Pereira’s “sensational” Wolves star is now slowly becoming the new O’Hara
Wolves Close in on Safety as Pereira’s Side Hit Form Without Star Man
Wolverhampton Wanderers currently sit 16th in the Premier League after 32 matches, having built a comfortable 14-point cushion above the relegation zone. With only six games remaining, safety is firmly within their grasp.
Head coach Vitor Pereira will be eager to seal their Premier League status as soon as possible. The upcoming fixtures present a challenge, with a home clash against Leicester City bookended by away trips to both Manchester clubs.
Interestingly, with Ipswich Town set to face Arsenal and Newcastle in their next two games, Wolves could mathematically confirm survival even sooner.
A win in either of their next two matches, coupled with an Ipswich defeat, could do the trick.
Turning It Around Without Cunha
Pereira has overseen a strong turnaround in recent weeks, leading Wolves to a four-game winning streak—despite being without their star performer this season, Matheus Cunha.
So, who has stepped up in Cunha’s absence?
The Standout Performers
Over their last five Premier League outings, Wolves have secured victories against Southampton (2-1), West Ham (1-0), Ipswich (2-1), and Tottenham (4-2), along with a 1-1 draw against Everton.
What’s been notable is their tactical adaptability. Whether controlling possession against sides like Ipswich and Everton, or playing on the counter versus Southampton, West Ham, and Spurs, Wolves have found ways to get results.
Leading the charge has been Jorgen Strand-Larsen, who has scored five goals in the last four games—accounting for 55% of Wolves’ total goals in that span.
His form has been so dominant that even when Cunha returned from injury, he couldn’t reclaim his spot in the starting XI, with Pereira preferring Larsen, Marshall Munetsi, and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde.
Cunha’s Controversial Week
Off the pitch, however, Cunha found himself in hot water. The Brazilian took to social media to clap back at fans before the Tottenham game, sparking backlash from supporters and raising concerns about his relationship with the fanbase.
Some have begun comparing his situation to that of former Wolves midfielder Jamie O’Hara.
A Cautionary Tale: Jamie O’Hara
O’Hara joined Wolves in 2011, first on loan and then permanently, making 57 appearances and contributing six goals and six assists.
Despite this, he fell out of favor with fans, especially after an infamous altercation following a 2-0 defeat to Blackburn Rovers in 2012.
Though he later expressed regret and admitted he should’ve focused on football rather than reacting, his relationship with Wolves fans never recovered. His contract was eventually terminated in 2014.
Now, Cunha faces the risk of heading down a similar path.
The Bigger Picture for Cunha
It would be unfortunate, given Cunha’s influence on the pitch. The 25-year-old has elevated his game significantly this season, becoming Wolves’ attacking focal point.
With 16 goals and four assists in 30 appearances, he’s been both a playmaker and a finisher.
Former manager Gary O’Neil once described Cunha’s football IQ as “sensational,” noting his ability to “unlock doors” in tight matches.
With Manchester United reportedly interested, Cunha may well depart in the summer. But given all he’s contributed, he’ll be hoping to exit on a high—and not repeat O’Hara’s legacy of fan fallout.
