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Wolves doubters were out in full force in the buildup to their FA Cup third round tie at Bristol City with many backing the hosts to keep their recent history of upsets going. . However, the critics were silenced as the visitors displayed top-flight class in a much-improved display at Ashton Gate.
Vítor Pereira was predicted to make a raft of changes but the manager settled on three from the club’s 3-0 Premier League loss to Nottingham Forest, with the goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, André and the new signing Emmanuel Agbadou coming into the starting lineup. The 27-year-old defender Abagdou had a good debut after joining from Reims on a four-and-a-half-year deal on Thursday. He was calm and assured on the ball, won free-kicks and confidently marshalled the back line.
Despite the dominance of Wolves it was Bristol City, who made three changes themselves, who had the game’s first chance in ice-cold but sunny conditions. Scott Twine won a free-kick and took it himself but the effort was straight at Johnstone.
Rayan Aït-Nouri had Wolves’ first chance but Max O’Leary was wise to it and made a good save. Wolves kept the pressure on as they won the first corner of the game. It was initially repelled, João Gomes sent the ball back in and this time Aït-Nouri didn’t miss with a bullet header. There were protests from O’Leary as he was convinced the Algerian handled the ball but no intervention came from the officials. The video assistant referee could also not be called upon as it is not in operation until the fifth round of the Cup.
The away end, who had been pretty vocal before the goal, cranked up their noise as “Oh … Vítor Pereira” rang around Ashton Gate. Wolves supporters only got louder as the club doubled their lead. Slick passes between Jørgen Strand Larsen and Gonçalo Guedes opened up space for Rodrigo Gomes to finish calmly.
Bristol City grew into the game, particularly by creating more chances for Fally Mayulu, and their patience paid off. The hosts won a free-kick in a great position and Twine stepped up once again, scoring a sensational goal which sent the stands wild. Not only did it liven up the home support but it kept their Cup hopes alive as they headed into half-time trailing 2-1.
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Bad news came for the Robins in the second half as Marcus McGuane came off after lengthy treatment following what looked like a head injury. Chances came at both ends, the best coming from a Bristol City free-kick with Ross McCrorie hitting the bar. The ball bounced into the goal area but Wolves frantically cleared to edge out the encounter.
