Wolves stay winless as Pereira sent off in draw

Jan Paul van Hecke's late header denied Wolves a first Premier League win of the season as the hosts had boss Vitor Pereira sent off at Molineux.

Wolves remain bottom of the table - with just two points from their opening seven games - after Sunday's draw with Brighton.

Bart Verbruggen's unfortunate first-half own goal - after Marshall Munetsi's strike hit the bar and ricocheted in off the goalkeeper - looked like giving the hosts a first league victory since April.

It came just a minute after Pereira was dismissed by referee Jarred Gillett, having accidentally kicked a ball into the broadcasters' dugout in fury at Wolves not being awarded a free-kick.

Pereira's red card sparked a reaction from his side and there were glimpses of Wolves returning to their best in a combative game, with Jhon Arias missing a chance to double their lead in the second half when he fired over.

Sam Johnstone's brilliant save denied Georginio Rutter an equaliser, while home forward Jorgen Strand Larsen hit the post with 15 minutes left.

But that miss cost the hosts when Van Hecke's bullet header found the bottom corner with four minutes left to earn Brighton a point.

Wolves analysis: Next two games crucial for strugglers

Wolves' first two games after the international break - at Sunderland and then home to Burnley - now appear absolutely vital.

It took until the 11th game of last season for Wolves to win in the Premier League, a start which ultimately cost Gary O'Neil his job.

The ink is only just dry on the three-year deal Pereira signed last month but it will not be worth much if Wolves cannot end their winless run.

O'Neil was handed a four-year deal on the eve of last season and was out of the door after four months - so if Pereira and Wolves do not want history repeating itself the victories must come quickly.

While there is no desire for a change and Wolves feel Pereira's experience and quality will dig them out of this hole, for that to happen they need to improve.

There were glimpses here they were returning to some form, but ultimately Wolves did not create enough chances to put the game to bed - and were once again undone by a late equaliser, as they were in last week's draw at Tottenham.

The hosts had just nine touches in Brighton's box (compared to the Seagulls' 26 in Wolves' area) and made only 35 successful passes in the final third, compared to Brighton's 104.

Wolves are struggling as an attacking force and are also unable to keep clean sheets - a combination which will only lead one way.

Brighton analysis: Seagulls still far from best

Brighton's impressive run at Molineux continues, but the Seagulls were far from their best.

It is now just one defeat in their last 12 league outings at Wolves, although they needed a late equaliser to back up last week's 3-1 win at Chelsea.

Boss Fabian Hurzeler spoke before the game about hoping to see the right mindset from his players and wanting them to take responsibility for performances.

It was not a classic display - given the Seagulls had scored 12 goals in their previous four league games at this ground - but Hurzeler would have been satisfied with the mental strength his side showed having gone a goal down.

Brighton's current playing style is perhaps not as defined as their high-tempo philosophy under predecessor Roberto de Zerbi, who built a side able to play out from the back.

Hurzeler wants control and intensity - both in and out of possession - and did not quite get that at Molineux, but the Seagulls still managed to leave with a point.

What's next for these teams?

Wolves visit Sunderland on Saturday, 18 October (15:00 BST kick-off) after the international break before hosting Burnley on Sunday, 26 October (14:00).

Brighton welcome Newcastle on Saturday, 18 October (15:00) and then travel to Manchester United on Saturday, 25 October (17:30).

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