Wolves 4-1 Leeds United.
Match report by Sam Murphy
Wolves extended their lead at the top of the Championship to four points with a comprehensive 4-1 victory over a ten man Leeds.
Despite the weather, a packed house at Molineux watched a display of passing and movement from Wolves that has become their signature under Nuno Espirito Santo.
Nuno made one change from their win away at Reading with Barry Doulgas preferred at left-wing back to Ruben Vinagre.
Leeds have either won or lost this season notching eight of each and fielded ex-Wolves keeper Andy Lonergan in goal.
They were coming into this game confident with a 2-1 victory over Middlesbrough at the weekend to move into the top ten of the Championship after a mixed start to the season.
Leeds started the game well, pressing Wolves high up the field, closing down Wolves players all over the park like Sgt Bash from Robot Wars.
Small fouls, and clips of heals were not ignored by the referee who had a good game all round.
However Wolves moved seamlessly through the
gears, scoring twice to dominate the first half.
In those 20 minutes Wolves played some of the best
interplay football that has been seen in the Championship this season.
The first came from Barry Douglas who started the game with three assists in three games.
With one of the highest assist counts at the club, he continually pushes his case to have the best left
foot in the league.
His second goal of the season came direct from a free-kick, whipped into the near post top corner, giving Lonergan no chance in goal.
A one million pound purchase from the Russian Premier League over the summer, could quite easily become the best value transfer for Wolves under Fosun.
When Ivan Cavaleiro plays well, he can carve teams open like a knife through melted butter.
For Wolves second goal of the match and his fourth goal of the season came in some style.
A classic counter attack move involving all three front players.
Matt Doherty powered forward over the half way line, with a short pass, to leave the rest for Cavaleiro.
He rolled his defender like he was a mannequin on the training ground before taking one further touch beyond the white shirts in front of him.
He was able to strike the ball into the bottom corner, despite Lonergan getting a hand to the ball.
Wolves looked dominant going into half time 2-0, and with the christmas lights being turned on in Wolverhampton this was becoming a bright evening for the home side.
However following the restart Leeds pulled a goal back from Alioski.
This probably was the goal of the evening. It was a
wonderful first time volley after a cross into the box giving John Ruddy no chance.
Leeds looked the dominant side in the next twenty minutes of the game, with Wolves unable to keep possession and Leeds probing for the equaliser.
Then the game turned with a moment of madness from Leeds midfielder Ronaldo Vieira, who was sent off for a second yellow card for a reckless tackle on Diogo Jota.
Leeds at this point in the game were on the ascendency with the next goal likely to have a big impact on the final result.
Now Leeds were down to ten men, it meant that space was opening up for Wolves to capitalise on.
Diogo Jota completed a superb performance with a goal 20 minutes from time.
Bonatini was able to nod a free ball into the path of Jota continuing their telepathic relationship they have kindled this
season.
Jota drove into the box, waiting for Lonergan to go to ground before chipping the ball over his sprawled body in an audacious finish in the bottom corner.
Wolves completed their haul for the evening from the penalty spot on the 76 minute from Helder
Costa.
He showed in his five minute cameo at Reading that he is finally coming back to his best following a long absence through injury.
Lonergan brought Leo Bonatini down as he tried to round
him following a rebounded shot from Diogo Jota.
A certain penalty.
Costa slotted the ball away which hopefully is a great boost to the Portuguese wingers confidence.
The Championship is notorious for the number of games that it throws teams in a short space of time.
Wolves will need all the strength in depth of this squad to come through the christmas period still at the top of the table but with more performances like this one there are no teams in this
League which can stop them.
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