Wolves 2-0 Southampton: O'Neil Earns First Win, Ends Saints' Winless Run
Wolves secured their first Premier League win of the season, defeating Southampton 2-0 at Molineux on Saturday. The victory, which came courtesy of goals from Matheus Cunha and Hwang Hee-chan, also marked a crucial first win for new manager Gary O'Neil.
The game was a tense affair, with both sides looking for their first win of the campaign. Wolves had started the season with a 1-1 draw against Manchester United, while Southampton had suffered back-to-back defeats against Sheffield United and Manchester City.
However, it was Wolves who emerged victorious thanks to a strong second-half performance. Cunha opened the scoring in the 51st minute, finishing off a fine move with a well-taken volley.
The second goal came in the 69th minute, with Hwang Hee-chan converting a penalty after a foul on Matheus Cunha. Southampton struggled to create any real chances throughout the game and were ultimately outplayed by a Wolves side that looked determined to secure their first victory.
O'Neil's First Win Brings Hope for Wolves
The win was a significant moment for Gary O'Neil, who was appointed as Wolves manager earlier this month. The former Bournemouth manager had taken charge of his first game just a week ago, with the team drawing 1-1 against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
"It's great to get the first win of the season," said O'Neil after the game. "We've worked really hard this week and the players have been fantastic. We've got a lot of new players in the squad and it's important that we start to build a good team spirit. I think we're starting to see that now."
Southampton's Woes Continue
For Southampton, the loss was their third in a row, and they are now bottom of the Premier League table. The Saints have struggled since the departure of manager Russell Martin, who left the club to join Swansea City earlier this month.
New manager Russell Martin has a tough task ahead of him if he wants to turn around Southampton's fortunes. The Saints have looked out of sorts in their opening three games, and they will need to improve significantly if they want to avoid another relegation battle.
What's Next?
Wolves will be looking to build on their win when they travel to face Nottingham Forest next week. Meanwhile, Southampton will be hoping to bounce back against Sheffield United at home.
The game was a significant moment for both teams. For Wolves, it was a much-needed win that will give them confidence going forward. For Southampton, it was another disappointing result that highlights their current struggles.
Overall, it was a deserved win for Wolves, who were the better team on the day. The victory will hopefully provide a platform for O'Neil's team to build on in the coming weeks.