Nuno Espirito Santo: Win at Middlesbrough a defining moment in Wolves’ season - 7M sport

Nuno Espirito Santo: Win at Middlesbrough a defining moment in Wolves’ season



Posted Saturday, March 31, 2018 by PA

Nuno Espirito Santo: Win at Middlesbrough a defining moment in Wolves’ season

Nuno Espirito Santo claims Wolves’ remarkable 2-1 win at Middlesbrough will be remembered as one of the defining moments of the season if they go on to win promotion to the Premier League.

Wolves opened up a 13-point gap to third-placed Fulham as they triumphed at the Riverside despite finishing with nine men following the second-half dismissals of Ruben Neves and Matt Doherty.

First-half goals from Helder Costa and Ivan Cavaleiro enabled them to claim their first win at Middlesbrough since 1951, but it was their spirited rearguard action as the hosts tried to mount a late revival that was most impressive.

Wolves’ eight remaining outfield players threw themselves into a series of tackles and blocks, and the euphoric reaction of the visiting bench at the final whistle underlined just how much the final result meant.

Santo said: “We have had some particular moments during the season that have defined the work of the team, and this is one of them. We have been through difficult situations before, and have been able to take points in tough moments.

“We have been doing that since the beginning of the work we have been doing. The character of the players was important here, along with the shape, the discipline and the organisation. They are the pillars that have sustained us and allowed us to grow as a team.

“I celebrated with my fans because it is massive for us. Wolves had not won here for such a long time, so it means a lot for us to come here, to such a difficult stadium and team, and win the game. It means a lot to us.”

Santo admitted his players lost their composure in a game that saw referee Stuart Attwell issue eight yellow cards and two reds, but claimed things turned after Costa was adjudged to have dived when he went down under a challenge from George Friend.

He said: “The match was not crazy, but there was a moment that turned the match crazy. We were totally in control, until the moment where there was a bad decision with Helder. I think it was clear.

“That caused a crazy game because it was difficult to control your emotions when you see that a bad decision can cost you. I was speaking with the players, and when it is that clear, it is difficult to stay calm and in control.

“If I am honest, then from that moment on, I think the referee was not able to control both teams. Both teams lost control. Everybody in the stadium lost control.”

Middlesbrough remain in the final play-off position on goal difference ahead of their Easter Monday trip to Burton.

While Tony Pulis was happy with the way in which his players retained their composure, he was disappointed they lacked the clinical edge required to exploit their numerical advantage.

Pulis said: “When they got the player sent off, we needed to score a goal early because the momentum then would have carried us through.

“But the opportunities and chances didn’t really come, partly through a bit of good fortune on their part and partly because of a bit of poor quality from us at times. It just wasn’t enough.

“It was a difficult game for the referee for all sorts of reasons, not just the challenges. Stuart has done what he’s seen, he’s a top referee, and he’s managed it and run it the way he’s seen it.

“With nine men, you can still put people behind the ball and make it difficult. We just needed that little bit of quality. We needed someone just to do something a little bit special.

“Patrick (Bamford) had a great chance, from a great ball through, but he fell over the pass. If he had taken that forward and finished, then it would have given us more time. We wanted that goal to come earlier.”

Tag:


Attention: Third parties may advertise their products and/or services on our website.7M does not warrant the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of their contents.
Your dealings with such third parties are solely between you and such third parties and we shall not be liable in any way for any loss or damage of any sort incurred by you.