Pablo Sarabia’s goal after 108 seconds is Wolves’ fastest ever in the Premier League as they picked up their first win of the season against Southampton.
Gary O’Neil can breathe a sigh of relief to ease the pressure on himself as the Midlands outfit leapfrogged ahead of the Saints in the bottom three.
Sarabia broke the deadlock at Molineux in the second minute against Southampton[/caption]
It may have taken Wolves 11 matches to finally pick up three points, but they did so in style leaving Ipswich as the only top-flight team yet to win a game.
They broke the deadlock in the second minute, with Matheus Cunha driving into the Saints half, before slicing open their defence with an inch-perfect pass.
Sarabia ran on to his through ball, where he rounded Aaron Ramsdale before poking home into an empty net to score Wolves’ quickest Premier League goal.
Wolves, who have had plenty of decisions go against them this season, then had a huge decision go his way.
Russell Martin’s side, who now sit bottom of the table, thought hey had equalised in the 12th minute through Ryan Manning.
But VAR intervened, resulting in the goal being disallowed after it was deemed Nelson Semedo had been fouled by Mateus Fernandes in the build-up.
It was a decision that left ex-Premier League whistleblower Mike Dean fuming, insisting it was ‘very harsh’ on the visitors.
Ultimately, it proved to be a crucial decision, with Wolves doubling their lead in the 51st minute through Cunha.
The Brazilian brought up his fifth top-flight goal of the campaign in fine fashion having found the back of the net from distance.
Aaron Ramsdale could do nothing about the strike as it nestled into the top left corner, but he was left raging with his teammates for giving Cunha too much time on the ball.
Wolves never looked in danger of throwing away the game, with O’Neil finally getting the result he has desperately craved.
Despite a tough start the season with Wolves facing Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City, O’Neil was still under pressure to secure a win.
The English manager had a lot of credit in the bank following last season’s 14th place finish, but the board were keeping a close on recent results.
But fans can finally celebrate a victory, where they have moved to 18th in the table – a point away from safety.
Meanwhile Martin remains under pressure following a defeat in the match dubbed as ‘El Sackico’ heading into the encounter.
Sitting in 20th with just four points, it is believed that Martin retains the support of sporting director Rasmus Ankersen.
But Serbian billionaire owner Dragan Solak has grown impatient with results.
And Southampton know they will be in store for tough games with Liverpool, Brighton and Chelsea following the November international break.
