Soccer

Gary O’Neil was not worried about Wolves’ form after brushing aside Burnley

Goncalo Guedes scored twice either side of half-time.

Gary O’Neil was happy to get a first win of the season on the board
Gary O’Neil was happy to get a first win of the season on the board (Gary Oakley/PA)

Gary O’Neil said there was no panic after Wolves’ thrashing by Chelsea as they bounced back by registering a first win of the season with a 2-0 victory over Burnley in the Carabao Cup.

Goncalo Guedes scored twice either side of half-time, as Wolves dominated after being denied twice early on by Burnley goalkeeper Vaclav Hladky.

O’Neil’s side were beaten 6-2 by Chelsea at Molineux on Sunday, after an opening-day defeat at Arsenal, but the manager was not worried about his team’s fortunes.

He said: “It was nice to get the first win on the board, I was never worried when it would come.

“Tonight gave us a good opportunity to win, the Premier League is unbelievably tough and if you look at the business other teams are doing, it shows you how tough it will be this year.

“Of course losing 6-2 was a big blow for everybody but also important we stay clear and rational on things and knew the group was in a good spot.

“A lot of them were already in my thinking for the weekend even before this evening, but the vast majority did influence my thinking positively.”

Guedes spent last season on loan at both Benfica and Villarreal and O’Neil did not rule out another move away from Molineux.

He added: “Pleased for Guedes, he looked sharp, he scored two good goals.

“There is a lot that can go on over the last couple of days of the window so let’s see what happens.

“I expect him to be here but, as I say, two days is a long time. Both (Guedes and Podence) will have people keen on them, the last 48 hours will be key obviously.”

Burnley failed to register a shot on target but manager Scott Parker said he was proud of their showing against Premier League opposition.

He said: “I asked the players for a reaction from the weekend (defeat against Sunderland) because we fell a little bit short of expectations.

“No denying we are stretched at this moment and I am immensely proud of the players out there tonight.

“They have left absolutely everything out there on the pitch in different circumstances.

“That’s why these players showed me everything of what they’re about tonight really. That’s what makes you proud and pleased.”