Wolverhampton Wanderers secured a late draw against Blackburn Rovers in their opening Championship match. The game saw Raul Jimenez convert a penalty in the 93rd minute, preventing Blackburn from taking three points in what was Tony Mowbray‘s first game back in charge of the club.
The match marked Wolves‘ return to the second tier after an eight-year absence, following their relegation from the Premier League. Blackburn had appeared poised for a victory before the late equalizer.
Peixoto’s perspective on the draw
Wolves manager Cesar Peixoto expressed that his team would learn from the draw. He emphasized the importance of playing with their heads rather than their hearts, particularly after Blackburn took an early lead in the second half. Peixoto noted that his players lost organization while trying to recover.
Despite wanting three points, Peixoto acknowledged the significance of the single point gained, especially given the circumstances of injuries and playing with one less player. He highlighted the team’s fighting spirit until the end as a positive takeaway.
Peixoto also spoke about the atmosphere at Molineux, describing the support as amazing. He believes the team needs a few victories to build confidence and mental stability throughout the full 90 minutes of a game.
Regarding Jimenez‘s contribution, Peixoto stated that the player is very important and experienced. He mentioned that Jimenez, who returned late after the World Cup, brings confidence and mental stability to the team.
Blackburn’s reaction to the late penalty
Blackburn manager Tony Mowbray commented on the penalty decision, suggesting that images indicate the foul occurred outside the box. He praised his team’s performance but stressed that they could improve and become a greater goal threat.
Ryan Alebiosu, who was named Player of the Match, expressed frustration over the late penalty call. He believed he was outside the box when the decision went against his team. Alebiosu stated that the team dug deep and felt they had secured the win, making the final details of the penalty particularly frustrating.
Before the spot-kick, Blackburn demonstrated a solid defensive display and posed a significant threat going forward. Players like Morishita, Alebiosu, and McLoughlin were noted as standout performers for Mowbray‘s side.
The match was described as an enjoyable season opener for the Championship. Raul Jimenez‘s name echoed around the stands at Molineux after his late equalizer.
Wolves had plenty of possession but struggled to create clear-cut chances after Blackburn took the lead. Substitutions were made by both teams as the game progressed, with Chirewa and Lima entering for Wolves, and Jake Garrett replacing Gudjohnsen for Blackburn.
The tension in the stands at Molineux was palpable as the home side sought to rectify the situation in the final 20 minutes plus stoppage time. Jimenez‘s appearance marked his first for the club since 2023.
Sam Morsy made his Blackburn debut, replacing Adam Forshaw. Morsy, originally from Wolverhampton, had been released by Wolves as a youngster.
Ryan Alebiosu continued to be a threat from the right-back position for Blackburn, with his overlapping runs creating difficulties for Wolves‘ left-back Møller Wolfe. Gudjohnsen scored for Blackburn, with Morishita and Afolayan involved in the build-up.
Source: bbc.co.uk
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