Wolverhampton Wanderers

Wolves are among several Premier League clubs interested in Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott, 22. (Talksport, external)

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Dazzling Dave
Fan writer

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Wolves' impressive six-game winning streak came to an end at Etihad Stadium, but the result against Manchester City was never the main story. Wolves knew this fixture could puncture their run, but they rose to the challenge and delivered a display that proved their progress is real.

After all, they did not simply sit back, instead going toe to toe with a reinvigorated City side. They struck the post twice, saw another effort cleared off the line and created chances through real attacking intent. Despite losing 1-0, the team looked closer to City than the table might suggest.

The match turned on errors by Wolves, small details that separate sides in such encounters. Yet at full-time, the focus shifted from regret to pride. Scenes of squad and staff forming a line and saluting the away end, led by Vitor Pereira's triple fist-pump, were meant as a clear message: this team is united.

In his post-match comments, Pereira stressed the importance of maintaining Wolves' identity and pride, no matter the result.

"The meaning (of the gesture) was because we are proud of ourselves," he said. "For sure [fans] must be proud of the work of the team and the players, because we came here with the mentality to compete."

That spirit was clear. The bond between players, staff, and fans is growing stronger. Wolves' climb up the table is not by chance - there is now belief and togetherness running through the club.

With winnable games ahead, this performance may matter more than the points. Wolves look forward not simply to results, but to building a side that learns, improves, and plays as one.

On this evidence, better days are still to come if they get the summer business right.

Find more from Dazzling Dave at Always Wolves, external

Wolves and Everton are interested in g former Arsenal forward Nicolas Pepe, with the 29-year-old Ivory Coast international out of contract at Villarreal this summer. (Foot Mercato - in French), external

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Highlights and analysis from Saturday's Four Premier League fixtures, plus the best of the action from Friday's game between Manchester City and Wolves.

If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up now on BBC iPlayer.

Listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Everton 2-2 Ipswich

• Arsenal 1-2 Bournemouth

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We asked for your views on Manchester City's Premier League match against Wolves.

Here are some of your comments:

Man City fans

Mu: At this stage of the season results is the main thing - get over the line and that's it. But what a terrible performance -lacklustre and lethargic. We were easy to play through but were fortunate that Wolves couldn't convert those chances into goals. A lot of work needed in the summer that's for sure.

Ian: Some signs of the old City, but still showing real issues in the defensive third. However, still getting the results.

Gene: Another win albeit saved by the woodwork and several saves by Ederson. De Bruyne has been playing with a chip on his shoulder, showing his ability to find holes for others and himself. Defensively there's still too many sloppy mistakes. Although the play has been better there's room for improvement. Overall there were more scoring opportunities which need to be capitalised upon against the weaker teams.

Wolves:

Kieran: Not a bad performance but we need to better in front of goal in games like this. Strand Larsen being out didn't help as him being there would have got us a draw probably, but not a bad performance.

Tim: It was a reasonable performance - we hit a post twice, and if we'd taken our first-half chances there would have been a different outcome. The big thing I did not like was the amount of space Doku was given on our right. His assist for the goal made all the difference.

Nigel: I agree with Vitor. I was immensely proud of Wolves. We went toe to toe with a fine team and showed we have both the spirit and ability to match them or beat them.

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

Have your say on City's performance

What did you make of Wolves' display?

Come back to this page on Saturday to find a selection of your replies.

With six straight wins in the Premier League, Wolves have vaulted from the edge of the relegation zone to mid-table security, but how do they build on their impressive turnaround next season?

With previous managers hampered by a lack of activity in the transfer market, BBC Sport football news reporter Nick Mashiter explains that Wolves are likely to need to sell players in order to bring new faces into Molineux this summer.

Watch The Football News Show on iPlayer

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Nick Mashiter
BBC Sport football news reporter

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Vitor Pereira has revealed he almost ed Wolves' bitter rivals West Brom.

The Portuguese has had several opportunities to move to the Premier League over the last 15 years before being appointed at Molineux in December.

He spoke to Chelsea, Everton, Crystal Palace, Watford and Arsenal and itted he held talks with the Baggies over a decade ago.

"Do you know how many meetings I had here? The first one, West Bromwich, in the Premier League, maybe 15 years ago," he told BBC Sport.

"The second? Everton. Third? Crystal Palace with the proposal, with the contract for two and-a-half years.

"OK, we can celebrate with a pint and then they changed the idea for another but I realised that is normal here.

"After that, Chelsea, then Everton again, then Arsenal. I had a very long, very good meeting with Arsenal before they signed (Mikel) Arteta.

"Watford was the only time that I said no. I didn't want to do it. It was the time that they were relegated."

His previous chance to come to England, before Molineux, was with Everton in 2022 when the Toffees were replacing Rafa Benitez, while he also spoke to them in 2019 as a possible replacement for Marco Silva.

"It was three times with Everton. With Everton, with the contract was agreed – everything – to start to work tomorrow. My bags were packed," he said.

"But when tomorrow came, it was a case of 'check in, check out, check in, check out, check in' – for one week.

"It was winter. It's a lot. It means now I'm very happy to be here.

"I'm very grateful to the club because they gave me the opportunity to be in the league that I believe gives me the opportunity to be at my best level.

"It challenges me and I need to be challenged. If I go to a league and tactically, I cannot express myself, that is not for me. But in this league, I can do it."

This should be a great game, because Wolves are so powerful and they will have no fear at all after winning six games in a row.

But Manchester City have looked much more solid in the past few weeks and they are on a bit of a roll themselves, with four successive wins in all competitions.

Pep Guardiola's side will look to control this game, the same way they did in the first half of their FA Cup semi-final win over Nottingham Forest, but I do not think they will find it easy to keep Wolves quiet.

Still, I went against City in their last home game, against Aston Villa, and I was wrong. I am not going to make the same mistake again.

Sutton's prediction: 2-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Nick Mashiter
BBC Sport football news reporter

Vitor Pereira has endeared himself to Wolves ers, and the town, with his desire to understand them and the area.

Trips to the local Wetherspoons near the train station after victories have become a fixture - with Molineux serenading him with 'We'll see you in 'Spoons' during Saturday's 3-0 win over Leicester.

"What do we do in Wolverhampton after a game? If I lose the game I stay home and drink my beer alone. If I win the game, I go with the ers to celebrate," Pereira tells BBC Sport.

"The connection with the people is stronger when we suffer together and, when you are in a situation where you are fighting for survival, you feel this connection.

"In the moments we are suffering, you feel we are suffering together. In the moments of celebration, you need to be with them.

"In Wolverhampton, where do you want me to go? I must go to a pub, because this is the culture and where people go.

"When I go to a pub it's not about the beer. Of course I like the beer but I go to be with the people, to feel that I'm doing something to make them happy, to make them proud.

"Work, home, then we go to a pub just for a beer or two beers and finish. This is our life."

Read Nick's full article

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Wolves have won each of their past six Premier League games, the t-longest winning run of any side this term.

Only once have they ever won seven in a row in the top flight, doing so in 1946.

Alex Fletcher
BBC Sport journalist

Vitor Pereira has been speaking to the media before Friday's Premier League game against Manchester City (kick-off 20:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• He said there are some "small problems" within the squad but that he hopes to have "everyone" available for Friday.

• Pereira said the team's run of six straight Premier League wins has made his players "happy" and that they are a building a "good environment."

• He said it was a "pleasure" to play in stadiums like Etihad Stadium and that competing in the Premier League is "special."

• On learning from their defeat against Liverpool in February: "In the Liverpool game, I saw two different teams with two different mentalities. The first had a lot of respect [towards their opponent] and in the second half I watched a different game. I saw my team play with courage and this is what I want to see."

• On opponents Manchester City: "You always try to create your identity during a game. Each team is a different challenge and we know we will face a difficult opponent but in the different moments of the game we know how to organise [ourselves]."

• Pereira said there is a balance between "looking at the spaces we can explore" and "managing the strengths [of Manchester City] that we need to contain."

Follow all of Thursday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

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We asked for your views on the one thing no-one at Wolves is talking about, but should be.

Here are some of your comments:

Jen: The season Matt Doherty is having should be being talked about more. He was already cast into Wolves folklore for his gut-busting runs, assists and goals from right-back under Nuno. But he has been remoulded this season into a very competent right centre-half in a back three . His raking es have been a key outlet from defence defence and his calm head and reliable shoulders have been important for Vitor Pereira, not to mention his clear love for the club. He's had his doubters since his return, but surely his form has now reminded everyone of just what he has given to the club both past and present.

Dan: Jose Sa's ing and composure has improved massively in the past six months under Vitor Pereira. In the first half of the season, he made a lot of mistakes as did the rest of the team. But now he is assured and keeping clean sheets fairly regularly.

Matt: Wolves are still the only team without a penalty this season - all other teams have had at least two awarded. They also have the the second most (eight) conceded. Many teams have had more than seven awarded, is there unconscious bias from VAR or referees?

Dave: That despite our late-season success, there's a good chance that we'll sell two or three of our best players this summer and repeat the same mistakes of yesteryear in not replacing them properly. Pereira will be let down by Fosun just like Nuno Espirito Santo and Julen Lopetegui were.

Ian: Our past two captains, Maximilian Kilman and Mario Lemina did not seem to cope with the responsibility. A loss of form for both and in Lemina's case, a loss of attitude, meant their times as captain did not go well whereas our current captain Nelson Semedo seems to be going about the job quietly and effectively, bringing the squad back together. Long may it continue.

Wolves are the form side in the Premier League, enjoying their best run in more than 50 years.

If Vitor Pereira's men can continue their hot streak, and teams above struggle in their final matches, a top-half finish is not completely out of the question.

We have heard about how brilliant and likeable Pereira is. So much has already been said about the future of Matheus Cunha and we know about the blossoming midfield partnership of Joao Gomes and Andre.

So tell us something else. Give us a peek behind the curtain.

You know your club best, so tell us the one thing that no-one is talking about at Wolves but really should be.

Let us know

Mike Taylor
BBC Radio WM reporter

Image source, Getty Images

"It's your round, Vitor," Wolves fans have taken to singing over the past few weeks, as their head coach continues his single-handed effort to refloat the Black Country brewing industry.

It is unlikely he has been short of people offering to buy his beer. But this run of wins is now about much more than points and pints. It presents an opportunity.

This is not the first time in the past few, often queasy, seasons for Wolves when the club – taking players, staff and fans together – have experienced a surge in confidence out of adversity.

Two years ago, fearing relegation, they replaced Bruno Lage with Julen Lopetegui, replenished the squad and were safe with weeks to spare. Last season, after the hurried appointment of Gary O'Neil, by mid-March they were eighth in the Premier League and in the last eight of the FA Cup.

The euphoria now seems to be of a different order to those two previous situations, but they are nevertheless instructive.

Both could have been platforms to move forwards, but the moments quickly ed. Lopetegui and the club were soon at odds with each other over future plans. A lack of resources broke the spell under O'Neil, who proved unable to restore it.

Are Wolves better placed now to ride this next wave? It seems so.

Pereira is rightly receiving much of the credit for the revival, but after a period in which the club's hierarchy has been sharply criticised, we should note that others have helped to create the conditions for him.

Wolves found him in the first place - he was not necessarily an obvious choice - and the mid-season gs of Emmanuel Agbadou and Marshall Munetsi have made a positive difference on a reasonable budget.

Pereira, who signed a contract only for 18 months on arrival, should be in a strong position to make his case to the club about how to prepare for next season. It is always easy to spend other people's money, of course, but the squad does not seem in need of quite the same level investment that Lopetegui evidently wanted.

Whether Matheus Cunha stays or goes, there is a viable route to preparing well for next season.

Goodwill in football is hard-won and easily wasted. The widely reported story this week concerning Wolves' women's team illustrates just how.

The results achieved under Pereira over the past few weeks offer the club a great opportunity, but it will need careful handling over the coming weeks to capitalise, and make the moment last.

Listen to full commentary of Manchester City v Wolves at 20:00 BST on Friday on BBC Radio WM (95.6FM/DAB/Freeview)

Tune into The West Midlands Football Phone-In from 18:00 on weeknights

Dazzling Dave
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Wolves have been breaking records all season. Early on, it was for all the wrong reasons. Now it's nice to have some positives.

With six straight wins in the top flight, Wolves are enjoying a run of form not seen since 1970. Since Vitor Pereira took charge, only Liverpool and Newcastle can claim more wins. It feels almost unreal how quickly Pereira has turned things around.

Matheus Cunha deserves special mention. He's contributed to 21 goals this season—scoring 15 and assisting six. In the Premier League, only Raul Jimenez has matched those numbers in a Wolves shirt.

The mood at Molineux is as high as it's been in years. Why would any player want to leave Wolves right now?

There is real belief that this team will keep climbing under Pereira's smart guidance. Of course, not every player will stay—some won't fit the system and may look for fresh challenges elsewhere.

Rumours are swirling that Matheus Cunha could Manchester United. But is that really a step up? It's a club with a big name but their recent form is far from inspiring. The club talks about "projects" and grand plans, but they've talked about this for years. Why swap a resurgent Wolves side for that?

There's genuine excitement about what Pereira can achieve. It's not just hopeful talk—there's real belief that, with a strong summer, Wolves could push for Europe next season. Imagine returning to Europe for our 150th anniversary. That would be something truly special.

My message to Cunha: move on if it makes sense for your career, but you might look back and wonder what you could have been part of.

Under Pereira something special is brewing and he's only just getting started.

Find more from Dazzling Dave at Always Wolves, external

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We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Wolves and Leicester City at Molineux.

Here are some of your replies:

Wolves fans

Sara: Wolves made Leicester look woeful. The fitness levels between the two teams were clear to see. There are happy people in Wolverhampton at last. Matheus Cunha was the standout - he just wants to please the fans! I hope he stays.

Steve: Cunha is going to be jumping off a ship sailing to much better times and ing the Titanic.

Cordelia: Thank you Vitor Pereira for coming to Wolves and giving our players the confidence to play and show off their skills. We always knew they were quality but now everyone can see it. Leicester fans - good luck next season.

Kieran: What a run. We need to buy Vitor lots of pints - what a turnaround! If we back this man in the summer, just think of what we could do.

Espirito: People are praising this team like they have beaten a team at the top of the table, but we have not. We should be beating teams like this to little fanfare and it just shows how far the club has fallen. We don't need nor want Cunha. Let another team deal with his attitude. The same goes for Jose Sa and Toti, otherwise we will be in this position again.

Leicester fans

Chris: We are 'using these games to prepare for next season' according to Ruud van Nistelrooy. So obviously picking loan player Facundo Buonanotte who definitely won't be with us next season and giving Jamie Vardy another 90 minutes when we know he is leaving makes perfect sense, right? The whole club is a joke. As for the performance, I don't think the players could have put less effort in if they tried. But not trying is a bit of a theme.

Nathan: Is this the worst and most unlikable Premier League team ever? Yes. A record-breakingly bad manager, a board that seems not to care, and players who seemingly cannot play the game. Can we just forfeit the remaining games because we will lose them all by at least three goals and will be unable to score?

Tom: One word: awful. From top to bottom, it's toxic. We need new owners, management, coaches and players. It is going to be a long few seasons with hard times and hard work to get the club stable at the least.

Christy: A club in all sorts of trouble. The manager appears to be clueless, the players nowhere near the standard required, the coaching staff do not seem to understand this standard and the people who run the club make far too many errors. They should really think about putting Leicester City up for sale.

Manchester United have offered Wolves forward Matheus Cunha a five-year contract if the 25-year-old Brazilian opts to move to Old Trafford. (Teamtalk, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

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Mark Chapman presents highlights and analysis from Saturday's five Premier League fixtures, which saw Ipswich Town's relegation from the top-flight confirmed.

If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up now on BBC iPlayer.

Listen back to full match commentary from Newcastle United 3-0 Ipswich Town on BBC Sounds.