Wolves claim first league win after Podence strikes against Southampton

Daniel Podence scored the only goal as Wolves beat Southampton at Molineux for their first Premier League victory of the season.

The Portugal winger scuffed his finish in first-half stoppage time but it was enough to lift Bruno Lage’s side out of the bottom three. Southampton had a second-half effort through Che Adams ruled out for handball and the striker hit the crossbar with another header. But Ralph Hasenhüttl’s side were unable to follow up their midweek home win against Chelsea and slipped to their third league defeat of the season.

The game simmered for brief periods but never threatened to reach boiling point, with Wolves still struggling for fluidity after their slow start. Saints midfielder Mohammed Salisu diverted Podence’s early cross for a corner and Rayan Aït-Nouri’s shot was saved at the near post by Southampton goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu.

Pedro Neto should have given Wolves a 13th-minute lead when he dragged a low shot wide after being played in by Matheus Nunes on the right edge of the penalty area. Wolves captain Rúben Neves then denied Southampton the opening goal as he blocked Joe Aribo’s shot following Adams’ ball in from the right.

Southampton threatened again but the unmarked Armel Bella-Kotchap headed James Ward-Prowse’s corner tamely wide. Wolves were in need of inspiration as an unremarkable first half was drawing to a close and club record signing Nunes provided it.

The former Sporting winger’s raking right-wing cross picked out Podence and his mis-hit low finish bobbled over the line to give Wolves fans something to cheer. Their latest signing, Sasa Kalajdzic, was replaced at half-time by Gonçalo Guedes after making a quiet debut before Wolves were forced to dig in to protect their narrow lead.

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