Wolves players celebrate after a goal. (Getty Images)
Wolves strengthened their hold on the 7th spot and took one step closer to Europa League qualification with a comfortable 1-0 victory over already-relegated Fulham in the Premier League at Molineux on Saturday, thanks to Leander Dendoncker’s goal late in the second half.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side were in high spirits heading into the game after a 2-1 victory over Watford last week and the Black Country outfit didn’t take long to stamp their authority on the game. Diogo Jota, as influential as he has been for Wolves in the attacking third this season, gave the visitors some early scare.
Raul Jimenez set up Jota with a wonderful back-flick but his shot was kept out by a diving Sergio Rico, who has been in fine form between the sticks in recent weeks. Jota kept the Fulham defenders on their toes and showed good anticipation to latch on to Calum Chambers’ sloppy pass before firing his effort agonisingly wide from a tight angle.
Fulham enjoyed some good spells of possession but they weren’t able to create too many clear-cut chances, while Wolves once again showed that possession hardly matters to them. Joao Moutinho’s curling cross from the left was headed onto the crossbar by Dendoncker before the Portuguese veteran created yet another opportunity for the home side, only for Willy Boly to direct his header wide of the mark.
Joe Bryan had a chance late in the first half and called Rui Patricio into action but it was Wolves, who went into the interval as the better team by a long margin. Fulham had nothing to lose and one would have expected them to come out in the second half with more purpose but Wolves were prepared to have none of it.
Jota got the fans off their seats with another powerful effort on goal that went just wide but Fulham had their biggest chance of the game shortly after. Cyrus Christie picked out Ryan Sessegnon with a neat pass but Aleksandar Mitrovic fired his shot wide and spurned a golden opportunity.
Wolves continued their domination and Ruben Neves tested Rico with a well-placed effort from outside the box before Matt Doherty’s downward header once again forced the Spaniard into making a brilliant stop. Fulham would probably have conceded 3-4 goals had it not been for the Sevilla loanee’s heroics.
The home’s side perseverance finally paid off in the 75th minute when Matt Doherty’s inch-perfect cut-back into the box was met by Leander Dendoncker, who made a late run into the box to catch Fulham off-guard and put the hosts into the driver’s seat with a thumping finish.
Jota could have doubled Wolves’ advantage after a lung-busting run which saw him wriggle his way past three defenders but it was just not his day.
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Wolves were by far the superior of the two teams and the Europa League qualification spot should certainly be going to them after this win, though they will have to keep their fingers crossed for the result of the FA Cup final between Man City and Watford next week.
Twitter Reactions from the jubilant Wolves fans
From The Lone Wolf congratulations to @Wolves Great result today and amazing result for the season. Also big shout out to all those @Wolves fans around the world and locally. Great support for a great team. #WOLFUL pic.twitter.com/0CZ9WQP0GC
— MJ Davies Author (@DaviesAuthor) May 4, 2019
Well done @wolves. Hope you do qualify for the Europa. Well deserved for a fantastic season. #WOLFUL
— Jim Fletcher (@jim_fletch) May 4, 2019
6 years ago to the day we got relegated to league one. On my way to #Wolves 6 years on knowing a win would all but secure 7th in the premier league! What a ride it’s been! #WWFC
— Steve Piggott (@stevepiggott10) May 4, 2019
DENDONCKER! Great cross from Doherty. And sublime finish from the Belgian. 1-0 #WOLVES #WWFC
— Wolves USA (@WolvesUSA) May 4, 2019
Yessss #wolves you beauties! 🐺💛🖤🙌🏻 https://t.co/2dnqpDwjcL
— Suzi Perry (@suziperry) May 4, 2019
Fantastic end to what’s been a brilliant season ! Looking forward to July/August already! #Wolves pic.twitter.com/QhBIMtS6Rf
— Stu. (@StuRich1991) May 4, 2019
Great match atmosphere today, big win for the lads 🐺 looking forward to next season already!#WOLVES #WWFC pic.twitter.com/9Mms3n07rd
— BEN MORTIMER (@mortimer_ben) May 4, 2019
#Wolves signing off with an 11-match unbeaten run at Molineux, nine of which have been wins.
— Tim Nash (@TimNash_1) May 4, 2019
Win – European football here we come!! #dubaiaywe #wwfc #wolves #squad 🧡🖤🌍⚽️ pic.twitter.com/CM47kT7DMZ
— Dubai Wolves (@DubaiWolves) May 4, 2019
Wolverhampton Wanderers go 1-0 up against Fulham. If they hold on to win, that pretty much seals 7th place. Incredible season for #Wolves.#WOLFUL pic.twitter.com/i6jLoX440b
— Joe Prince-Wright (@JPW_NBCSports) May 4, 2019
Attendance 30,456. As the PA announcer says, it’s the first time #Wolves have had 30k plus for every home League game since 1949-50.— Tim Nash (@TimNash_1) May 4, 2019