Express & Star

Nuno hails Wolves' defence for their part in point at Arsenal

Nuno Espirito Santo has heaped praise on his Wolves defenders after their valiant efforts helped seal a memorable point at Arsenal.

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Ivan Cavaleiro struck in the first half in North London and Wolves seemed set to take all three points, until substitute Henrikh Mkhitaryan's intended cross crept in late on.

Despite that leveller, Nuno's charges kept pushing in a bid to claim a famous victory and almost did as Morgan Gibbs-White smacked the crossbar.

Adama Traore also had a one-on-one effort saved late on too – and Nuno feels those opportunities coming along was down to the commitment shown at the back.

"If there was more time, maybe we still have another chance," said Nuno.

"In that moment, what enabled us to get those chances was the way we were defending.

"We were very organised and we didn't allow Arsenal to play.

"We are really organised. We prepared well for the game and the boys played very good. Much credit to them."

Substitute Diogo Jota was denied from point-blank range before the Gunners equalised.

Wolves did have the chances to win it, and when asked if he was disappointed that they failed to take all three points, Nuno said: "No.

"Why disappointed? It was such a good game and such a good performance.

"I think we played very good. Defensively, we were solid and brave.

"There was talent in possession, creating chances – a very good performance.

"We could have won, but that's football. Let's analyse and look at what was missing for us to win the game."

Nuno was delighted with the ruthlessness shown by Cavaleiro to open the scoring – putting the ball in the back of the net seconds after Granit Xhaka gave it away.

"It was good movement, well played," he added.

"We had good mobility – creating a better decision and a good finish.

"We had other chances, also because of good offensive movement.

"It was a good game. To come here, to such a difficult stadium, with our fans here who I want to thank, and enjoy it and compete until the end, it says a lot about what we want, what we are working for and how we want to play."