Vitor Pereira enjoyed a perfect start as Wolverhampton Wanderers’ head coach, guiding his team to a commanding 3-0 victory over Leicester City on Sunday.
The win snapped Wolves’ four-game losing streak and breathed new life into their survival hopes.
First-half goals from Goncalo Guedes, Rodrigo Gomes, and Matheus Cunha during a 25-minute blitz secured the victory.
Pereira, who succeeded Gary O’Neil just three days earlier, saw his side climb to 18th place, now just two points away from safety.
Ironically, Leicester, who have shipped seven goals in their last two matches, sit just above them in 17th.
The game nearly began disastrously for Pereira’s side. Leicester launched a direct attack to Jamie Vardy, whose attempt to outmaneuver Jose Sa was thwarted outside the box.
VAR reviewed the incident but determined there was no handball by the Wolves goalkeeper.
Once Wolves settled, the goals flowed. Guedes opened the scoring after holding off Jannik Vestergaard and finishing neatly from a tight angle.
Moments later, Rodrigo Gomes capitalized on James Justin’s hesitation, latching onto a long ball and slotting it past Danny Ward, who was left stranded.
The Leicester fans, still reeling from a 4-0 thrashing by Newcastle in their previous match, voiced their frustration after the second goal.
Those boos turned to groans when Cunha unleashed a strike that Ward managed to get fingertips to but couldn’t keep out.
Despite recording a modest expected goals tally of 0.4 in the first half, Wolves showcased ruthless efficiency in front of goal.
In the second half, Leicester enjoyed plenty of possession and consistently tried to find Jamie Vardy with long balls, but Wolves’ defense held firm.
Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side struggled to create meaningful opportunities, lacking the spark needed to threaten the visitors.
Wolves had chances to extend their lead further. Joao Gomes came closest when he connected with a dangerous Cunha cross late in the match, only to head wide. By then, however, Wolves had already secured a much-needed victory.
