Wolves have advanced to the FA Cup fourth round after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Championship side Bristol City at Ashton Gate. Although the scoreline suggests a close contest, Wolves were in control for much of the game and could have won by a more comfortable margin had they been more clinical in front of goal.
Manager Vítor Pereira’s side started the game brightly, asserting their dominance in the first half with confident attacking play. Rodrigo Gomes was particularly impressive, showcasing his technical ability and creative spark. It was no surprise when Wolves opened the scoring through Rayan Aït-Nouri, who finished well after being set up by Gomes. Not long after, Gomes himself got on the scoresheet, doubling Wolves’ lead and putting the visitors in a commanding position.
However, just before halftime, Wolves conceded a cheap free-kick in a dangerous area. Bristol City’s Scott Twine stepped up and delivered a superb strike that left Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone with no chance. The goal shifted the momentum slightly, and the home side entered the break with renewed belief.
The second half was more challenging for Wolves, as the early dominance gave way to a less controlled performance. Pereira’s side appeared to step off the gas, and although they continued to create chances, their finishing let them down. Bristol City, meanwhile, gained confidence and looked to press for an equalizer, but Wolves’ defense managed to withstand the pressure.
A key storyline from the game was the debut of Wolves’ new signing, Emmanuel Agbadou. The 27-year-old Ivorian, who joined the club just days before the match, was thrust into action on the left side of Wolves’ back three, filling the role typically occupied by Toti Gomes. Despite playing in a position that is not entirely familiar to him, Agbadou delivered a quietly impressive performance. He displayed calmness on the ball, solid defensive instincts, and a willingness to adapt to the pace and physicality of English football.
Speaking after the match, Vítor Pereira offered a positive assessment of Agbadou’s debut, while also highlighting the challenges of adjusting to the speed and intensity of the game in England. “I think he was consistent,” Pereira said. “To play on the left side without a left foot is not easy, but he can play there, and he played well. I think he realized today that the game never stops here. Fast free kicks, fast throw-ins, fast when the goalkeeper starts to play – the ball doesn’t stop. It never, never stops.
“I think he realized today the speed of the game. The game is every time fast. We need a team to be more comfortable with the ball so that the pace is our pace, not the pace the opponent team wants. Because this is a game without control. In my opinion, that’s what happened a bit in the second half.”
While Agbadou did misplace a few passes and had moments where he was caught off guard by the tempo, his overall performance suggests he has the qualities to be a significant asset for Wolves. His defensive solidity and composure on the ball were evident, and with time to adjust to the Premier League, he has the potential to become a regular starter in Pereira’s system.
This debut offers a glimpse of Agbadou’s potential to strengthen Wolves’ backline and help the team achieve more defensive consistency. As he gets up to speed with the demands of English football, Wolves fans can look forward to seeing more assured performances from their new signing. For now, Pereira will be pleased with his team’s progress in the FA Cup, and Agbadou’s debut adds an extra layer of optimism as Wolves look to build momentum in the second half of the season.