Nuno Espirito Santo: ‘At Molineux, it’s always tough’

Wolverhampton Wanderers quest for a first League Cup in over 40 years continues after they were knocked out of the Carabao Cup on penalties by Tottenham Hotspur.

Following a 2-2 draw in 90 minutes, it was the visitors that won the lottery of the penalty shoot-out after Wolves failed to convert any of their final three from the spot.

The positive from a Wolves perspective was the fight shown to come back from 2-0 down in regulation. It was a complete contrast to the performance against Brentford and was another small step towards transitioning into the way Bruno Lage wants to play.

With that said, the result is ultimately the biggest priority and it was yet another loss for Wanderers at Molineux.

It was the second time already this season that Nuno Espirito Santo has managed to get one over on his former side and although he recognised it was another tough game for Spurs, he believes they were full value for the win on the night.

“I think it was a good game, well played,” he said.

“We started very well, playing really nice.

“I think we scored two beautiful goals and then a set-piece, something we really need to work on and improve, we cannot repeat the same mistakes over again.

“To learn and to grow we must avoid and minimise these mistakes. That’s what makes the game harder because honestly the way we were controlling the game - we did not allow anything until we concede then again we lost a bit of control.

“In the second half we started strong, we had chances to score but Wolves at home is tough and we had to defend it and then penalties.

“Penalties is not luck, penalties we have to work and the boys really practice and the boys did it really well and Gollini was good.

“John Ruddy made an amazing save with a header off Harry. I’m still wondering how could he do it and we had chances and chances but we stayed strong. At Molineux, it’s always tough.”