Peixoto’s Winning Start at Molineux
Wolverhampton Wanderers began their Carabao Cup campaign with a 3-0 victory over League Two side Port Vale, marking a successful debut for new boss Cesar Peixoto. The match saw Wolves comfortably progress to the second round of the competition.
The home side established a commanding lead in the first half with goals from Adam Armstrong, Andre, and Fer Lopez. Despite Port Vale creating some opportunities, including a missed second-half penalty, Wolves maintained control throughout the encounter at Molineux.
Peixoto expressed satisfaction with the win, noting its importance for team confidence. He acknowledged that there are still areas for improvement but emphasised the desire to maintain a high standard as the season begins. The manager also mentioned the need for new players to enhance the squad’s level, indicating that the transfer market has been affected by the World Cup.
First-Half Dominance Secures Lead
The opening goal arrived in the 14th minute when Mateus Mane’s cross deflected to Adam Armstrong, who converted the opportunity. Armstrong, a former Blackburn Rovers, Southampton, and West Bromwich Albion striker, nearly added a second goal shortly after, hitting the post.
Port Vale had several chances to equalise, with Jordan Gabriel missing a notable opportunity. However, Wolves extended their lead in the 34th minute through a well-executed set-piece. Yerson Mosquera nodded the ball on for Andre to score his second goal for the club. The lead was further cemented just before half-time, making it 3-0, when Rodrigo Gomes assisted Fer Lopez for his first goal with Wolves.
The first 45 minutes were particularly strong for Wolves, with Dan Bentley making an early save to deny George Hall. Andre’s goal, following Mosquera’s assist, came from close range. Lopez’s goal, described as the best of the three, saw him receive a diagonal pass from Andre, control it, and roll it into the bottom corner.
Second Half and Squad Changes
The second half saw Wolves manage their lead, though Mosquera could not keep a header from a Kieran Trippier cross on target. A key moment in the second period occurred in the 54th minute when Mosquera conceded a penalty for a foul on Mo Faal. However, Faal’s penalty was saved by Wolves goalkeeper Daniel Bentley, preserving the clean sheet.
The match also featured the return of Raul Jimenez, who made an appearance from the bench after the break following his summer return from Fulham. Jimenez nearly scored late in the game after receiving a pass from Hugo Bueno, but his shot was parried by Jackson Smith.
Port Vale manager Jon Brady acknowledged his team’s missed chances, stating that they had three significant opportunities before Wolves scored. Despite the result, Brady expressed satisfaction with some aspects of his team’s play, particularly their bravery and the creation of more chances in the second half against a team he described as two levels above them.
Kieran Trippier, a former England right-back and one of Wolves’ summer signings, started the match. The squad also saw substitutions including Krejci for Mosquera, Djiga for Toti, Doyle for Munetsi, Tchatchoua for Gomes, and Jimenez for Mane. Port Vale also made changes, bringing on Hernandez, John, Croasdale, Lynch, and Waine.
Wolves will now prepare for their Championship campaign, with their next fixture at Molineux against Tony Mowbray’s Blackburn Rovers. Port Vale will begin their League Two season on the road at Oldham.
Source: bbc.co.uk