Category: Wolverhampton

Fulham’s fading hopes of European qualification suffered a terminal blow as they were held to a draw at bottom side Wolves in the Premier League.Matheus Mane smashed Wolves in front in their final home game before returning to the Championship, following eight years in the top flight.But Fulham levelled in first-half stoppage time after the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) recommended a review when Mane caught Fulham full-back Timothy Castagne as the pair challenged for a looping ball inside the box.Referee Thomas Kirk awarded the spot kick and Antonee Robinson coolly converted from 12 yards to score his first Premier League goal – and first in any competition since January 2022.But a run of three games without a win means Marco Silva’s side sit 12th and cannot realistically finish in the top eight given they are three points and nine goals worse off than Brentford, with just a game to go.The visitors began well at Molineux and Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa was forced into action to deny Alex Iwobi, who was left free at the back post to volley Castagne’s cross goalwards.But Wolves grew in the match with Mane drawing a smart save from Fulham keeper Bernd Leno and Rodrigo Gomes flashing a shot just wide.The goal arrived in the 25th minute as Rodrigo Gomes burst down the right and fired in a low cross.Hwang Hee-Chan controlled it before setting it back for Mane to thrash in from the edge of the box.Sander Berge should have levelled moments later but headed into the ground and over after Sa had flapped at a corner but the away side were level at the break.Mane stretched to reach a ball but only made contact with Castagne as the Fulham defender nipped ahead of him, with Robinson the unlikely scorer from the spot after the VAR review.Although Fulham dominated possession, Wolves had the best chances in the second half with Yerson Mosquera heading wide from six yards and Adam Armstrong’s dink over Leno hitting the outside of the post.Boos greeted the final whistle after a result that did little to satisfy either side.

Leeds are winless in all seven of their Premier League meetings with Brighton (D3 L4), both the most they’ve faced a side without ever winning and the most the Seagulls have faced a side without ever losing in the competition.Brighton have lost just one of their last 14 league games against Leeds (W10 D3), keeping 10 clean sheets and conceding just six goals in that run.As a top-flight side, Leeds have only lost their last home league game twice in their last 20 seasons (W10 D8), though one of these was a 4-1 loss against Spurs in their last Premier League campaign of 2022-23.Brighton won 4-1 at Spurs in their final away league match last season – not since 2012-13/2013-14 have they won their final match on the road in consecutive campaigns, with one of those victories back then coming at Leeds.Leeds have won 3-0 against Wolves and 3-1 against Burnley in their last two Premier League home games. They last won more consecutively at Elland Road between April and August 2001 (5), while they last did so while scoring 3+ goals each time between September and November 2000.Between December and February, only Burnley (1) won fewer Premier League games than Brighton (2). Since the start of March, no side has won more games in the top-flight than the Seagulls (6, level with Arsenal).Leeds are unbeaten in their last seven Premier League games (W3 D4), last having a longer run between May and November 2001 (13). They also had a seven-game unbeaten run in December/January, with this the first campaign they’ve had two such runs since 1998-99.Dominic Calvert-Lewin has scored 13 Premier League goals this season, only netting more in 2020-21 (16). The last player to score more league goals in their first season with Leeds United was Luciano Becchio in 2008-09 (15).Brighton’s Maxim de Cuyper has been involved in three goals in his last three Premier League games (3 assists), more than in his first 25 appearances in the competition (2 goals).Jack Hinshelwood has scored in each of his last three Premier League games – no Brighton player has ever scored in four in a row before.

Newcastle lost this exact fixture 2-0 last season but haven’t lost consecutive home league games against West Ham since February/October 1998.West Ham are looking to complete just their third Premier League double over Newcastle, after 1998-99 and 2018-19.Newcastle have kept just one clean sheet in their last 14 Premier League games, a 1-0 win at Chelsea back in March.Newcastle have dropped more points from winning positions than any other side in the Premier League this season (27), while also gaining fewer points from behind than anyone else (3).West Ham have lost 3-0 against Brentford and 1-0 against Arsenal in their last two Premier League games. They last lost three in a row without scoring in February 2024.Newcastle have conceded a league-high 20 goals in the final 15 minutes of Premier League games this season. The only side to concede more and not be relegated in a single campaign are Crystal Palace in 2023-24 (23).West Ham have failed to score in each of their last three away league games. They last went four without a goal in April/May 2015, the fourth game of which was at Newcastle in their final away game of the season.Callum Wilson scored twice for West Ham against Bournemouth in November earlier this season. Only two players have scored 2+ goals in a match against two different former sides in a Premier League campaign – Chris Wood in 2023-24 (vs Burnley and Newcastle) and Nicolas Anelka in 2006-07 (vs Arsenal and Man City).West Ham’s Tomás Soucek has scored more Premier League goals against Newcastle than he has vs any other opponent (5). He’s one goal or assist away from being only the second Czech player to register 50 goal involvements in the Premier League (41 goals, 8 assists) after Patrik Berger (38 goals, 31 assists).Harvey Barnes has been involved in 21 goals in all competitions for Newcastle this season (16 goals, 5 assists), second only to Anthony Gordon. It’s his most goals scored in a season in his career in English football, while only in 2021-22 with Leicester has he been involved in more (24 – 11 goals, 13 assists).

Andy Burnham could end up in Downing Street — and out-of-area licensing should be worried

Andy Burnham’s name is back in the headlines as a serious contender to succeed Sir Keir Starmer, and if the Greater Manchester Mayor does eventually walk into Number 10, one of the longest-running rows in the private hire trade could finally come to a head.

ITV News reported this week that Burnham has quickly become one of the favourites to replace the Prime Minister in the event of a Labour leadership contest. The Mayor has previously signalled he would be willing to challenge Sir Keir, although his path is far from clear — he has no Commons seat, and Labour’s National Executive Committee blocked him from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election earlier in 2026. With Makerfield MP Josh Simons standing down, the route back to Westminster may now be opening up again.

For taxi and private hire drivers, the question of who leads Labour is more than just political theatre. Burnham has been one of the loudest voices in the country on the issue of out-of-area private hire licensing — and, in particular, on the role of Wolverhampton.

In comments reported by Local Government Lawyer following a BBC investigation, Burnham said operators licensed elsewhere “shouldn’t be doing it because they’re giving plates without being able to then monitor the performance,” arguing that Greater Manchester requires newer vehicles and more rigorous checks. The BBC investigation found that around 9,000 of the private hire drivers operating in Greater Manchester were licensed by Wolverhampton — roughly a third of the region’s total.

The numbers behind the row are striking. According to figures reported by the Oldham Chronicle through the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Wolverhampton Council took in £12.3 million in licensing fees over three years, with around a quarter of its drivers actually working in Greater Manchester. Professional Driver Magazine reported that 95.5% of drivers applying for a Wolverhampton licence in one year did not live in the city.

Speaking on BBC Radio Manchester’s ‘In the Hotseat’, Burnham said: “How can you guarantee the safety of people on the streets from there? I think the reason people go there is because they don’t charge as much to licence taxis. The checks they do aren’t as stringent and it is not right.”

Wolverhampton has consistently denied any wrongdoing. The council has stated that existing legislation requires it to grant any application that meets the requirements, and that it cannot refuse an applicant simply because they live in another area. That position is rooted in the 2015 Deregulation Act, which allows private hire drivers licensed anywhere in England and Wales — except London — to operate across the country.

What changes if Burnham reaches Number 10? Greater Manchester previously sought powers to restrict out-of-area operation as part of its Trailblazer devolution negotiations and didn’t get them. A Prime Minister Burnham would no longer need to ask Westminster — he would be Westminster. National minimum standards, stronger powers for metro mayors, or full reform of cross-border hiring would all sit firmly within his gift.

Whether or not he gets that far, his consistent campaigning on this issue has already pushed it up the political agenda. For drivers in Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham and other cities watching out-of-area plates flood their patch, it’s a fight that’s only getting bigger.

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4Rennes have wrapped up the signing of one of the most coveted free agent in Ligue 1 in Adrien Thomasson (32), according to Le Parisien. The French midfielder, who has had a stellar season with the Artois side, has verbally agreed to join the Bretons. Thomasson has logged ten assists this Ligue 1 campaign, no player registered more. The 32-year-old will leave Lens in June upon the expiry of the three-year contract he signed back in 2023. Thomasson was honoured on Wednesday night after Lens’ loss to PSG.Un cadre authentique 🏟️ pour deux cadres emblématiques ❤️💛Avec émotion, Wesley Saïd et Adrien Thomasson ont été mis à l’honneur après leur dernier match à Bollaert. Une belle marque de reconnaissance de la part d’un collectif déjà tourné vers un dernier défi commun. pic.twitter.com/L7mUOHt3eg— Racing Club de Lens (@RCLens) May 13, 2026As for Rennes, the signing of Thomasson as a free agent represents a significant coup and a real statement of intent for next season, in which they are set to play European football for the first time since 2024. In Brittany, Thomasson will be reunited with former RC Lens players Brice Samba and Przemysław Frankowski. The 32-year-old will also link up with former Lens head coach Franck Haise and former Lens CEO Arnaud Pouille, who is now Rennes’ president.GFFN | Bastien Cheval

With Wolves preparing for their final two matches of the 2025/26 Premier League season, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Yerson Mosquera look ahead to this weekend’s clash with Fulham at Molineux.
Bellegarde is up first as the midfielder shares his frustrations at the recent defeats but how the players are determined to bounce back at Molineux on Sunday to give the fans something to smile about ahead of the summer.
Mosuqera also features on the podcast as he gives an optimistic view on the Old Gold’s future, with the defender sharing his thoughts on how he’s confident the club will bounce back to the Premier League at the earliest opportunity and why not finishing bottom of the top flight table needs to be the team’s aim in these final two matches.
There is also a reminder that the full recording of Tuesday night’s Fan Forum at Molineux – featuring executive chairman Nathan Shi, head coach Rob Edwards and technical director Matt Jackson – is now available to listen to on BBC Sounds.
Released three times a week – every Monday, Wednesday and Friday – Wolves Express is packed with news, updates and exclusive interviews on both the playing and non-playing side of the club, complementing other offerings of the Official Wolves Podcast and Matchday Live Extra.

As the Premier League season heads into its final stretch, the narrative is shaping up to be one of high stakes and dramatic conclusions, particularly for Manchester City, Arsenal, and several clubs at the bottom of the table. The Athletic is providing live coverage of the crucial match between Manchester City and Crystal Palace, a contest that holds significant implications for both the title race and relegation battles.
With only 21 games left in this season’s 380-match journey, the intensity has ramped up as Arsenal has established a five-point lead over Manchester City after a thrilling victory over West Ham. City kept pace with their own decisive 3-0 win against Brentford, putting them firmly in pursuit of the top spot as the season nears its climax.
The juxtaposition of the title chase against imminent relegation battles adds further depth to the unfolding drama. Arsenal’s impending fixtures against Crystal Palace and Burnley will be pivotal. A victory against Palace for City tomorrow is essential; anything less would hand Arsenal a significant advantage, enabling them to clinch their first title in 22 years with a win against Burnley next Monday.
In stark contrast, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United find themselves embroiled in a relegation dogfight. Both clubs, which began the season with more optimistic expectations, now find their survival in the Premier League at risk. A recent 1-1 draw for Spurs against Leeds has kept the pressure mounting, while West Ham’s path to safety has narrowed considerably. The London rivals are both battling to avoid joining Burnley and Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Championship next season.
With just two matches left, West Ham’s upcoming clash against Newcastle carries enormous significance. It is a must-win scenario for them to remain competitive, as Spurs’ results will also play a critical role in determining their fate. The emotion surrounding these matches is palpable, with the potential for both clubs’ seasons to end in heartbreak or relief.
In the race for European qualification, the stakes are equally high. The results from this season’s European competitions have set the stage for the top five finishers to secure Champions League places, with the possibility of a sixth place being extended depending on Aston Villa’s success in the Europa League. The upcoming match between Villa and Liverpool this Friday is set to be critical, with both clubs currently vying for a Champions League spot. With an already narrow gap in points, the outcome could significantly influence their aspirations.
However, the dynamics do not stop there. Teams such as Bournemouth and Brighton are keen to secure their positions for European football, with securing at least a seventh-place finish being a notable objective. The intricacies of UEFA’s qualification criteria mean that teams are not just fighting for survival or glory in the league, but also for their future in Europe, complicating the narrative further as the season approaches its dramatic conclusion.
As the clock ticks down toward the final matches of the season, the landscape of the Premier League remains interconnected, with every point being vital and every match potentially altering destinies. Fans and players alike brace for a frenetic finish that promises to resolve the league’s most pressing questions in the coming weeks.

He added: “I met Noddy through the TV show and now ridiculously we’ve become best friends and we go out for dinner every week, which is amazing.”Describing the collaboration with the Slade frontman, who has roots in Walsall, Seals recalled: “The lyrics spoke to me in a time where I needed them and here we are.”We recorded it and I’ve been told there’s a chance we might just get it in the official Jazz and Blues charts, which I’m so excited by.”Slade, the rock band, was formed in Wolverhampton in 1966 and enjoyed enormous success with hits including Mama Weer All Crazee Now and festive favourite Merry Xmas Everybody.The Crewe musician, who has previously played alongside the likes of Jools Holland and Gregory Porter, said the song is “real music”.He added: “It’s rock and roll, it’s jazz, blues, boogie-woogie, swing, it’s great. It’s live, it’s mistakes and all and I’m so proud of it.”

Our daily round-up of the latest news from clubs and players across the Premier League
Here is your daily briefing for the latest Premier League stories on Tuesday 12 May.
Guehi ‘an unbelievable signing’, says Pep 
It is surely no coincidence that Manchester City’s end-of-season charge towards the title has come since Marc Guehi signed from Crystal Palace in January.
Man City are unbeaten in the Premier League since Guehi joined, winning nine and drawing four of their 13 games.
Although the 25-year-old had a moment to forget earlier this month when his backpass gifted Everton a goal in a costly 3-3 draw, Pep Guardiola has hailed Guehi’s overall influence as the centre-back prepares to face his former club Palace on Wednesday.”He is an incredible signing,” the Man City manager said. “He’s focused in every single detail in every game, in his private life, to be a professional. He is an unbelievable signing for this club.
“We are really pleased. He is behaving how we expected in moments, how we turn around immediately. That defines the big players at the big clubs.”
Palace have a significant role to play in the title race, facing second-placed Man City 11 days before hosting league leaders Arsenal on the final day.
If Man City and Arsenal both take maximum points between now and then, only two points would separate them going into the last game.Oliver Glasner’s side could be forgiven for having one eye on their UEFA Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano, which comes three days after hosting the Gunners. But Guardiola is confident they will give their all against the Gunners.
“I am sure they will do their best, knowing that they have the final three days later,” Guardiola said.
“They are so professional, the teams. Crystal Palace will play top. We saw Leeds yesterday against Spurs (a 1-1 draw), how even being out of the relegation battle… how they compete.”
De Zerbi hopes Leeds will also frustrate West Ham
Leeds’ battling display on Monday was also noteworthy for Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi.
Despite Leeds now being safe from relegation, they came from behind away from home to frustrate the north Londoners on Monday, with former Spurs defender Joe Rodon  epitomising his side’s effort when he made a heroic block to deny Richarlison a crucial winner in the 15th minute of stoppage time. 
It leaves Spurs just two points ahead of West Ham United in the fight to avoid the final relegation place – and Leeds visit West Ham on the final day.”In the end, I think we have to fight until the end of the season,” De Zerbi told Sky Sports. “Leeds played a good game. We hope they play like this against West Ham because it is right like this.
“We didn’t play well but fighting relegation is like this, you cannot play all games calm.”
Watch: How the relegation battle CHANGED in Spurs 1-1 LeedsWhite suffers ‘significant’ knee injury
Arsenal hope Ben White will be fit for pre-season after announcing the defender sustained a “significant” knee injury against West Ham on Sunday.White has damaged his medial knee ligament, ruling him out of Arsenal’s final two games as they chase a first Premier League title in 22 years and then prepare for the UEFA Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.Given the nature of the injury, it looks highly unlikely White will be available for England at the FIFA World Cup. He had been recalled by England manager Thomas Tuchel for the March friendlies – his first involvement with the national team since the Qatar 2022 World Cup.An Arsenal statement said: “Our medical team are now managing Ben’s recovery and rehabilitation programme, with everyone fully focused on supporting the aim of Ben being ready for the start of our pre-season preparations.”
Defoe compares Rayan with Bale
“I’m going to make a big statement. He reminds me of Gareth Bale to be honest – he plays so effortlessly.”
It was the biggest of statements from Jermain Defoe, the former Spurs striker, comparing AFC Bournemouth’s 19-year-old forward Rayan to Premier League great Bale.
Defoe saw Bale’s rise first-hand at Spurs, where the Welshman won the EFL Cup and several Player of the Season awards before moving to Real Madrid and winning the UEFA Champions League five times.
“You get a lot of players, like [Lionel] Messi and [Eden] Hazard, who dribble with it close to their foot, but he (Rayan) knocks it out of his feet and gets onto it,” Defoe said on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football (MNF).
“He’s so dynamic, quick, strong. One v one he never turns it down – I love players like that. He comes inside, he’s efficient in front of goal. He’s been amazing. This is a kid that can go to the next level.”
The MNF analysts displayed Rayan’s season shot map. He has scored five goals from 25 shots – a mix of right-foot, left-foot and headers.Rayan, signed from Brazilian side Vasco da Gama in January, has scored in his last three Premier League games. Only three teenagers have scored in four successive matches: Robbie Fowler, Nicolas Anelka and Francis Jeffers.
Casemiro compares Fernandes with Modric
Rio Ferdinand picked Casemiro up from his house in a taxi and interviewed the Manchester United midfielder on the way to the club’s Carrington training ground in the latest episode of the Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube show.
During the conversation, Casemiro discussed FWA Footballer of the Year Bruno Fernandes and compared his direct style with that of Luka Modric.
Casemiro played alongside midfielder Modric for nine years at Real Madrid, where they won five Champions Leagues and three LaLiga titles together.
“I love Bruno,” Casemiro said. “What I love about Bruno, he plays forward every time. Every time he kills the opposition team.
“I love this because sometimes you lose two or three goals but he looks forward all the time. I love Bruno’s game because of this. Every time, assist, pass, pass, pass, pass forward, pass forward.
“Luka, every time he turns, he plays forward. Every time. Turn, play it forward. You pass to him, he never controls it back.”
Ferdinand added that it reminded him of playing alongside Paul Scholes at Man Utd.
Omens good for Hull City as they target promotion
On Monday, Hull City became the first side to book their place in the Championship playoff final – and history suggests they have a strong chance of winning the match and earning promotion to the Premier League.
The Tigers have reached the final twice before and won both times through stunning long-range strikes.
In 2008 they beat Bristol City 1-0 thanks to Dean Windass’s volley from the edge of the box. They were relegated in their second Premier League season, returned after finishing second in 2012/13 and were relegated again in their second season back.
But they came straight back up via the playoffs, beating Sheffield Wednesday in the 2016 playoff final, again by only a single goal. Mohamed Diame scored the winner from even further out than Windass.
Hull’s story this season is even more remarkable considering they began the campaign under a transfer embargo.
Manager Sergej Jakirovic told the BBC ahead of the semi-final second leg against Millwall that anyone who said they would be this close to the Premier League would have been “crazy”.
Hull will face either Southampton or Middlesbrough in the final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 23 May.

Arsenal have been handed a boost in signing Atalanta midfielder Ederson, with Atletico Madrid turning their attention to Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Joao Gomes.

The Gunners could enter the transfer market for a new midfielder this summer, and it has previously been reported that they could compete with Atletico for Ederson.

They have now been handed a big boost with Diego Simeone’s side pulling out of the race.

Reputed journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Atletico don’t want to pay £39 million for the 26-year-old whose contract expires in June next year.

Manchester Evening News have now revealed that Atletico are ‘expected’ to sign Gomes from Wolves instead. They are in advanced talks for the player.

In our view, the Gunners now have the door open to complete a deal for Ederson.

Ederson could be signed as Norgaard’s replacement

The Gunners signed Norgaard from Brentford in a deal worth £15m last summer. The Dane has been a fringe player with less than 60 minutes of league action.

Manager Mikel Arteta has benched Martin Zubimendi for the last three matches, but it has been Myles Lewis-Skelly, who has got the nod to partner Declan Rice in the heart of the midfield.

It is quite clear that the manager does not trust Norgaard enough, despite his good track record at Brentford. We won’t be surprised if he heads through the exit door this summer.

Ederson would be a superb replacement and could provide fierce competition for a starting spot.

The 26-year-old has had a brilliant individual season at Atalanta. He has completed 89 percent of his passes in Serie A, while winning an average of five duels alongside four recoveries per game.

The former Salernitana man has also won two tackles per outing. He also possesses good ball control, losing possession on fewer than eight occasions per league appearance for Atalanta.

At 26, Ederson is at the prime phase of his career and would be a bargain signing at £39m. The Gunners may negotiate a lower fixed fee, with easy performance add-ons covering the remainder.

United are likewise keen on landing the highly-rated midfielder. The Gunners must be proactive to beat the Red Devils in the pursuit of Ederson, who appears open to a move to English football.

Stats from Sofascore