Carl Ikeme was outstanding, on Friday as he inspired Wolverhampton Wanderers to a 1-0 win over Brighton and Hove Albion in an English Championship game. Ikeme produced no less than five top class save to guarantee maximum points for the visitors at the American Express Community Stadium.
After a composed first half display to shut out the hosts, Ikeme stepped on the accelerator with a performance for the ages in the second half to deny the home side time and again.
The first of such in the 71st minute foiled a counter-attack from Brighton as James Wilson broke down the right wing before cutting onto his left and firing firmly but Ikeme saved impressively.
Four minutes later, the Super Eagles man displayed yet another bit of great goalkeeping as he anticipated unerringly to claim a long ball on the edge of his box with Tomer Hemed challenging.
The goalkeeper displayed great positioning skills and firm handling in the 83rd minute as Lewis Dunk rose to meet James Wilson’s cross from the right wing.
Dunk’s header was destined for the bottom corner, but Ikeme was in the right position to save.
Bruno Saltor then rattled the Wolves crossbar from 25-yards with a cracking effort which Ikeme managed to keep out with the tip of his fingers, making a stunning save on the process.
Ikeme was again called into action in the 90th minute but he proved equal to the task with a fantastic leap and claim to hold a Brighton corner, delivered with intent into the Wolves six-yard box.
His final save of the game, in the final minute of added time was probably his best.
Ethan Ebanks-Landell rose highest in a crowded Wolves penalty area to head Jamie Murphy’s cross well but Lewis Dunk hit the loose ball with venom only for Ikeme to produce yet another save right of the top drawer to close out the win.
The win now sees Wolves move up to 11th on the Championship standings with 34 points from 25 matches; just six points off the playoff places.
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