Cesar Peixoto could hardly have asked for a better start to life at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The new Wolves boss celebrated his first victory in charge on his competitive debut as the Championship club cruised past League Two side Port Vale to book their place in the second round of the Carabao Cup.
Three first-half goals from Adam Armstrong, Andre and Fer Lopez effectively settled the contest before half-time. Port Vale showed plenty of courage after the break and had opportunities to make the scoreline more respectable, but Wolves had already done the damage.
For Peixoto, the result provided an early boost as he begins the difficult task of guiding Wolves back to the Premier League following their relegation.
Wolves make fast start under Peixoto
Wolves wasted little time taking control at Molineux.
The breakthrough arrived in the 14th minute when young Portuguese winger Mateus Mane delivered a dangerous cross into the box. A deflection sent the ball into the path of Armstrong, and the summer arrival calmly finished from close range.
The former Blackburn Rovers, Southampton and West Bromwich Albion striker then came within inches of adding another, only to see his effort strike the post.
Port Vale, however, refused to sit back. Jon Brady’s side created several promising opportunities to equalise, with Jordan Gabriel coming closest.
Gabriel attempted to steer an on-loan Wrexham player’s header over the line, but his effort went narrowly wide when he appeared to lose concentration at the crucial moment.
That miss proved costly.
Wolves punished Vale again in the 34th minute with a well-executed set-piece. Yerson Mosquera flicked the ball on, allowing Andre to rise above the defence and head home for only his second goal for the club.
By half-time, Wolves had added a third.
Rodrigo Gomes played his part in creating the opening before Fer Lopez finished the move to score his first goal since joining Wolves in a £19m deal from Spain.
At 3-0, the game was effectively beyond Port Vale.
Vale fight back but miss penalty
Port Vale returned from the break with renewed energy and looked determined to make Wolves uncomfortable.
Their best opportunity came 11 minutes into the second half when Mosquera brought down Mo Faal inside the penalty area.
The referee pointed to the spot, giving Vale a chance to pull one back and potentially create an interesting final half-hour.
Faal, a former West Brom striker, stepped up to take responsibility but saw his penalty saved by Wolves goalkeeper Daniel Bentley.
It was a frustrating moment for Vale, who had shown plenty of attacking intent despite the gulf in divisions.
Wolves remained comfortable for the remainder of the match and saw out the victory without serious difficulty.
Trippier starts as Jimenez receives huge welcome
Only one of Wolves’ summer signings started the match, with experienced former England right-back Kieran Trippier included in the starting XI.
There was also a special moment for Raul Jimenez, who received a huge reception when he came off the bench in the second half.
The Mexican striker returned to Wolves this summer after leaving Fulham, and his appearance was warmly welcomed by the Molineux crowd.
His return adds another familiar face and significant experience to a Wolves squad preparing for the challenge of life in the Championship.
Peixoto wants more reinforcements
Despite the convincing scoreline, Peixoto was quick to acknowledge that Wolves still have plenty of work to do.
Speaking to BBC Radio WM, the Portuguese manager admitted he was delighted to secure his first win but stressed that improvements and further recruitment are still needed.
“A first victory is important to bring confidence,” Peixoto said.
He also indicated that Wolves are still looking to strengthen before the transfer window closes, although the summer schedule has been complicated by the World Cup.
For a club with ambitions of returning immediately to the Premier League, the next few weeks could prove crucial.
What comes next?
Wolves now turn their attention to the start of their Championship campaign.
Peixoto’s side will open their league season at home next Friday night against Tony Mowbray’s Blackburn Rovers, with expectations already high following relegation.
Port Vale, meanwhile, must quickly put the cup disappointment behind them. Their League Two campaign begins the following day with an away trip to Oldham.
The Carabao Cup victory may only be the first step, but for Peixoto and Wolves, it was an important one. A new manager, a new challenge and a new season have begun with a convincing win.
