Fulham boosted their European ambitions with a 2-1 victory over Wolves at Molineux, thanks to early goals in both halves from Ryan Sessegnon and Rodrigo Muniz. The win moves Marco Silva’s side up to ninth in the Premier League, just two points behind Manchester City, while Wolves remain five points clear of the relegation zone after missing an opportunity to pull further away from the bottom.
Early Shock as Sessegnon Strikes in 58 Seconds
Returning to Fulham in the summer after several years away, Ryan Sessegnon made his first Premier League start for the club in over two years—and wasted no time making an impact. Within the first minute, the 23-year-old found himself at the end of a flowing Fulham move, finishing calmly past José Sá to give the visitors an instant lead.
Despite the early setback, Wolves responded positively. Vitor Pereira’s side, having won three of their previous four matches, showed resilience and began applying pressure on Fulham’s defense. Their efforts were rewarded when João Gomes smashed the ball past Bernd Leno, leveling the score before the half-hour mark.
Muniz Restores Fulham’s Lead Just After the Break
The second half started in almost identical fashion to the first, with Fulham again catching Wolves off guard. Just over a minute after the restart, Muniz capitalized on a clever pass from Adama Traoré and finished clinically past Sá. The Brazilian forward, who had been a physical presence throughout the game, continued to trouble Wolves’ backline with his strength and movement.
Despite pushing forward in search of a second equalizer, Wolves struggled to break through Fulham’s disciplined defense. The home side failed to register a shot on target after Muniz’s goal, leaving Pereira frustrated on the touchline.
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Tired Wolves Struggle to Respond
Wolves’ inability to mount a meaningful comeback was partly attributed to fatigue. Manager Vitor Pereira fielded an unchanged lineup from their previous match, a decision that seemed to backfire as the game progressed. Star forward Matheus Cunha, a key attacking outlet for Wolves, faded in the second half, and the team lacked the sharpness needed to break down Fulham’s defensive structure.
“We started both halves poorly, and that cost us,” Pereira admitted after the match. “I felt the team was tired. Our pressing wasn’t at the level we usually play at. We need to defend better and avoid these mistakes.”
Wolves’ struggles were compounded by a lack of attacking options. With Jørgen Strand Larsen still recovering from injury, Pereira had limited alternatives to change the game from the bench. His squad’s lack of depth was evident, especially when compared to Fulham’s ability to rotate players and maintain intensity throughout.
Silva’s Tactical Changes Pay Off
After a disappointing home defeat to Crystal Palace in their previous match, Marco Silva opted for five changes to his starting XI. The decision raised eyebrows before kickoff, but it proved to be a masterstroke. Alongside Sessegnon and Muniz, Silva brought in Issa Diop, Jorge Cuenca, and Andreas Pereira—each of whom contributed to the team’s dynamic performance.
Speaking after the match, Silva praised his squad’s response: “It’s not easy to make five changes in the Premier League, but we needed fresh legs. The energy levels were better today, and the players delivered.”
Sessegnon’s return was particularly significant. The former Fulham academy star has endured a challenging few years, battling injuries and struggling for form. Silva acknowledged the winger’s determination: “He’s had tough years with injuries, but we knew his quality. It’s crucial to keep him fit, and if we do, he will be a key player for us.”
Historic Win for Fulham at Molineux
The victory marked Fulham’s first-ever Premier League win at Molineux, further underlining their progress under Silva. Sitting in ninth place, they are now firmly in the mix for a European spot, trailing Nottingham Forest by just five points.
For Wolves, the loss is a setback in their bid to secure mid-table safety. While they remain above the relegation zone, their lack of attacking depth and inability to respond to setbacks could be cause for concern in the coming weeks.
Looking Ahead
Wolves will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for upcoming fixtures against top-half opposition. With a congested schedule ahead, Pereira may be forced to rotate his squad to avoid further fatigue issues.
Fulham, on the other hand, will take confidence from this result as they continue their push for European qualification. With a deep and well-balanced squad, Silva’s men are proving to be a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League this season.
As the race for European spots heats up and the battle for survival intensifies, both teams have plenty to fight for in the crucial months ahead.
