Adam Armstrong's goal just before half-time was enough to give Wolverhampton Wanderers a 1-0 victory over Watford at Molineux on Saturday 24 October. The win ends a recent spell of home frustration and pushes the side up the Championship table ahead of next week's local clash with Cardiff.
Armstrong struck in the 35th minute, finishing a move that broke down a stubborn Watford defence. The visitors, set up in a defensive 5-3-2 formation by manager Alessio Dionisi, offered little in response, failing to register a single shot on target throughout the 90 minutes.
Dominant display
The statistics told the story of Wolves' control. César Peixoto's side enjoyed 63% possession and peppered the Watford goal with 24 attempts, though only three forced saves from goalkeeper Federico Ravaglia. The home side also won 14 corners to Watford's two, underlining their territorial dominance.
The match was not without its flashpoints. Kieran Trippier and Watford's Iker Bravo were both booked for dissent just before the break, and the second half saw five more yellow cards as the contest grew scrappy. Hugo Bueno and goalkeeper José Sá were both cautioned late on for the hosts.
Peixoto made several changes in the second period, introducing Mateus Mane for Rafiki Said Ahamada on the hour mark. Thomas Doyle and Tawanda Chirewa replaced Jordan James and the goalscorer Armstrong later on, as Wolves managed the game to its conclusion.
Looking ahead
The three points are a welcome boost after a mixed run of form. Before this win, Wolves' recent results read LDWWL, with two wins, one draw and two defeats from their last five outings. This sequence included a 1-1 draw with Portsmouth on 20 October, where Jordan James scored their goal, and a 2-1 win at Burnley on 16 October, but also a 1-3 home loss to Bolton on 13 October and a 1-0 defeat at Middlesbrough on 10 October. They now turn their attention to a significant fixture next Saturday, when they host Cardiff City at Molineux on 31 October.
Top scorer Fer López, who has five goals in 11 appearances this season, was not on the scoresheet but played a part in a dominant team performance. The victory provides a solid platform as the team prepares for the intensity of a derby match in seven days' time.
