Wolves received a boost in their quest for European football next season by defeating Fulham, propelling them to eighth place in the Premier League standings.
Rayan Ait-Nouri broke the deadlock early in the second half, capitalizing on Toti Gomes’ assist after Fulham failed to properly clear a deep free-kick.
The second goal had an element of luck as Nelson Semedo’s shot deflected significantly off Tom Cairney, leaving Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno unable to intervene.
Alex Iwobi managed to pull one back with a clever improvised finish deep into stoppage time, but Wolves held on as there was little time left for the game to resume.
Despite losing Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Pedro Neto to injuries in the first half, Gary O’Neil’s side showcased an impressive performance.
In contrast, Fulham regretted missed chances, particularly in the first half, with Harry Wilson squandering a one-on-one opportunity and Tosin Adarabioyo hitting the crossbar from close range.
Wolves emerged as a different team after halftime, applying aggressive pressure with a high press led by the influential Mario Lemina.
Although they managed to maintain their lead and silence the visitors for the most part, goalkeeper Jose Sa had to make crucial saves, denying Joao Palhinha and stopping Rodrigo Muniz’s follow-up effort with assistance from Max Kilman’s goal-line clearance.
Former Wolves player Adama Traore also tested Sa with a powerful shot as Fulham’s poor record at Molineux persisted.
Iwobi’s goal marked Fulham’s first in five visits to the stadium, and their last victory at Wolves dates back to March 1985, extending their winless streak to 18 games in league and cup competitions.
Injuries stacking up but Wolves fight on
Already missing forwards Hwang Hee-chan and Matheus Cunha, along with center-back Craig Dawson sidelined due to a groin issue, Wolves faced further setbacks they could ill afford.
Losing Bellegarde within the opening 10 minutes dealt a significant blow, and the departure of star player Neto, who pulled up while sprinting towards the byline just before halftime, compounded their troubles.
Fulham had dominated much of the first half, and with Neto sidelined, Wolves appeared to lose their primary attacking threat.
However, the hosts emerged with renewed determination in the second half, culminating in Ait-Nouri’s goal.
With confidence restored, Joao Gomes exhibited exceptional skill to set up Semedo with a back flick for the second goal, which was ultimately credited as a Cairney own goal.
“Today was just hard work and grit, togetherness,” O’Neil told BBC Match of the Day.
“We’ve had so many things go against us recently with injuries in the top half of the pitch. To lose two attackers again today, we just needed to find a way.
“The players were flat out at the end of it. An incredible effort from a group that just keep going.”
There was the odd scare as Fulham pushed to get back into the game but Wolves largely defended solidly as they claimed a victory that was fully deserved on the back of their second-half showing.
O’Neil and his side have an FA Cup quarter-final at home to Coventry next weekend and will be hoping their injury issues have cleared up before they are next in league action, against Aston Villa on 30 March.
“European football from where we were at the start of the season, and the injuries we’ve had, would be the most ridiculous achievement,” O’Neil added.
“Lets see what we can do and keep surprising people.”
Missed opportunity for Fulham
Following consecutive Premier League victories over Manchester United and Brighton, Fulham had a golden opportunity to secure a third consecutive win for the first time this season.
They appeared to be in excellent form during the first 45 minutes, limiting Wolves to just one shot while generating several promising opportunities themselves.
However, a lackluster start to the second half completely shifted the momentum of the game.
Wolves swiftly regained possession in the Fulham half on multiple occasions within the first five minutes, ultimately leading to the opening goal.
Despite falling behind 2-0, the visitors responded positively, and had they scored earlier, they might have salvaged something from the match.
However, their failure to convert clear-cut chances proved costly – despite creating four promising opportunities, they only managed to score once, and by then, it was too late.
“Some great saves from Jose Sa, but with the chances we had, you expect the ball to be in the net,” Marco Silva told BBC Match of the Day.
“We have to be clinical and ruthless at this level, we weren’t and we were punished by those mistakes.”
While many others are in cup action next weekend, Fulham can look to make progress in the league against Tottenham at Craven Cottage.
