Shropshire Star

Wolves boss Nuno shares his pride after Arsenal win

Nuno Espirito Santo is very proud after Wolves beat Arsenal for the first time in 40 years – in front of the biggest home crowd of the season.

Published
Last updated
Nuno celebrates after the final whistle (AMA)

Wolves gave their chances of finishing seventh in the Premier League a big boost by beating the Gunners 3-1.

Ruben Neves, Matt Doherty and Diogo Jota struck as Nuno's side took their record against the top six to 16 points from a possible 33, at a 31,436-strong Molineux.

"Our fans came here in large numbers. It was the largest attendance we have had this season, so thank you to them," said Nuno.

"We need them and we can celebrate together, another good night at Molineux.

"I'm very proud of the way we work, very proud of how the players engage themselves and commit themselves.

"We give everything we have each game. That's what makes me proud, the belief we have in ourselves."

VIDEO: Tim Spiers and Nathan Judah analyse Wolves' superb 3-1 victory

Wolves had to weather early pressure from Unai Emery's men before Neves opened the scoring with a sublime free-kick.

Doherty made it two with a close-range header, and Jota made it three just prior to the interval by finishing under Bernd Leno.

Arsenal improved in the second half, but only enough to grab a late consolation through Sokratis.

Wolves are now seventh, which would seal a Europa League opportunity if Manchester City beat Watford in the FA Cup final, with three games left.

"Playing against any team is difficult, but Arsenal have very good players," said Nuno.

"It was a good performance against a tough team. The first half was very good, the second half not so good.

"But it was very well played, I think the boys worked very hard.

"It was difficult in the beginning to recover the ball as Arsenal created some problems, but we were able to break.

"We had organisation, the right moments, the movement off the ball is very important, where to go out. It was the movement off the ball.

"The first moment we broke, we were lucky enough to have this moment of quality.

"That put us on the front foot, so well played. Fantastic for the players. Credit to them. A fantastic performance."

Gunners chief Emery added: "They (Wolves) played with the calmness to take their opportunities. Their plan was perfect because they took the first set piece they had."