Crystal Palace pulled off a stunning 2-0 away win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux Stadium on Saturday, November 22, 2025, turning a dull first half into a nightmare for the home side in just two minutes of second-half magic. The goals came from Daniel Munoz and Yeremy Pino — the latter netting his first ever Premier League goal — and both were born from the same deadly set-piece routine that left Wolves’ defense utterly clueless. The final whistle blew at 19:12 UK time, sealing a result that sent Palace climbing in the table and exposed Wolves’ growing crisis in front of goal.
A first half that went nowhere
For 45 minutes, Molineux was a study in frustration. Wolves, playing in front of a crowd hungry for a win after three straight home defeats, dominated possession but lacked cutting edge. Dean Henderson, the English goalkeeper born March 12, 1997, made a vital stop in the 23rd minute, tipping a Craig Dawson header onto the crossbar and behind for a corner. It was the closest either side came to scoring before the break. Crystal Palace, meanwhile, looked content to absorb pressure and strike on the counter. Jean-Philippe Mateta, the French forward, was the only Palace player consistently threatening, holding up play and linking with Munoz on the left flank. But the real story was the silence — no shots on target, no momentum, just a slow build-up of tension.
The two minutes that changed everything
Then, at the 60th minute, everything flipped. A short corner from Eberechi Eze found Yeremy Pino on the edge of the box. He took one touch, fired low, and the ball took a deflection off a scrambling Wolves defender — then bounced off the post and into the net off the boot of Daniel Munoz, who had slipped past both Toti Gomes and Maximilian Kilman unnoticed. "Wolves didn’t know where he was," NBC Sports commentator remarked. "The set piece routine works wonders. And it’s Wolves nil. Crystal Palace one." Two minutes later, it got worse. A loose clearance from Wolves’ Portuguese midfielder Joao Gomes — known in the broadcast as "Huang" due to a mispronunciation — fell straight to Pino, who didn’t hesitate. He struck it first time, a curling, left-footed rocket that kissed the underside of the crossbar before thudding into the net. "That’s stunning," the commentator gasped. "It’s a stunning hit. Palace double their lead. Wolves nil. Crystal Palace too." Wolves had no answer. No urgency. No idea how to stop it.
Zero on target — and no answers
After the second goal, Wolves didn’t register a single shot on target for the remainder of the match. Not one. Rebecca Lowe, NBC Sports’ studio host, noted in her post-match analysis: "Wolves weren’t managing an effort on target in that second half, but they did improve after the break — until Daniel Munoz put Palace in front and Yeremy Pino slotted his first Premier League goal." That’s not just poor finishing. That’s a collapse in belief. Their last win at Molineux? Back in August. Their last clean sheet? October 5. Now, they’ve conceded in five straight home games.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace’s tactical discipline was textbook. Tyrick Mitchell acted as a decoy during the build-up to Pino’s goal, drawing two defenders away. Mateta’s work rate kept the ball alive. And Eze — though not on the scoresheet — was the architect. His composure on set pieces is becoming the heartbeat of this side. This wasn’t luck. It was preparation.
Who’s missing? And who’s watching?
Wolves’ lineup was missing their usual spark. Ruben Neves was absent through injury, and the midfield lacked rhythm. Tyler Glasser, a young midfielder mentioned in the NBC transcript as "Tyler Glaster’s Crystal Palace. Not the bow that he was hoping to make at Molyneux," remained an unused substitute — a reminder that even Palace’s depth is being tested. But for Wolves, the problem runs deeper. Their attacking trio of Pedro Neto, Matheus Cunha, and Hwang Hee-chan were all held to silence. Neto didn’t take a single shot. Cunha was barely seen. The bubble at Molineux has been punctured — and it’s not just about goals. It’s about identity.
What this means for the Premier League race
Crystal Palace, now sitting just outside the top six, have won four of their last six league games. Their away record is the best in the bottom half of the table. This win wasn’t just three points — it was a statement. They’re no longer just surviving. They’re building. Meanwhile, Wolves sit in 16th, just two points above the relegation zone, and their next fixture — against Brentford on November 29 — looms like a do-or-die moment. Their manager, Julen Lopetegui, has 72 hours to fix a team that looks lost.
And the set pieces? They’re no longer a novelty. They’re a weapon. Palace have scored seven goals from set pieces this season — the most in the Premier League. That’s not coincidence. That’s coaching. That’s execution.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Crystal Palace’s set pieces lead to both goals?
Both goals stemmed from the same pre-planned routine: Eberechi Eze delivered a short corner to Yeremy Pino, who drew defenders before cutting back. The first goal came from a deflection off Wolves’ defense that fell to Daniel Munoz, who was unmarked. The second resulted from a poor clearance by Joao Gomes, allowing Pino to strike first time. Palace have practiced this routine for weeks — and Wolves, despite video analysis, failed to adjust.
Why did Wolverhampton Wanderers fail to register a shot on target after the 60th minute?
After Munoz’s goal, Wolves lost all attacking structure. Their forwards retreated, midfielders hesitated, and crosses became aimless. Dean Henderson’s lone save came before the first goal — after that, they rarely threatened. The absence of Ruben Neves left a void in creativity, and their lack of movement off the ball made them predictable. Crystal Palace’s compact shape and high press suffocated them.
What’s the significance of Yeremy Pino’s first Premier League goal?
Pino, a 23-year-old Spanish winger signed from Villarreal in 2023, had been under pressure to deliver after a slow start. His goal wasn’t just his first in the Premier League — it was his first from open play in over 18 months. The strike showed his composure under pressure and validated Crystal Palace’s faith in him as a finisher, not just a dribbler. He’s now tied for the team lead in assists this season.
How has Dean Henderson’s performance impacted Wolves’ season?
Henderson, once a Manchester United prospect, has been Wolves’ most consistent player — but even he can’t save a team that gives him nothing. He made 4 saves in this match, including a superb one on Dawson’s header. But with zero shots on target after the 60th minute, his contributions were rendered irrelevant. Wolves’ issue isn’t goalkeeping — it’s generating quality chances. He’s saved 14 shots this season, yet they’ve conceded 21 goals. That’s a systemic problem.
What’s next for Crystal Palace and Wolverhampton Wanderers?
Crystal Palace face Leicester City at Selhurst Park on November 30, aiming for their sixth win in eight matches. Wolves travel to Brentford on November 29 — a must-win game with relegation fears mounting. Both teams have six games left before the January transfer window. Palace need to maintain momentum; Wolves need a miracle. One team is building. The other is barely holding on.
Is this a sign of a tactical shift in the Premier League?
Absolutely. Teams are catching on: set pieces are the new counterattacks. Crystal Palace, under manager Oliver Glasner, have invested heavily in video analysis and repetition drills. They’ve scored 7 goals from set pieces this season — more than any other team in the bottom half. Meanwhile, Wolves’ coaching staff admitted after the game they didn’t scout the routine properly. This isn’t just about one match — it’s about a growing trend: precision over power.