Liam Keen comment: Substitution impact and a dynamic duo lead Wolves to victory

Wolves had an opportunity in front of them at the weekend and they grabbed it with both hands.

Pablo Sarabia of Wolverhampton Wanderers celebrates scoring his team's first goal (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)placeholder image
Pablo Sarabia of Wolverhampton Wanderers celebrates scoring his team's first goal (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Vitor Pereira's side showed impressive composure and character to come back from 1-0 down and deservedly win 2-1 - essentially bringing an end to the relegation battle.

The head coach has plenty to be pleased about and also a big decision to make this weekend.

Substitution impact

Some fans honestly admitted they were concerned when Pablo Sarabia was the first substitute called upon by Pereira, with Wolves trailing 1-0.

That is understandable, too. The Spaniard has had good moments in a gold and black shirt but they have been fleeting and he struggles with the physicality of the Premier League.

But as Ipswich sat deeper, Wolves dominated possession and spaces out wide opened up, it became the perfect game for Sarabia.

The 32-year-old has excellent technical ability and has the potential to impact a game. Without him, Wolves do not beat Ipswich.

He was slightly fortunate with his equaliser after a failed pass to Rodrigo Gomes popped back into his path, but the left-footed finish was graceful.

Rodrigo Gomes (Photo by Wolverhampton Wanderers FC/Wolves via Getty Images)placeholder image
Rodrigo Gomes (Photo by Wolverhampton Wanderers FC/Wolves via Getty Images)

The winning moment then came with Sarabia's first-time volleyed cross for Jorgen Strand Larsen, which sent the away end into raptures.

Sarabia may have his shortcomings, but not many players in the Wolves squad have the skill to pull that off.

R.Gomes also returned from a spell on the sidelines and did well.

Playing as a wing-back, he offers a lot of positive energy going forward but also has defensive instincts to get back into position. He could have a big season next year.

Dynamic duo

It is remarkable to consider Wolves have three Brazilian internationals in their squad and while one has sat out suspended for the last four games, the other two have shone.

Wolves have earned 10 points from a possible 12 in that time, with three consecutive wins, and Joao Gomes and Andre have been key to it.

J.Gomes is given more freedom in this system and, with Andre covering behind him, has a licence to get forward. He is allowed to go and play and it suits him perfectly.

Andre (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)placeholder image
Andre (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Wolves' game management in the latter stages of the match at Portman Road, while winning 2-1, was mature and J.Gomes had a big role in that. 

He was intelligent at how he retained possession, won fouls and got Wolves up the pitch. He has a new lease of life since signing his new contract.

Andre has also been excellent and has been displaying a nasty streak of late - something Wolves have needed. He is flying into tackles, getting in the opposition's face and pressing aggressively.

But he is also finding the right balance without going over the line. The pair of them have been outstanding.

Cunha headache

Wolves are in superb form going into this weekend's clash with Spurs at Molineux and Matheus Cunha will now be available for selection again.

Considering how talented he is, bringing him straight into the team and making the first change to a starting XI in five games would make sense.

However, a winning team warrants another opportunity and Cunha has not done enough to earn his.

The problem Pereira has is that he is dealing with an unreasonable player that could easily kick up a fuss.

The head coach will have to decide which decision will have the least impact on the dressing room - changing a winning team or sticking Cunha on the bench - and Pereira admits it will be a 'headache' for him.

Matheus Cunha (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)placeholder image
Matheus Cunha (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

"I've said since the beginning, Matheus makes part of our team and he adds quality, but he's not the team of Wolverhampton," Pereira said.

"We have very good players and we are proving we have the true spirit of a team, playing as a team.

"With Cunha we can increase our level, but keeping this team spirit.

"In football, I don't believe you can build a strong team around a player.

"For sure, he's happy with our result and he's working to come back stronger and help the team.

"He has a lot of quality, he can help of course.

"I prefer to have this headache."

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