Gary O’Neil said his side’s performance was “enjoyable to watch” after Wolves won at Stamford Bridge for the first time since 1979 on Sunday.
The Old Gold came from behind to stun Chelsea, thanks in large part to Matheus Cunha’s hat-trick, producing the perfect response to the late defeat during midweek. Not for the first time this season, Wolves had belief in abundance and a threat on the break, and their devastating finishing was on show to seal a thoroughly impressive win away from home.
On a fine performance and result
“Tough place to come, it’s an extremely talented squad that they have, but there’s real belief in our group. Even on Thursday night against Manchester United there were real positives that I know we have in us, and we just needed to tidy up a couple of bits.
“We did a lot of work in the meeting room this week around tidying up some bits that didn’t work well against Man United. We looked much better today, the team was much closer, not as spread. The front players were excellent without the ball as well, protecting the back line, so a real good team performance and an enjoyable one, I can’t lie.”
On the game plan
“It was trying to be us. There was nothing special about it. Trying to keep the team together without the ball, be aggressive when we can, see if we can force some mistakes, but that’s always, and then try to find solutions with the ball. I thought with the ball we were excellent, caused them loads of problems with the shape.
“I said to the lads that I didn’t really like us at 4-1, a lack of focus, harsh criticism of course, but not a trait I really want to see, so make sure we brush up on that. It’s a talented group and when we’re 4-1 up, we keep going.
“I really enjoyed it, I thought the lads deserved massive credit because they’re tired, a small group which has just gone Sunday-Thursday-Sunday. I was forced into a few changes which we arranged before, because people couldn’t last 90, but they’ll have a good day off and then we get ready for Brentford.”
On Cunha’s stunning display
“He’s a fantastic guy, mainly, and that’s a real reason he’s been able to produce what he’s produced. He’s always had quality, we know he has quality, and he’s so humble and hard working. I’ve just worked with him on his understanding of situations and how we can maximise what he is by improving his understanding.
“He’s taken it all on board, he’s working incredibly well and a Premier League hat-trick speaks volumes. I’m keen not to signal him out because there was an awful lot of work that went in from everybody including subs to make the performance what it was an Matheus got to finish them off.”
On a special group of players
“We’ve come back from setbacks a lot, even game wise. We suffered a sort of heartbreak three days ago, where we worked out socks off to get back into the game, and they scored at the death. You’d think coming here there’d be a hangover, but it was straight to business. We’ve done it a lot. 32 points is something the group should be proud of at this stage. Let’s see where we can go.
“I wasn’t quite born [when Wolves last won at Chelsea], 1983 I was born. A big win, of course, but back down to earth very quickly. Brentford are coming, Ivan Toney’s back and we haven’t played them with him yet, so he’ll be a real big threat against us. We’ll make sure the boys are ready to go again.”
