kept the ball better than they did early on, passing it around the away end and causing a 60second delay as Boro’s George Friend pleaded for it to be returned. But perhaps that impromptu possession play served as inspiration, for they were irresistible during the final 15 minutes of the first half, Costa volleying them in front on 32 minutes and Cavaleiro heading a second five minutes later.
And it looked as if Wolves were about to make sure of victory on 53 minutes when Neves dissected the Boro back line and Costa scampered clear. Friend gave chase and appeared to make slight contact with the forward, who tumbled to the turf. Red card? Not even a free-kick.
Boro broke and both Neves and Doherty were booked for attempting to halt the charge of Adama Traore. Within 90 seconds Neves was off, sliding recklessly to topple Friend.
Doherty joined him on 72 minutes when his stray elbow clattered Friend. Nuno said: ‘We were in control until that bad decision with Helder, it was difficult to control our emotions after that.’
Boro reduced the arrears in the fourth minute of stoppage time through Patrick Bamford’s volley, but it was too little, too late.