The verdict: Wolves turn adversity into an opportunity

At Turf Moor, it was all Wolves needed to turn a game - and perhaps their momentum - on its head.

Before the international break, optimism was building around Cesar Peixoto’s side. Two successive defeats and significant injury blows threatened to undo that progress, leaving Wolves vulnerable at precisely the wrong time.

For half an hour against Burnley, the unease deepened. Then came the fightback. Wolves rediscovered the resilience and ruthlessness that had deserted them, producing a comeback that carried significance beyond three points.

Usain Bolt needed 19 seconds to run 200 metres. Google can process tens of millions of searches in 20. Tawanda Chirewa needed just 21 seconds after stepping off the bench to open his Wolves account and give Peixoto something to ponder. This was the definition of a super-sub impact.

In a flash, the Zimbabwean transformed the contest. It was a moment of instinct and opportunism, but also a timely lift for an injury-hit side in need of inspiration.

Comebacks demand grit, belief and the ability to seize opportunities. Wolves had been found wanting in those departments in their first two matches after the international break. At Turf Moor, they rediscovered them when it mattered.

The setting added another layer. Wolves had not won at Burnley since 2010, while the hosts were desperate to end a 20-game run without a home league victory. For the opening half-hour, it looked increasingly likely Wolves would help end that miserable sequence.

Jamie Vardy needed little invitation. Still waiting for his first Burnley goal, the former Premier League great punished defensive hesitation in the 20th minute.

Peixoto had made three changes to his back line, with Jackson Tchatchoua replacing Kieran Trippier on the right, but the reshuffle offered little protection. They were caught as Vardy burst through, evaded Toti and Nasser Djiga, and finished beyond Jose Sa.

Yet Wolves refused to let that lapse define their evening. Their full-backs grew in influence, supporting attacks and linking with the wide men. Ghislain Konan, in for Hugo Bueno, offered bite and assurance.

Meanwhile, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde found greater joy down the right as the game progressed, taking on defenders despite a frustrating first half.

When Wolves needed a goal, Fer Lopez delivered. The Spaniard has been one of the defining figures of their campaign, and his sixth goal of the season approaching the break underlined his importance to Peixoto.

With Adam Armstrong sidelined by a back problem and Raul Jimenez recovering from surgery, Sean Neave was handed a rare chance to lead the line, having played just 18 Championship minutes before kick-off. He impressed with intelligent link-up play, crucially helping fashion the equaliser. Rafiki Said pressed to win possession before Neave found Lopez, who finished with composure. Wolves had their response.

Wolves emerged for the second period with greater intensity, putting Burnley under sustained pressure and showing the appetite to compete. They looked more assured defensively and increasingly dangerous going forward.

The pressure told in the 72nd minute. Igor’s heavy touch gifted Mateus Mane possession, and the substitute released Chirewa. Gregoire Coudert got a strong hand to the shot but could not prevent it looping into the net. The celebrations reflected the relief as much as the delight.

Chirewa continued to threaten as Wolves sought to kill the game, while Mane also impressed off the bench. Tommy Doyle should have made the points safe after Said created an excellent opening, but blazed over from inside the box.

Said, making his first start after two substitute appearances, was another major positive. He repeatedly took former England international Kyle Walker on with pace, skill and purpose. Fearless and direct, he stretched Burnley’s defence and gave Wolves an outlet when they needed one. It was an emphatic statement from a player offering Peixoto another attacking option.

For all the standout individual performances, this was ultimately a collective victory. Andre and Marshall Munetsi supplied vital steel and discipline late on as Burnley searched for a way back. Wolves absorbed the pressure, scrapped for every ball and saw the game out with conviction.

They return to Molineux, where they had been strong before their defeat by Bolton, with confidence renewed. But one comeback does not guarantee another run of victories. With three successive home games ahead, Peixoto and his side must turn this response into something more sustained.

Injuries mean Wolves will continue to need contributions from across the squad. At Turf Moor, those called upon delivered. Now comes the harder task of making sure this was a turning point, not a fleeting revival.