Coventry City surprised Wolverhampton Wanderers by securing a spot in the FA Cup semi-finals for only the second time in their history, thanks to two goals scored in stoppage time at Molineux.\
The Championship team initially led with Ellis Simms’ goal until the 83rd minute, only to fall behind 2-1 following a dramatic comeback by Wolves. However, Simms managed to equalize in the 97th minute before Haji Wright scored three minutes later, igniting jubilant scenes.
Despite feeling their hopes dashed when Rayan Ait-Nouri and substitute Hugo Bueno scored in the final seven minutes, responding to Simms’ controversial opener, Mark Robins’ team persevered. Simms secured his second goal unexpectedly, turning in Bobby Thomas’ flick at the far post.
As the stadium braced for extra time, Simms assisted Wright with a clever lay-off, leading to the 25-year-old finding the bottom corner with a precise strike, leaving Jose Sa with no chance.
At the final whistle, Robins and his coaching staff rushed onto the pitch to celebrate their team’s triumph, securing a return to Wembley. This victory holds special significance as it marks their chance for redemption after last season’s Championship play-off final defeat to Luton, and recalls their historic 1987 FA Cup win over Tottenham at the same venue.
Superb Simms the difference
Coventry’s victory was undeniable, even though the sheer manner of it left spectators breathless. The visitors displayed purposefulness from the onset, their play brimming with conviction, contrasting with the ponderousness of their opponents.
Former Everton striker Simms emerged as a genuine threat for Coventry. Despite lacking finesse, the 23-year-old’s combination of speed and strength proved formidable. In the first half, although his lack of precision was evident when he directed a side-footed effort straight at Sa with ample goal space to exploit.
Nevertheless, Simms, an £8m summer acquisition, possesses a natural goalscoring instinct. He capitalized on the opportunity to propel Coventry ahead, with the goal eventually confirmed after an extensive Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review for a potential handball.
Then, in what appeared to be the fading moments of a match his team seemed destined to lose, Simms found himself in almost an identical position at the far post, rescuing his side with the equalizer.
Simms demonstrated the strength to fend off the Wolves defense, allowing Wright ample time and space to secure the winning goal.
This moment dealt a crushing blow to Wolves manager Gary O’Neil, who likely entered the nine minutes of added time with hopes of his injury-plagued team salvaging a result.
Ait-Nouri, in particular, stood out and didn’t merit being on the losing side. In a squad lacking Pedro Neto, Hwang Hee-chan, and Matheus Cunha, the Algerian emerged as Wolves’ primary offensive threat.
He hit the post with a header as Wolves searched for an equaliser at 1-0 down, then finished neatly after pouncing on Joel Latibeaudiere’s mis-control.
Bueno thought he had won it with his first senior goal as he applied a smart finish after Coventry’s defence had opened up to invite him to run at them.
Simms had other ideas.
Fans united in unhappiness at VAR wait
Coventry doesn’t have access to VAR regularly in the Championship, unlike Wolves fans who are accustomed to it but often lack confidence in the system.
It was notable when Wolves supporters expressed their discontent with VAR through booing and chants, even though their team stood to benefit from the review.
The International Football Association Board, the governing body for the sport’s rules, has already dismissed the idea of live stadium replays in the near future. Even if such replays were possible, spectators might not appreciate continuous, ultra slow-motion replays of incidents.