Shropshire Star

Nuno happy with Wolves performance despite Everton defeat

Nuno Espirito Santo insists he was happy with his side’s performance in the loss to Everton but felt the set piece that led to Richarlison’s goal was the turning point.

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Nuno Espirito Santo the head coach / manager of Wolverhampton Wanderers points (AMA)

Wolves entered half-time drawing 0-0 but could have taken the lead after a front foot display at Goodison Park.

But after three minutes of the second half they conceded from a corner and were unable to recover as they fell to a 1-0 defeat.

Nuno said: “I thought it was a good performance, especially in the first half. We played a really good first half.

“We were organised, pressed high. A lot of good things.

“Unfortunately we started very bad with the set piece, the corner.

“Everton is a very difficult team, special in the final third with the quality they have.

“Overall it was very good, a good individual performance from the players.”

When asked if his players were not tight enough with their marking for Richarlison’s goal, he added: “Of course. Set pieces are about individual tasks in that moment and we made a mistake there.”

With that result Wolves can no longer finish any higher than twelve, following two seventh placed finishes in the previous two seasons.

The squad has been plagued by injuries throughout the campaign and Nuno insists he is proud of the team for sticking together.

Nuno said: “The table is just one point. We have to reflect on many things this season.

“It’s been a very difficult season for everybody, not only us. Society (too).

“But we are delighted that fans are coming back, things are getting back to normal.

“When you look back, it was a very difficult moment.

“I’m very proud. Proud of the way we worked together, the way we were able to bounce back from such different moments.

“In our game, with the injuries, we always stick together.

“Now we approach the final day there are many things to analyse but the general feeling is of unity and commitment, in such a hard year for everybody.”

Wolves now face Manchester United at home on the final day, in front of 4,500 fans, and Nuno has challenged his side to put on a show.

He added: “Give them a good game. They deserve it. They’ve been waiting so much and so long to return to Molineux.

“This is our responsibility, to give them a good game and enjoy the final day of the season together with our fans. Hoping that our future is better together.”