Just days ago, Wolverhampton Wanderers languished at the bottom of the Premier League, having collected only nine points from 26 matches dangerously close to Derby County’s record-low 11-point total from the 2007/08 season.
But in a remarkable turnaround, Wolves have suddenly become a team to watch. After fighting their way to a draw with Arsenal and beating Aston Villa, they followed up with a dramatic 2-1 triumph over Liverpool on Tuesday night.
In doing so, Wolves made history as the first team ever in the Premier League’s top flight to beat two top-five teams in back-to-back fixtures while sitting last in the table.
The decisive moment came late in the game. Wolves’ first shot of the match a strike by Rodrigo Gomes in the 78th minute put them ahead.
It was one of the latest first-attempt goals on record in the league. Mohamed Salah soon levelled for Liverpool, scoring his first league goal since early November, but Wolves refused to fold.
In stoppage time, a fortunate deflection off defender Andre found the net, giving Wolves all three points and sending the home support into raptures.
Head coach Rob Edwards celebrated wildly, later saying he got caught up in the emotion of the moment.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot was left disappointed, pointing out that his side has now lost five Premier League games this season due to goals scored in the 90th minute or later the most by any team this term.
Wolves now sit on 16 points. With eight games still to play and 24 points available, they remain 11 behind 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, who face Manchester City on Wednesday.
Importantly for Wolves, none of their remaining opponents currently occupy top-six positions a potential opportunity they will be keen to exploit.
Everton also enjoyed a positive evening, moving up to eighth with a 2-0 victory over Burnley.
With the Premier League leading UEFA’s coefficient rankings, even a seventh-place finish could be enough for European qualification next season meaning Everton’s position matters hugely.
Midfielder James Garner was central to Everton’s performance, finishing with the highest touch count, most tackles, and most chances created in the match.
His cross set up James Tarkowski for the opener, while Kieran Dewsbury-Hall added a second goal his sixth of the campaign.
Burnley’s survival hopes were dented as they fell eight points behind Nottingham Forest.
Elsewhere, Bournemouth were held to a draw by Brentford despite dominating the expected-goals stats, while Sunderland edged Leeds United 1-0 a result that kept Leeds in the relegation battle.
The Premier League’s run-in is now firmly heating up at both ends of the table.
