Wolves vs Tottenham: Vítor Pereira’s Rejuvenated Side Ready to Take the Fight to Spurs
As the 2024/25 Premier League season draws toward its conclusion, the stakes continue to rise — particularly for clubs battling to avoid the drop. Among them, Wolverhampton Wanderers stand out as a team on the brink of resurgence. Their transformation in recent weeks under the stewardship of new head coach Vítor Pereira has injected fresh hope, belief, and purpose into a side that had been teetering dangerously close to the relegation zone all season.
Now, on matchday 32, Wolves prepare to host Tottenham Hotspur at Molineux — a fixture that promises not only drama but also significance in both the relegation fight and the wider context of Pereira’s burgeoning tenure. It’s a rematch of the pulsating 2-2 draw played out at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium earlier this season, a game that marked the first real indication that Pereira’s Wolves could go toe-to-toe with Premier League heavyweights.
This weekend, with home advantage and the momentum of an unbeaten run behind them, Wolves will be looking to claim all three points and all but secure their top-flight status for another season.
The Vítor Pereira Effect: A Turning Point at Molineux
Wolves’ decision to part ways with Gary O’Neil in December raised a few eyebrows, particularly given the turbulent nature of the season and the club’s precarious position in the table. However, the appointment of Vítor Pereira, a seasoned tactician with experience in top leagues across Europe and Asia, now looks like a masterstroke.
In just a handful of matches, Pereira has instilled structure and confidence into the squad. The immediate results have been impressive — unbeaten in his first three games, including a highly credible away draw at Spurs, a controlled 1-0 win over Crystal Palace, and a resolute 1-1 performance against Fulham. These matches weren’t just about results — they were about performances, character, and cohesion.
Where once there was disarray, there is now direction. Players look revitalized, key individuals are stepping up, and the tactical identity of the team is becoming increasingly clear. Wolves are harder to break down, more compact defensively, and more intelligent in transition. Pereira’s experience and calmness are translating into a team that no longer looks like relegation fodder but instead, a unit capable of outmaneuvering even the league’s elite.
Postecoglou Aware of the Challenge
Tottenham, meanwhile, have endured an erratic season under Ange Postecoglou. The former Celtic manager began the campaign brightly, bringing an attacking, high-octane style to North London that immediately won plaudits. But as injuries, inconsistency, and defensive lapses crept in, Spurs have found themselves drifting away from the title race and clinging to European hopes.
Despite the drop-off, Postecoglou remains one of the most respected figures in the league — and he was quick to show respect for Pereira in his pre-match media duties. The Australian spoke candidly about their shared history, having previously managed in the same leagues in Asia. Postecoglou acknowledged the transformation at Wolves and offered high praise for the Portuguese boss.
“I’ve known Vítor for a while — we crossed paths in Asia, and I’ve always had a lot of respect for him. He’s a good manager and a good guy,” Postecoglou stated. “He’s stabilised them really well. When he came in, they were struggling, but I’ve always believed they had good players — individually they’ve got real quality — so we’re preparing for a tough game.”
That mutual respect underlines just how seriously Spurs are taking this trip to Molineux. Despite sitting higher in the table, Tottenham are not underestimating Wolves’ potential to cause an upset — especially given the timing and the stakes.
Pereira’s Warning: “The Job is Not Done”
For Pereira, the message remains crystal clear: Wolves are not safe yet. While recent results have lifted them marginally above the drop zone, the threat of relegation still looms. And the former Porto and Fenerbahçe boss is determined not to let complacency creep in.
“We cannot relax,” he stressed in his press conference. “We are still in the fight. The team is improving, but we have not finished our mission.”
He also offered his own assessment of Tottenham, noting that Postecoglou’s side, despite recent wobbles, still carry a significant threat. “They are a hungry team. I watched their last game — they’re still fighting, still pressing, still full of intent. We must match that intensity and bring our own level up even higher.”
There’s a sense of steely focus about Pereira — a clear-eyed understanding that the final stretch of the season will demand more than just tactical precision. It will take desire, grit, and consistency — all traits that Wolves have started to rediscover under his leadership.
Players to Watch: Wolves’ Hidden Gems
Part of Wolves’ improved form can be credited to the resurgence of individual players under Pereira’s guidance. Midfield anchor João Gomes has added steel and composure in the center of the park, while Matheus Cunha has rediscovered his spark in attack. Defender Max Kilman has looked more assured, and young winger Pedro Neto has been a creative outlet whenever fit.
There’s also the leadership of veterans like José Sá and Mario Lemina, who’ve helped guide younger players through the tense moments.
What’s more, the tactical balance between defensive organisation and counter-attacking threat has brought out the best in Wolves’ squad depth — something Tottenham will have to be wary of, particularly with Molineux proving a difficult venue for visiting sides this season.
What’s at Stake
For Wolves, a win would take them significantly closer to survival — potentially lifting them up to 15th depending on other results. More importantly, it would signal the beginning of a new chapter under Pereira, one that could continue into next season with optimism and stability.
For Tottenham, it’s about pride and European qualification. A poor result here would all but end any realistic hopes of a Champions League spot and could heap more pressure on Postecoglou as the season winds down.
Prediction and Outlook
Everything suggests this will be a closely fought battle. Wolves, buoyed by their form and Molineux support, are unlikely to sit back. Pereira will want his players to impose themselves, especially given Tottenham’s recent defensive vulnerabilities. But Spurs still have firepower — and if players like Son Heung-min and James Maddison find space, Wolves could be punished.
Still, with Wolves growing in confidence and Spurs struggling for consistency, there’s a strong argument to be made that this is the perfect time for the Old Gold to strike.
Prediction: Wolves 2-1 Tottenham
A high-intensity contest with both teams having plenty to fight for — but Wolves might just want it that bit more.
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