Wolves Closing in on Premier League Safety as Rayan Aït-Nouri Delivers a Masterclass Against Spurs
After a turbulent start to the 2024/25 Premier League season, Wolverhampton Wanderers have found their groove — and just in time. A recent 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at Molineux not only marked Wolves’ fourth consecutive victory but also symbolized their growing belief and momentum as they edge closer to securing their top-flight status for another year.
It’s a run that hasn’t been seen in over five decades — the first time in more than 50 years that Wolves have collected 12 points from a possible 12 in England’s top division. For a side that many pundits had written off earlier in the campaign, this recent surge is a testament to the unity, fight, and evolution that Gary O’Neil has inspired in the squad.
And while the win was the product of a disciplined and collectively strong team performance, there was one figure who stood head and shoulders above the rest: Rayan Aït-Nouri.
Aït-Nouri’s Statement Performance
The 23-year-old Algerian wing-back put in a sensational display against Spurs — arguably the finest of his Wolves career so far. Right from the outset, Aït-Nouri was dialed in. Within the opening two minutes, he finished off a slick team move to put Wolves in front, striking with the kind of composure you’d expect from a seasoned forward, not a defender. That early goal sent a clear message — Wolves weren’t just there to compete, they were there to dominate.
But it wasn’t just the goal that caught the eye. Aït-Nouri continued to bomb down the left-hand side all afternoon, constantly stretching the Tottenham defence, combining well with midfielders and forwards, and showing intelligent positioning both with and without the ball. His pace, touch, and awareness made him a nightmare for Spurs’ right side to deal with.
In the 64th minute, he capped his performance with a well-timed assist, threading a precise pass into the path of Jørgen Strand Larsen, who calmly slotted home Wolves’ second. That contribution was just the icing on the cake of a complete performance — one that was full of both flair and end product.
Praise from the Pundits
Troy Deeney, in his weekly BBC Sport Team of the Week column, was effusive in his praise of Aït-Nouri, even going so far as to name him player of the weekend.
“I thought he was the player of the weekend. In the week that Wolves – not mathematically, but fundamentally – are staying up, they could have taken their foot off the gas and relaxed. He went better, Wolves got better. A goal and an assist. He was excellent marauding down that left-hand side and caused Spurs no end of trouble.”
This wasn’t just a flash in the pan either. Aït-Nouri has been improving steadily over the course of the season, building confidence, sharpening his decision-making, and finding the right balance between defence and attack. Against Spurs, all of those elements came together in a 90-minute showcase of what he’s truly capable of.
The Bigger Picture: Wolves’ Resilience and Revival
The win over Tottenham is significant not just for its historical context but for what it represents in terms of Wolves’ mentality. At a point in the season when some mid-table teams begin to taper off or lose focus, Wolves have found another gear. Gary O’Neil’s tactics have clicked, the players are responding with intensity and clarity, and belief is flowing throughout the squad.
The fear of relegation that loomed over the early part of the season now looks distant. Wolves have tightened up defensively, found more rhythm in attack, and are seeing key players — like Aït-Nouri — rise to the occasion.
What Comes Next: Summer Decisions and Depth Battles
Looking ahead, Wolves will need to navigate some big decisions in the summer. There remains a strong possibility that Matheus Cunha could be lured away by a club playing in European competition. If that happens, Wolves will need to retain and possibly build around players like Aït-Nouri, who is now showing that he can be a core piece of the squad.
One intriguing subplot is the return of Hugo Bueno from his loan spell at Feyenoord. The Spanish wing-back is a talent in his own right, and his reintroduction will increase competition in the left-back/left wing-back slot. But rather than seeing that as a threat, Aït-Nouri appears poised to embrace the challenge. If he continues to deliver performances like the one against Spurs, he will be very hard to displace.
There’s also the possibility that clubs across Europe will start circling Aït-Nouri. His attacking flair, versatility, and improving consistency make him an appealing prospect — especially for sides looking for modern wing-backs who can influence games in the final third. However, Wolves fans will be hoping that the club resists any offers and keeps the Algerian star at Molineux for years to come.
Conclusion: Aït-Nouri Leading the Charge into a New Era?
This past weekend wasn’t just another win — it was a declaration of intent. Wolves are not content with mere survival. They want to finish the season strong and carry momentum into next year, where they can realistically aim for a top-half finish and perhaps even a return to cup competition glory.
At the heart of this resurgence is Rayan Aït-Nouri. Still only 23, he’s growing into a leader on the pitch and proving that he can make a difference against top-tier opposition. His maturity, drive, and talent were on full display against Tottenham — and if he continues this trajectory, Wolves might not just have a star in the making, but one of the Premier League’s best attacking wing-backs.
For now, Wolves fans can sit back and enjoy the ride — and the rise of Rayan Aït-Nouri.
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