The recent Premier League encounter at Molineux between Wolves and Brighton was a rollercoaster of emotions, a match filled with dramatic twists and turns that ultimately ended in heartbreak for the home side. While the final scoreline — a 1-1 draw — might have felt like two points dropped for Wolves, one positive from the match was the standout performance of goalkeeper Sam Johnstone. Marshall Munetsi, Wolves’ influential Zimbabwean midfielder, was quick to recognise this after the final whistle, describing Johnstone’s recent displays as “exceptional.”
This praise is significant for several reasons. Wolves have had a challenging start to the season, struggling to find consistency and desperately searching for their first Premier League win. The pressure on the squad, and especially the defensive unit, has been immense. With that backdrop, Johnstone’s emergence as a dependable last line of defence has been a major boost.
During the match against Brighton, Munetsi was involved in the early action that led to Wolves taking the lead. His relentless pressure forced an own goal from Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, giving Wolves a glimmer of hope. But the game was far from straightforward. The drama escalated when Wolves’ manager Vitor Pereira was sent off following an incident on the touchline. For a time, fans and players alike were unsure about the exact reason for the red card, adding to the tension. The club’s assistant coach has since clarified the cause, helping to make sense of the chaotic scene that unfolded.
Despite these off-field distractions, Johnstone remained composed and resilient between the sticks. Since being handed the starting goalkeeper role following Jose Sa’s dip in form, Johnstone has grabbed the opportunity with both hands. Munetsi’s description of him being “commanding really well and making crucial saves” captures the essence of Johnstone’s impact. Not only has he been solid in shot-stopping, but he has also demonstrated leadership qualities — communicating effectively with his defence, organising the backline, and showing the confidence needed in such a demanding position.
While Johnstone’s performances have generally been very strong, they have not been without their moments of adjustment. Like any keeper settling into a new role, there were a few spills and moments of uncertainty during the match. However, these are minor blemishes in what has been an otherwise commendable run. The 58th-minute save against Brighton was a standout moment, illustrating his reflexes and composure in a critical part of the game. Without that save, Wolves might have found themselves trailing, making his contribution even more vital.
The cruel irony of football was evident late in the match when Jan Paul van Hecke scored an 86th-minute equaliser, snatching a point from Wolves’ grasp and denying Johnstone what would have been a well-earned clean sheet. Munetsi’s comments after the game, highlighting how Johnstone “deserved the clean sheet but we let him down as his teammates,” reflect the shared disappointment within the squad. It’s a testament to Johnstone’s performance that the rest of the team felt they hadn’t done enough to support him.
This situation also raises questions about Wolves’ goalkeeping hierarchy. Jose Sa, the former number one, now faces a challenge to regain his spot. While Sa did improve his form when given another chance after being dropped, Johnstone’s steady performances have made it difficult for the Portuguese keeper to force his way back into the starting eleven. It’s a classic example of how competition within a squad can push players to elevate their game, but it also means that Sa will have to bide his time and be ready for when his opportunity arises.
That opportunity is likely to come in the upcoming Carabao Cup fixture against Chelsea at Molineux on October 29th. This match could provide a platform for Sa to showcase his abilities once again, potentially sparking a renewed battle for the number one spot. For now, however, it appears that Johnstone has firmly established himself as the Premier League starter for Wolves.
From a broader perspective, Johnstone’s rise underscores an important element of Wolves’ current season — the need for stability and leadership in key positions. With the team struggling to convert performances into victories, having a goalkeeper who commands confidence and can make crucial saves is invaluable. Johnstone’s presence can provide the defensive foundation Wolves need as they look to climb the table and secure their Premier League status.
It will be interesting to see how the Wolves squad adapts going forward. The integration of Johnstone into the starting lineup has brought a fresh dynamic, but the team must collectively improve to avoid leaving their keeper exposed in crucial moments, as was the case against Brighton. For Munetsi and his teammates, maintaining discipline and concentration for the full 90 minutes will be essential if they want to start turning draws into wins.
Looking ahead, the fixture list will test Wolves’ resilience. Matches against top-flight teams like Chelsea present challenges but also opportunities to build momentum and confidence. With Johnstone’s recent form and Munetsi’s midfield energy, there are signs Wolves can grow stronger and more competitive.
Are you hopeful that Wolves can build on this and find their first Premier League victory soon? Do you think Johnstone will continue to solidify his place as a long-term number one, or might Sa reclaim his spot? And how important do you think the rest of the squad’s defensive improvement will be in supporting their keeper?
I’d love to hear your thoughts on the bigger picture for Wolves this season and what role you see Johnstone playing in their journey moving forward.