Full TimePosted at 90’+5′ Second Half ends, Wolverhampton Wanderers 2, Brentford 0.Post updateAttempt blocked. Ivan Toney (Brentford) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked.Posted at 90’+4′ Corner, Brentford. Conceded by Max Kilman.Posted at 90’+3′ Attempt saved. Ivan Toney (Brentford) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the top centre of the goal.Posted at 90’+2′ Attempt blocked. Ivan Toney (Brentford) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.Posted at 90’+1′ Corner, Brentford. Conceded by Max Kilman.
Diego Costa’s return to the Premier League after a six-year absence was marked with a goal that set Wolves on their way to a crucial victory over Brentford. The 34-year-old capped his best performance since coming out of retirement in September with a precise finish into the corner, and was given a standing ovation when he was replaced with 20 minutes left. Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui was full of praise for Costa, saying: “He has a big heart. He wants to be here. He is a very competitive player. You can’t buy his spirit. You either have it or you don’t. That is why he has had the career he has.”
The win was Wolves’ second successive league victory for only the second time in 13 months, and has seen them pick up 24 points in 16 games under Lopetegui, leaving them seven clear of the drop zone. Matheus Nunes was outstanding for the home side and created Hwang Hee-chan’s second goal with a surging run into the box.
Costa’s goal was reward for his hard work and determination to get back to full fitness after eight months without playing a game. His competitive spirit was evident throughout the match, as he chased down defenders and put pressure on Brentford keeper David Raya. His industry was rewarded with a standing ovation when he was substituted.
Brentford’s third consecutive defeat was compounded by their worst run of form this season, with two points from five games. They failed to penetrate Wolves’ defence often enough to cause any significant stress until the latter stages, and not even a triple substitution on the hour made any notable difference. Manager Thomas Frank admitted it would be tough for his side to finish in a European spot, saying: “It is so difficult with the resources the top six, and now Newcastle [have], to get into the top seven.”
Wolves keeper Jose Sa was fortunate Craig Dawson was on hand to clear when he dropped the ball in a crowded penalty area, preventing what would have been a Brentford equaliser. However, Sa made amends with a decent save from Christian Norgaard’s header as Brentford launched an unsuccessful comeback mission once Wolves had doubled their lead. Ivan Toney was denied his 19th league goal of the season twice in stoppage time, first when Sa turned his angled drive on to the bar, before Wolves skipper Max Kilman tracked the striker’s run into the box and blocked his shot.
Diego Costa’s first Premier League goal in almost six years set Wolves on their way to a priceless victory over Brentford that gives them breathing space in their relegation battle. The 34-year-old capped his best performance since coming out of retirement in September with a precise finish into the corner, and was given a standing ovation when he was replaced with 20 minutes left. Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui praised Costa, saying: “He has a big heart. He wants to be here. He is a very competitive player. You can’t buy his spirit. You either have it or you don’t. That is why he has had the career he has.”
The win was Wolves’ second successive league victory for only the second time in 13 months, and has seen them pick up 24 points in 16 games under Lopetegui, leaving them seven clear of the drop zone. Matheus Nunes was outstanding for the home side and created Hwang Hee-chan’s second goal with a surging run into the box. Brentford’s third consecutive defeat was compounded by their worst run of form this season, with two points from five games. They failed to penetrate Wolves’ defence often enough to cause any significant stress until the latter stages, and not even a triple substitution on the hour made any notable difference.
Wolves keeper Jose Sa was fortunate Craig Dawson was on hand to clear when he dropped the ball in a crowded penalty area, preventing what would have been a Brentford equaliser. However, Sa made amends with a decent save from Christian Norgaard’s header as Brentford launched an unsuccessful comeback mission once Wolves had doubled their lead. Ivan Toney was denied his 19th league goal of the season twice in stoppage time, first when Sa turned his angled drive on to the bar, before Wolves skipper Max Kilman tracked the striker’s run into the box and blocked his shot.
Manager Thomas Frank admitted it would be tough for his side to finish in a European spot, saying: “It is so difficult with the resources the top six, and now Newcastle [have], to get into the top seven.” Brighton have done well, Fulham have done well and Aston Villa are in a top position – all clubs bigger than Brentford with more finances. West Ham have also done well under David Moyes, showing how tough it is to keep performing when the difference between teams in the bottom 13 is tiny – one moment can change things around. The top six still need to do it and it is football, so teams like Chelsea are struggling and Liverpool are not at their best – but their level is top four minimum every year – something that Brentford will be striving for in future seasons.