Black Country derby talking points: The hero, the drama and the big moments

Wolves were victorious in the Black Country derby.

It was the first derby at Molineux in front of supporters for 14 years - and it was those in Old Gold who left delighted.

Here are the key talking points from a memorable afternoon.

Injury blows

Raul Jimenez arrived at Molineux on crutches after being ruled out with a knee injury - not the sight any Wolves fan wanted to see ahead of the derby.

But the biggest pre-match blow came with the news that Ladislav Krejci would also miss out after suffering a calf injury in training.

Mural vandalised

The build-up to the derby had been dominated by a mural celebrating 150 years of Wolves, unveiled outside Molineux the day before the game.

Within hours, the artwork had been vandalised with blue paint. An 18-year-old man was arrested on Sunday morning on suspicion of criminal damage, adding further tension to an already highly charged occasion.

Electric atmosphere

Just as expected, Molineux was rocking.

Shooting towards the South Bank in the first half, Wolves were roared on by a deafening home crowd as they pressed Albion and pinned them back for long periods.

And when the goal finally came, Molineux erupted. The celebrations could probably have been heard at the Hawthorns.

Portuguese favourite returns

A familiar face was in the stands as a Portuguese Wolves hero Ruben Neves returned to watch his former club.

There were chants and songs for him from the Molineux faithful, as well as for the injured Jimenez. Both players were key figures during Wolves’ most successful recent period.

Threat in wide areas - and incredible saves

Rodrigo Gomes and Mateus Mane caused problems in the wide areas during the first half, with several of Wolves’ best opportunities coming from crosses into the box.

Max O’Leary repeatedly came to Albion’s rescue, producing a series of superb saves to deny Wolves the lead.

Relentless pressing

Wolves were relentless in their pressing, with boss Cesar Peixoto regularly urging his players to get after their opponents.

It helped the hosts dominate large periods of the first half, with Albion struggling to match Wolves’ intensity.

Calamitous moment - joy for Wolves

A moment to forget for Albion and Nat Phillips. One to savour for Wolves and Fer Lopez.

Wolves’ relentless pressing was key to the opener, with Phillips put under pressure before his stray pass fell straight to Lopez.

The midfielder showed composure to dink the ball cleverly over O’Leary and put Wolves ahead.

Cue wild celebrations around Molineux - including in the dugout as Peixoto and his coaching staff joined in the celebrations.

Tribute to Cunha

Lopez paid tribute to former Wolves man Matheus Cunha with his celebration for the goal, recreating the Brazilian’s from the previous Black Country derby at the Hawthorns in 2024.

Albion attack

Until the latter stages, Albion were unable to really test the Wolves goal. They created some very late pressure, causing some nervy moments in defence for the hosts.