Fer López capitalised on a costly defensive error to secure Wolverhampton Wanderers a long-awaited Black Country derby victory. The 1-0 win over West Bromwich Albion at Molineux was their first at home in this fixture for 14 years, lifting spirits after a run of two consecutive defeats.
The decisive moment arrived five minutes into the second half. West Brom defender Nat Phillips played a loose pass straight to López, who calmly slotted past goalkeeper Max O'Leary for his fifth goal of the campaign. The striker, who is now Wolves' top scorer with three goals in six appearances this term, gave his side a lead they would not relinquish.
First-half pressure
Wolves had created the better chances before the break, with Mateus Mane particularly lively. O'Leary was forced into three saves during the first period to keep the scores level. Head coach Cesar Peixoto, in his first season at the club, saw his side rewarded for their persistence after the interval.
The return of Kieran Trippier at right-back after a knee injury provided stability, while captain Toti Gomes marshalled the defence in front of goalkeeper Jose Sa. Wolves maintained pressure after the goal, with Peixoto later substituting both goalscorer López and the influential Mane to manage the game.
There was a late scare in stoppage time when Gomes collided with Sa, but the captain was able to continue. West Brom pushed for a late equaliser but could not find a way through, with the final whistle confirming a precious three points for the home side. The win moves Wolves on from a recent run of form that had seen them lose two and draw one of their last five Championship matches.
Attention now turns to the next challenge, an away trip to face Middlesbrough on 10 October. Fans can check the full schedule on the club's fixtures page. The victory also provides a timely boost with several players, including Rafiki Saïd and Raúl Jiménez, currently sidelined through injury.
Background and full detail: Sky Sports Football
