Vitor Pereira says he’s realised one thing about Matheus Cunha at Wolves that ‘cannot’ happen again
When Wolves fans expected magic from Matheus Cunha, what they watched was a disappointing performance against Brighton.
Cunha has been the subject of transfer speculation in recent months, with several clubs looking to sign the Brazilian after his 17-goal haul for Wolves in 2024/25.
Man United are currently leading the race for Cunha, as the 25-year-old enters the final stretch of his career at Molineux.
On Saturday, Wolves lost 2-0 against Brighton, and it was a performance to forget from the former Atletico Madrid man.
He gave away the penalty that Danny Welbeck dispatched in the first half, tried to do too much in possession throughout the game, and was ultimately hooked by Vitor Pereira on the hour mark.
Vitor Pereira has realised Matheus Cunha ‘cannot’ play as a striker
In the clash against the Seagulls, Goncalo Guedes surprisingly started his first game for Wolves since the 2-1 loss to Liverpool in February.
The Portuguese forward has often been utilised from the bench, seeing his involvement restricted, but he was unleashed as a striker on Saturday afternoon.
That will have come as a surprise to some, as Jean-Ricner Bellegarde was dropped to the bench and Cunha moved back into his preferred number 10 role after playing striker against Man City.
With Jorgen Strand Larsen returning from his injury to take his place on the bench, Pereira started Guedes after realising Cunha ‘cannot’ play as a striker.
The Brazilian isn’t a natural centre forward who gets into the box to finish chances, instead creating opportunities himself from deep and grabbing the game by the scruff of the neck.
Pereira has perhaps realised the above, as his performance was non-existent against City, but Strand Larsen being back means he won’t have to play him as a number nine.
Guedes failed to make an impression vs Brighton
Wolves just don’t look the same team without their big Norwegian leading the line. He’s their focal point, the one they rely on to run the channels, hold up the ball and finish opportunities as well as win flick-ons.
It’s difficult for anyone in the squad to fill his void, including Cunha, and Guedes realised how difficult it was playing as a lone striker.
Goncalo Guedes’ stats vs Brighton
59 minutes played
0.52 expected goals
0 accurate crosses
Possession lost 6 times
1 big chance missed
Guedes did have a few half chances to score but they were taken like someone who was lacking confidence, and that is understandable considering his lack of game time.
Wolves fans want Guedes sold this summer, and he could join the likes of Hwang Hee-chan and Cunha out of the door, leaving Pereira’s men light in the forward position.
