Wolves fightback frustrates Brentford

Wolves mounted a strong recovery from a two-goal deficit against Brentford, with the Premier Leagues bottom side securing a 2-2 draw via Tolu Arokodares late leveller on Monday.

Rob Edwards team were behind after strikes from Michael Kayode and Igor Thiago at the Gtech Community Stadium.

However, Adam Armstrong pulled one back shortly before the interval, and the Nigerian forward Arokodare grabbed Wolves equalising goal in the final moments.

Wolves have now gone three league matches without defeat, building on their surprise victories against Aston Villa and Liverpool with this determined performance.

They are still on course for relegation, 12 points adrift of safety with just seven fixtures remaining.

Yet should Wolves drop into the Championship, they can draw positivity from their determination not to fade quietly.

"Its tough to admit after falling 2-0 behind, but I believed we had the potential to claim victory," Edwards remarked. 

"This highlights the resilience, bravery, skill, and unity within the squad.

"Despite our current standing, it feels like we are truly together as a unit."

The outcome proved frustrating for Brentford in seventh position, who missed an opportunity to strengthen their surprising push for European qualification.

Keith Andrews charges sit three points off sixth-placed Chelsea and four behind fifth-placed Liverpool, having failed to notch a win that could have thrust them into the Champions League conversation.

Forecasted as likely to face the drop at the seasons outset, Brentford have had an outstanding year following the departure of manager Thomas Frank and attackers Bryan Mbeumo and Yoanne Wissa in the previous summer window.

Nevertheless, over the past week, they exited the FA Cup against lower-tier West Ham and let slip a commanding lead versus Wolves, putting their impressive campaign at risk.

"Mentioning us alongside Chelsea is clearly a positive sign with only eight matches to go," Andrews noted.

"That said, the truth is we underperformed this evening. We must be candid about it and reflect accordingly."

Brentford opened the scoring in the 22nd minute as Keane Lewis-Potters precise delivery located Kayode, who shook off Wolves lax defence to head firmly past Jose Sa from close range.

This marked the Italian defenders first goal for Brentford and his initial strike for any team since scoring for Fiorentina versus Lazio in 2024.

Thiago extended Brentfords lead in the 37th minute.

A lengthy punt from Brentford goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher was expertly tamed by Dango Ouattara, who generously laid it off for the sharp Thiago to slot home from near point-blank.

Thiago, freshly included in Brazils national team squad on Monday, has tallied 22 goals across 32 appearances in all competitions this term.

Wolves narrowed the gap courtesy of Armstrongs debut strike for the club in the 44th minute.

Jean-Ricner Bellegarde threaded a ball to Armstrong, who elegantly curled it into the upper corner from just outside the box.

As Brentford began to lose their grip, Wolves pressed for parity, which came in the 77th minute.

Yerson Mosquera linked with Joao Gomes, whose delivery to the back post was met with a powerful header by Arokodare to seal the point.