Wolverhampton Wanderers secured their first away league victory in 489 days with a 3-1 win against Preston North End. The match saw a standout performance from Fer Lopez, who scored twice, contributing significantly to the team’s success at Deepdale.
Lopez, a summer acquisition from Celta Vigo, opened his league account with a superb individual effort just eight minutes into the game. He picked up possession in his own half and carried the ball past Preston defender Liam Lindsay before finishing powerfully past goalkeeper Daniel Iversen. This early goal set the tone for Wolves, who had not won away in the league since April 2025, when they defeated Manchester United in the Premier League.
Wolves control the second half
After a challenging first half, Cesar Peixoto’s side demonstrated their quality with two well-worked goals after the break. Despite both teams making changes, it was Wolves who capitalised. Adam Armstrong, emerging from the bench, doubled Wolves’ lead in the 71st minute after a neat one-two with Raul Jimenez created an opening inside the area.
Lopez then sealed his brace, finishing another slick move from the edge of the box with eight minutes remaining. This marked his second goal of the match and further solidified Wolves’ control. Preston’s Jordan Thompson managed to net a consolation goal in injury time with a well-placed strike from outside the area, making the final score 3-1.
Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom acknowledged the quality of the opposition. He told reporters that his team ‘huffed and puffed’ and competed, but Wolves’ quality was ‘undoubted’. He noted that Wolves defended excellently and brought on players with significant depth, which made the game difficult, especially after the second goal.
Wolves head coach Cesar Peixoto expressed his satisfaction with the performance, particularly how his team managed the opponent’s pressure in the second half. He highlighted that the team played with the ball as he desired, attracting the opposition and exploiting spaces. Peixoto was pleased with the three points but also mentioned his desire for a clean sheet, stating he was ‘a little angry’ about conceding a goal.
Peixoto praised his players for their effort and for maintaining their identity and organisation throughout the 90 minutes. He noted that both the starting eleven and the players introduced from the bench contributed positively, improving the team’s performance. He emphasised that while the team secured three points, there is still much to improve, acknowledging the tough nature of the Championship.
Player performances and team depth
Lopez’s performance was particularly notable, especially after he reportedly struggled last season and finished the campaign on loan at his former club. He has quickly found his form this term, having already opened his goal-scoring account in the League Cup earlier this month. His ability to create opportunities and finish powerfully was evident throughout the match.
Other key moments included Raul Jimenez, in his second spell at the club, almost scoring a second goal with a close-range flick that went just wide. At the other end, Marshall Munetsi cleared Callum Lang’s effort off the line during a period of pressure from the hosts. Rodrigo Gomes also came close to extending Wolves’ lead before half-time, but Iversen made a full-stretch save.
Peixoto also highlighted the contributions of players like ‘Jack’ and Nasser, who stepped in for important players such as Mosquera, Trippier, JJ Bellegarde, and Rafiki. He expressed confidence in all his players, not just the starting eleven, noting that those who came off the bench maintained and improved the team’s level. This depth, according to Peixoto, is crucial for navigating the demanding Championship season.
The victory was also a moment of pride for Peixoto, who noted the support of the 5,600 travelling supporters. He stressed the importance of unity among fans, players, and staff, especially in a league as challenging as the Championship. This win brings Wolves’ total to four points from two games, following a draw in their first match.
Source: bbc.com