NOBODY EXPECTED CESAR PEIXOTO TO GO THIS FAR AFTER THE MATCH — HIS VERDICT ON TWO BOLTON WANDERERS STARS IS NOW GOING VIRAL
César Peixoto was left frustrated after Wolverhampton Wanderers suffered a 3–1 defeat to Bolton Wanderers at Molineux on Tuesday night, with Bolton producing a ruthless second-half performance to claim all three points in the Championship.
The result was particularly painful for Wolves because the hosts had periods of dominance and created several opportunities, but Bolton proved far more clinical in front of goal. Atsuki Ito opened the scoring for the visitors in the 28th minute before Jean-Ricner Bellegarde restored parity five minutes after half-time.
Wolves appeared to have the momentum after the equaliser, but Bolton refused to collapse. Sam Dalby restored the visitors’ lead in the 72nd minute before Josh Sheehan completed the scoring eight minutes later with an impressive effort from distance.
The victory gave Bolton back-to-back away wins and inflicted Wolves’ first home Championship defeat of the season.
One of the biggest talking points from the match was the performance of Bolton’s key attacking players. Atsuki Ito was responsible for breaking the deadlock, while Josh Sheehan delivered an outstanding all-round performance and capped his night with Bolton’s third goal. Sam Dalby also played a decisive role, coming off the bench to score the goal that changed the direction of the match.
Sheehan was particularly influential. His involvement in the opening goal and his ability to threaten from midfield caused Wolves problems throughout the evening. His 82nd-minute goal effectively ended Wolves’ hopes of completing a comeback.
Peixoto, however, did not hide behind his players after the defeat. The Wolves boss accepted responsibility for the result and insisted that his team had done enough in several areas to win the match.
“I think we were the better team,” Peixoto said, while admitting that Wolves had failed to take advantage of their opportunities. He pointed specifically to a major chance for Adam Armstrong after Wolves had equalised. Armstrong was denied by Bolton goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, and Peixoto identified that moment as a major turning point.
According to the Wolves manager, Bolton were simply more efficient when the important moments arrived. He acknowledged that his team had more possession, more shots, more crosses and more passes, but ultimately failed to convert enough of those advantages into goals.
Peixoto also questioned whether there had been a foul on goalkeeper José Sá during Bolton’s opening goal and believed Wolves could have been awarded penalties. However, he made it clear that he did not want to blame the referee, stressing that his team needed to improve and take responsibility for its own performance.
For Bolton, the night represented another important statement under manager Steven Schumacher. After losing 2–1 at home to Stoke City before this fixture, Bolton responded in impressive fashion away from home. Their ability to absorb Wolves’ pressure before striking decisively proved crucial.
The defeat leaves Peixoto with plenty to consider, but the Wolves boss is already looking ahead. He believes his players understand what needs to change and has challenged them to respond in their next match.
For Bolton, meanwhile, the victory will provide confidence and momentum. Ito, Dalby and Sheehan all found the net, while the team’s overall efficiency punished Wolves when it mattered most.
The final score may have surprised many observers, but the message from the match is clear: Wolves created enough opportunities, while Bolton took theirs. And on a night when clinical finishing mattered more than possession, the visitors deservedly walked away with a memorable 3–1 victory.
