Super sub Tawanda Chirewa fires Wolves to dramatic Turf Moor comeback
The 23-year-old scored seconds after being introduced to give Wolves a 2-1 victory over Burnley.
Super sub Tawanda Chirewa made an instant impact as he fired Wolves to victory at Burnley.
The 23-year-old scored within seconds of coming off the bench to complete the comeback at Turf Moor after Fer Lopez had equalised.
Wolves ended their losing run after the international break with a third game in seven days, climbing back into the Championship play-off places.
It was not the start Wolves needed as they looked to turn around their form. Three changes were made in defence, and they were immediately tested by Jamie Vardy.
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After Toti’s error on the halfway line, the veteran striker had a golden opportunity to open the scoring but saw his low effort saved by Jose Sa.
Wolves were punished in the 20th minute, however, as Vardy put Burnley ahead. Jackson Tchatchoua was caught out by a pass, allowing the striker to evade Toti and Nasser Djiga before slotting past Sa. It was a tight call that could have attracted VAR scrutiny had the sides been meeting in the Premier League rather than the Championship.
Wolves gradually found their footing. With Adam Armstrong sidelined by a back problem and Raul Jimenez undergoing surgery, Sean Neave was handed a rare opportunity to lead the line, having played just 18 Championship minutes before kick-off.
Making his first league start, Neave had limited chances in the first half but linked play well and helped create Wolves’ equaliser.
Rafiki Said pressed to win possession before Neave found Fer Lopez, who made no mistake. The Spaniard continued his influential season with a composed finish for his sixth goal of the campaign.
After the break, Jacob Bruun Larsen wasted a good chance for Burnley before Wolves threatened through Lopez and Said, both of whom were denied before the hour mark.
Cesar Peixoto turned to his bench in search of a winner, and Chirewa delivered almost immediately.
Mateus Mane capitalised on Igor’s heavy touch at the back before finding Chirewa, whose effort beat Gregoire Coudert just seconds after his introduction.
The Wolves away end erupted as Chirewa’s decisive strike sealed a first victory at Turf Moor since 2010.