Diogo Jota hat-trick gives Wolves win over Leicester in seven-goal thriller
Re-live the action from Saturday's early Premier League kick-off
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Wolverhampton Wanderers may have feared the worst when their 2-0 first-half lead turned into 2-2 after the break as Leicester City came back into the game, but, in a thrilling game, the home side had the final laugh, winning 4-3.
The Premier League match’s most spectacular moment, from a wide selection, was reserved for Diogo Jota when he scored his third goal and won the game in the 93rd after Leicester had brought it back to 3-3 with minutes to spare through Wes Morgan.
Claude Puel’s job has been under increasing pressure and Morgan’s 87th minute header to seemingly salvage a point may have offered him some respite from difficult questions, but Wolves’ ability to calve open their visitors for a fourth time late in the game will certainly drag his future back into the spotlight.
Re-live the thrilling match in the blog below:
What time does it start?
Wolves vs Leicester City kicks off at 12:30pm (GMT) on Saturday 19th January.
Where can I watch it?
Wolves vs Leicester City will be shown live on Sky Sports’ Main Event and Premier League channels from 11:30am (GMT).
Sky subscribers can stream the match online via the Sky Go app.
Highlights will be shown at 10:20pm on BBC One.
Player to watch…
Ruben Neves: The 21-year-old has been a standout performer in Wolves’ midfield this season. Neves, who has nine international caps for Portugal, scored a trademark long-range winner against Liverpool in the FA Cup, and his partnership with compatriot Joao Moutinho has been a driving force in Wolves’ excellent season.
Form guide…
Wolves: LDWLWL
Leicester City: WWLWLL
Odds…
Wolves to win: 13/10
Leicester to win: 49/20
Draw: 43/20
(Odds provided by 888 Sport)
23 minutes
A chance for Wolves to settle the game down now, with the frantic pace of the first 20 minutes surely unsustainable.
Both sides are giving the ball away with ridiculous regularity. It is not dissimilar to a basketball game in its end-to-end nature.
25 minutes
Giveaway-after-giveaway.
Wilfred Ndidi is the offender on this occasion, and it is lovely pass-and-move football from Leander Dendoncker, who is unfortunate not to find a teammate lurking at the far post with a drilled low cross.
26 minutes
Should have been three!
Raul Jimenez somehow manages to squeeze a cross past Ben Chilwell on the edge of the box at the byline, and Wes Morgan misjudges the fight, leaving Diogo Jota a completely free header from six yards out.
He gets good contact on his effort, but it is straight at Kasper Schmeichel.
29 minutes
Ruben Vinagre moves down the left from his reserved position, moving inside and out and finding the right pass inside to Diogo Jota.
Kota should continue the movement across the pitch to Jonny Otto surging past Harvey Barnes and into space, but tries to be cute with a reverse to Raul Jimenez, failing to generate the power to beat the Leicester defenders tracking back.
32 minutes
Ruben Neves gives the ball away to Wilfred Ndidi, but Wolves reform their defensive structure well to force the ball back to Kasper Schmeichel.
Strong pressing from the hosts.
33 minutes
Jamie Vardy has rather clattered into Ruben Neves as he wins a header in the Wolves half, and after advice from his linesman Chris Kavanagh whistles for the foul.
35 minutes
Leicester are trying to overload down their right, with Demarai Gray pulling out wider and allowing Danny Simpson to move forward and win another corner.
36 minutes
Strong punch from Rui Patricio, turned further away by long-time international teammate Joao Moutinho.
Wolves will be keen to survive until half-time still two ahead. Leicester have continually created chances through the half.
39 minutes
It is the strength of Harvey Barnes that creates space for Jamie Vardy ahead of him, but Vardy is crowded out by three Wolves defenders and they launch a counter-attack.
Raul Jimenez pulls the ball onto his left foot and shows good quickness to get past Harry Maguire, but Kasper Schmeichel is equal to his low shot across goal, and collects the bouncing ball on the follow-up.
41 minutes
Every time Wolves go forward they look dangerous, Leander Dendoncker winning a knock-down and the chance not quite falling for his teammates on a couple of occasions.
Again an opportunity comes as Ruben Neves hoists the ball to the far post, with Joao Moutinho taking it down nicely to move past Danny Simpson.
Not his best effort, and the ball eventually slices out of play for a Leicester throw.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments