Wolves rallied from an early setback to secure a convincing 4-1 triumph over Stoke City, extending their unbeaten run in the Sky Bet Championship. The match, played at Molineux, began with a flash of brilliance from Stoke's Sam Gallagher, who struck just two minutes in to give the visitors an unexpected lead. Gallagher’s goal was a showcase of composure and technique: after holding off defender Marshall Munetsi, he unleashed a curling shot from roughly 25 yards that nestled in the top corner, leaving Wolves' keeper Jose Sa with no chance. It was Gallagher’s first goal since March and arrived after a loose square pass from Wolves forward Fer Lopez.
However, the early advantage proved fleeting. Within three minutes, Rodrigo Gomes answered for Wolves, and he would go on to score twice before the break, completely altering the complexion of the game.
The first of Gomes’ strikes came in the 20th minute when a rebound from a blocked shot fell kindly to him, and he slotted it home with composure. Just three minutes later, the Portuguese attacker pounced again: after a side‑footed effort from Raul Jimenez was parried by Stoke goalkeeper Viktor Johansson, Gomes was perfectly positioned to tap the loose ball into the net, giving Wolves a 2-0 lead. Stoke attempted to respond, with Gallagher forcing a second‑half chance that was saved by Sa, and later a shot from Bocat that drifted wide. Yet Wolves continued to press.
In the 55th minute, Raul Jimenez earned a penalty when he was brought down by Ben Johnson while contesting a corner from Hugo Bueno. Jimenez stepped up and coolly dispatched the spot‑kick to the left, making it 3-1 and further demoralising the home side. The final goal came in the dying minutes when substitute Jordan James, making his home debut, finished a swift move that began with a square pass from Lopez on the right. James cut inside, released Lopez onto the flank, and the ball was crossed back to James, who met it with a precise finish from twelve yards inside Johansson’s left‑hand post.
The goal capped a dominant display and cemented the 4-1 scoreline. Wolves also enjoyed several near‑misses that could have increased the margin.
Mateus Mane, the 18‑year‑old prodigy, threatened on a few occasions; his curling effort was tipped wide by Johansson, and he was denied a fourth goal when his shot was smothered. Meanwhile, substitute Tawanda Chirewa’s curling effort was deflected over the bar as Wolves pressed for a fifth. Post‑match, Wolves manager Cesar Peixoto praised his side’s resilience and character. He noted that conceding the early goal could have unsettled the team, but the players responded with “personality and quality,” reorganising both defensively and offensively.
Peixoto highlighted the importance of the pre‑match talk, which helped the squad maintain the right shape and body language to rally the supporters. He also admitted that the team had moments where they “shot themselves in the foot,” referring to a lapse that allowed Stoke a second‑half chance, but overall he was satisfied with the collective effort. Stoke, despite the heavy defeat, showed flashes of promise. Gallagher’s opening strike demonstrated his ability to create chances from distance, and Bocat’s attempts, though off target, indicated an intent to fight back.
Nevertheless, the defensive lapses and inability to capitalize on the few opportunities they created left them vulnerable to Wolves’ relentless attack. The win propelled Wolves to the top of the league table after the lunchtime fixtures, underlining their status as early season contenders.
Their performance combined swift transitions, effective pressing, and clinical finishing, qualities that will be crucial as the season progresses. The match also provided a platform for younger talents like Mane and James to showcase their potential, suggesting depth in the squad that could prove decisive in a long campaign. Overall, the encounter was a vivid illustration of how quickly momentum can shift in football. From an early goal that seemed to set the tone for Stoke, Wolves turned the tide with decisive strikes, a well‑taken penalty, and a late seal from a substitute, ultimately delivering a performance that blended tactical discipline with attacking flair.
The result not only adds three points to Wolves’ tally but also sends a clear message to the rest of the Championship: they are a side capable of overcoming adversity and finishing games strongly.