Adam Armstrong’s first goal since August handed Wolves a vital three points at home to Watford.
The hosts dominated against a poor Watford side and finally broke the deadlock after 35 minutes through Armstrong’s smart finish.
Wolves were unable to kill the game off with a second, but held on to avoid a repeat of the draw in midweek, and sealed all three points.
Analysis
Cesar Peixoto made five changes following the midweek draw with Portsmouth, as Wolves suffered more injury nightmares.
Fer Lopez was only fit enough for the bench due to a small calf problem, while Nasser Djiga and Ghislain Konan missed out altogether with groin and knee issues respectively.
Raul Jimenez, Rodrigo Gomes, Bertrand Traore and Boubacar Traore remain sidelined, but there was some good news on the injury front as Kieran Trippier and Armstrong were fit enough to start.
The number of injuries did also offer a chance to academy midfielder Luke Rawlings, as the 18-year-old earned a place on the bench.
Wolves dominated the ball from the outset and had a couple of early shots from distance, as Rafiki Said and Jordan James took aim.
Said then had a header saved as Wolves pushed for the opening goal.
Wolves should have scored when Said crossed for Marshall Munetsi, who beat his marker to the ball, but poked wide from less than five yards.
Moments later, Andre’s deflected shot flashed wide, with the game still locked at 0-0 after 20 minutes.
Wolves continued to dominate and eventually took the lead through Armstrong in the 35th minute.
A wonderful Andre ball found Trippier, who crossed low. The ball was initially touched onto the post by a Watford player before Armstrong reacted quickest to finish from a tight angle.
Wolves cruised to half-time with a 1-0 lead and in complete control.
Watford started the second half with a bit more energy, but still lacking quality, and Wolves were comfortable as Watford’s Hector Kyprianou nearly headed into the back of his own net.
The visitors had some very brief openings, but Wolves were unable to kill the game off with a second goal with 70 minutes on the clock.
In the 78th minute, Peixoto’s decision to take James off was booed by some home fans, followed by chants of ‘you don’t know what you’re doing’.
Wolves came close to a second when Ladislav Krejci’s header was saved following a Jean-Ricner Bellegarde cross, and moments later Watford cleared an effort off their own line.
It was a nervous end to the game as the visitors pushed, but Wolves held on to claim a crucial victory.
Key Moments
GOAL 35 Armstrong puts Wolves ahead
Teams
Wolves: Sa, Trippier, Mosquera, Krejci, Bueno (Toti, 91), Andre, Munetsi, James (Doyle, 78), Bellegarde (Neave, 91), Said (Mane, 61), Armstrong (Chirewa, 78).
Subs not used: Virginia, Tchatchoua, Rawlings, Lopez.
Watford: Ravaglia, Diatta (Maamma, 62), Keben, Pollock, Mlacic, Bola (Zemura, 62), Kyprianou, Kayembe, Bravo (Vata, 85), Kjerrumgaard (Doumbia, 72), Boadu (Payero, 72).
Subs not used: Bachmann, Nabizada, Traore, Mavididi.
Too many fans think this will be a walk in the park! Important win today -we do need to question our shooting abilities though! 🤣🐺
Serious question. Why wait to sack him, just do it now so the next guy has a chance