Wolves 4 Leeds 1: League leaders pick up their fourth consecutive victory to move four points clear
First half strikes from Barry Douglas and Ivan Cavaleiro sent the hosts on their way before Diogo Jota and Helder Costa finished off the game
WOLVES put in a display to die four as they saw off ten-man Leeds with ease.
First-half strikes from Barry Douglas and Ivan Cavaleiro put Nuno Espirito Santo’s silky side on their way to a fourth consecutive win.
Ezgjan Alioski super volley halved the deficit shorly after the break.
But when Ronaldo Vieira saw red for a second yellow the hosts ran riot, netting again through Diogo Jota and Helder Costa’s penalty.
It put Wanderers four points clear at the top of the Championship.
And given how well this side - looking one of the finest ever in second-tier history - is gelling, any observer would only presume that gap will grow over time.
Leeds had ended a run of four straight defeats with a timely 2-1 victory over Middlesbrough and old boss Garry Monk on Sunday.
But Thomas Christiansen’s men never had a chance here, such was Wolves’ dominance.
From John Ruddy’s assurance in goal, to Wily Boly’s physical presence in defence, to Douglas’ set-piece delivery to the darting runs and close control of Cavaleiro and Diogo Jota, the hosts were simply a class apart.
They took the lead on 14 minutes through Douglas’ wonderful free-kick after Liam Cooper had tripped twinkle-toed Cavaleiro on the right-hand side of the box.
The Scot, back in the team after suspension, flighted an exquisite set-piece from 23 yards into the top corner, which had ex-Wolves keeper Andy Lonergan clutching nothing but air.
It was almost 2-0 seconds later as Leo Bonatini headed Cavaleiro’s lashed cross from the right just wide.
The pair combined again soon after, this time with Cavaleiro on the left-hand side of the pitch, but the Brazilian Bonatini could not find the target when stabbing the cross goalwards.
Cavaleiro was revelling in the occasion and threatened with a 20-yard strike down Lonergan’s throat.
Wolves’ second came on 26 minutes and was a thing of beauty.
Jota found Bonatini with a nutmeg and the striker gave it wide to Matt Doherty, who found Cavaleiro on the edge of the box.
The Portuguese flyer danced round two players and blasted into the net, with Lonergan only able to help it on its way into the top corner.
It was the kind of easy-on-the-eye football that was of a standard beyond that of the Championship.
And the type no doubt drawing envious glances down the road at West Brom after the Tony Pulis era.
Nuno’s side almost outdid themselves moments later as Cavaleiro exchanged passes with Jota but his put his dinked effort just wide of the far post.
At that point Leeds looked ready to raise the white flag, such was the punishment they were taking.
But four minutes after the break, they grabbed a lifeline through their own inspired piece of play.
Spaniard Samu Saiz, probably their star performer this year, picked out Alioski with a curling ball and the winger blasted a super volley past helpless Ruddy.
Yet the revival was short-lived as whizkid midfielder Vieira was dismissed for sliding in on Jota.
The Portuguese forward, on loan from Atletico Madrid, has been the star to shine brightest this term at Molineux.
And he added himself to the scorers’ list on 72 minutes with a great run and chip over the advancing Lonergan.
There was even time for Costa, out for so long earlier this campaign through injury, to register his first goal of the season.
Lonergan had brought down Bonatini in the box as he raced onto a clever pass from Romain Saiss and the spot-kick duties were handed to sub Costa.
The Portuguese wideman took his time before drilling to Lonergan’s left.
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And though the Leeds stopper got a hand to it, he could not keep it out, sparking the loudest cheer of the night.
Wanderer’s fans taunted Whites players with chants ‘Of he’s just too good for you’ in relation to Jota.
The same could be said of Wolves compared to the rest of the division.