The Verdict: Wolves make strong start but have warning signs in defence

It may have only been the Carabao Cup first round against League Two opposition in Port Vale, but a defeat at Molineux would have been the worst possible start for Cesar Peixoto.

If Wolves have any hope of getting promoted from the Championship in 2026/27, then a good start is essential and the 3-0 win over Port Vale is a platform to build from.

However, it could have gone badly wrong if the visitors were clinical in front of goal.

Wolves did not start the game on the front foot and were sloppy in possession, inviting Vale on to them. An early scramble in the box almost spelled disaster as the ball fell for Jaheim Headley, who lifted his shot onto the crossbar.

Shortly after, the same player dragged a shot wide as Wolves struggled to clear their lines in a nervous start to the game.

Wolves recovered and took the lead in the 14th minute and had chances to extend that lead, but with the score still at 1-0, Vale somehow missed a sitter.

Former Albion and Walsall striker Mo Faal beat Toti Gomes in the air to nod the ball down into the box. Yerson Mosquera had fallen asleep and lost his marker, giving Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel a tap-in from a matter of yards, but he managed to hook it well wide.

In the Championship that chance would be converted on almost every occasion - perhaps even in League Two - and Wolves got away with one.

Before discussing the positives of the goals scored and later management of the game, it is important to highlight these defensive fragilities and the wake-up call this will hopefully give the players.

Faal is tall and physical and wanted to bully the Wolves defenders. If they were not already aware of the physical test that the EFL will pose, then they are now.

Toti Gomes - who was given the captain’s armband - was sloppy in possession on a few occasions and was targeted by Faal and he will need to stand up to these tests in future games if he wants to keep his place in the team.

Despite those shortcomings, that certainly need attention, Wolves were good going forward and clinical in their approach.

The first goal came from a direct Mateus Mane run down the left and a low cross for Adam Armstrong’s instinctive finish, while the second was a good corner routine that was headed back across goal by Mosquera and finished by Andre.

When considering the attacking approach Peixoto wants to employ, the third goal has to be analysed deeper.

It began with a fantastic cross-field pass from Andre to pick out Rodrigo Gomes on the right flank. What followed was simple but very effective as he ran at his marker and found a simple pass for Fer Lopez.

The Spaniard made it look so easy as he allowed the ball to roll across his body, taking one defender out of the game, before taking one touch and then rolling the ball into the bottom corner.

It is absolutely not easy to do that, but Lopez makes it looks effortless, and his technical ability really shone with that goal - making it three goals in three games for the 22-year after scoring in the last two friendlies.

Lopez will be key for Wolves this season and on current form he is set to light up the Championship.

The fact that two forwards in Armstrong and Lopez have scored will be music to Peixoto’s years, but what was perhaps even more pleasing was the second half performance.

Wolves took the sting out of the game, managed it expertly and professionally got over the line comfortably - although they did also have chances to add further goals.

Lopez’s display in the second 45 will be particularly satisfying as he showed impressive bravery on the ball, worked incredibly hard and kept pushing for chances and goals even when the game was effectively over. That kind of attitude will take him far this season.

A very harsh penalty was awarded for an apparent foul from Mosquera on Faal, but justice was served when Dan Bentley saved with his feet to preserve the clean sheet.

It was also a special occasion as Raul Jimenez was given a hero’s welcome on his return to Molineux.

Before the game and before Jimenez stepped off the bench, fans were already chanting his popular Si Senor song, and the atmosphere only ramped up when he was introduced in the 70th minute.

The noise was incredible and showed some reconnection between the fans and players - even if it was largely directed at one player. The only thing missing was a Jimenez goal.

For Peixoto and Wolves, it was the start they needed as they won comfortably and got a clean sheet.

Attention will now turn to maintaining that momentum against Blackburn, while also adding to the squad in the transfer window.