Nuno Espirito Santo’s return to Molineux yesterday was a successful one, as Spurs continued their 100% start to the season by snatching all three points against Wolves, thanks to a Dele Alli penalty in the first half.
The home side took control of the game in the opening minutes, but when Sergio Reguilon spotted Dele’s terrific run from deep, Wolves keeper Jose Sa attempted to close down the angle but could only swipe the English midfielder’s legs away.
Three players have scored exactly 51 Premier League goals for Spurs:
🇩🇰 Christian Eriksen
🏴 Gareth Bale
🏴 Dele AlliNot a bad trio. pic.twitter.com/eX1ODpgAYu
— William Hill (@WilliamHill) August 22, 2021
Seconds later the resulting penalty was converted by the former MK Dons man, but Spurs were unable to build upon their lead with any real pressure, as Wolves responded brilliantly.
Adama Traore, who has been heavily linked with a move to North London to reunite with his former boss Nuno, caused Japhet Tanganga, Oliver Skipp and Davinson Sanchez problems throughout the first half with his physicality and directness – however his final product consistently lacked.
Dele Alli gets Spurs up and running vs. Wolves from the spot 🎯 pic.twitter.com/aQl1yzGQFl
— B/R Football (@brfootball) August 22, 2021
Skipp, who has established himself as a first team player since returning from his loan spell at Norwich, was the focus of a penalty appeal for the home side, after Traore’s cross evaded every orange shirt, until the English midfielder’s heavy touch almost fell into the path of Francisco Trincao – who was outmuscled by the Spurs youngster.
Spanish forward Traore should have scored the equaliser not long after the start of the second half, after Ruben Neves’ accurate long ball caught out the Spurs backline – but the former Barcelona prospect couldn’t place his shot beyond Hugo Lloris, who made his 300th appearance for the club.
There were multiple chances for the visitors to double their lead, as Steven Bergwijn saw his curling effort saved well by Sa, before opening day hero Heung-min Son saw his efforts blocked.
My favourite moment of the match. What a bit of skill from Steven Bergwijn and it should have ended in the goal it deserved. pic.twitter.com/J3S4XQvdw8
— Alasdair Gold (@AlasdairGold) August 23, 2021
Harry Kane came off the bench to a largely mixed reception from the crowd, but even he didn’t have his shooting boots on as he failed to lift his shot over Sa after an excellent tricky run from Bergwijn who somehow evaded the double-team that marked him before setting up the England captain.
Despite the heavy pressure from Wolves and their supporters, Spurs managed to hold on to a very valuable three points to continue their winning start to the season.