Championship: Lopez calls Wolves return a fresh start after 3-1

Wolverhampton Wanderers beat Preston North End 3-1 in the Championship on Saturday, with Fer Lopez scoring twice. The Spaniard said returning to Wolves has felt like a fresh start after spending last season briefly back at Celta Vigo.

Lopez opened the scoring at Deepdale with an emphatic finish, then struck again later to put Wolves firmly in control. The visitors led 3-0 before Preston scored near the end, a moment that frustrated Lopez despite the result remaining secure.

The forward said his first goal came after he received possession from Andre with a defender close behind him. He carried the ball forward, assessed the space and chose to shoot towards the near post rather than look for a teammate.

His second goal followed a loose ball involving Tommy. Lopez reacted before the Preston defender and finished from close range. He said he has been working on becoming more direct in attacking positions, rather than always searching for the final pass.

The result strengthened Wolves’ confidence after a difficult run of matches in a division Lopez considers highly competitive. He pointed to Blackburn’s draw with Wolves and their subsequent victory over Middlesbrough as examples of how quickly results can change. Wolves’ performance also reflected a tactical adjustment, with the side pressing less aggressively because Preston relied more on long balls than building from the back.

Lopez said the return of players including Tommy and Bouba had contributed to the changed atmosphere at Wolves. He also welcomed the support from the travelling fans, with 5,600 Wolves supporters present in Lancashire, and said the team’s ambition is to win the league.

Wolves now turn their attention to the Carabao Cup, with Lopez calling for recovery before the next fixture. He said the squad is gaining belief and adapting more closely to the football demanded by the coach, while his own improved finishing has added another attacking option.