Raul Jimenez delivered a dramatic late winner for Wolverhampton Wanderers, securing a 1-0 victory over Sheffield United at Bramall Lane. The striker's 90th-minute goal clinched three vital points on the road and extended Wolves' recent form to two wins from their last three matches.
Late drama at Bramall Lane
With the game seemingly destined for a goalless draw, Tommy Doyle found space on the right and delivered a low cross into the box. Jimenez met it with a first-time finish, beating goalkeeper Michael Cooper to spark wild celebrations among the travelling supporters. The assist was Doyle's first of the campaign, while the goal marked Jimenez's third of the season, making him the team's joint-top scorer.
Sheffield United had a major let-off early in the second half when a Mateus Mane flick towards goal appeared to strike the arm of defender Mark McGuinness inside the penalty area. Referee Rob Jones waved away strong appeals, awarding only a corner. Pundit Gary Rowett said, "His arm comes out, it hits him on the end of the arm. I think Sheffield United have probably got away with one there."
A game of few clear chances
Wolves created the better opportunities throughout a tight contest. Marshall Munetsi was their most persistent threat, forcing a smart save from Cooper in the first half after a Rodrigo Gomes cross. Hugo Bueno also came close, firing just wide of the post from the edge of the box after 55 minutes.
The home side, who had scored and conceded in 14 of their previous 15 league games at Bramall Lane, struggled to create. They managed just two touches in the Wolves box before the break and registered a meagre 0.06 expected goals in the first half. Jordan Ayew, making his debut for the Blades, flashed a shot across the face of goal in the second period but it drifted narrowly past the far post.
Handling a depleted squad
Manager Cesar Peixoto handled the game without several key players, including the injured quartet of Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, Kieran Trippier, Rafiki Saïd and Yerson Mosquera. The win moves Wolves up the Championship standings and provides a positive platform ahead of their next fixture.
The result continues an inconsistent but promising start to the season for Wolves, whose recent form reads two wins, one draw and two losses from their last five outings. Their next challenge is a home match against Preston North End on Saturday, 19 September.
