Video - Carlos Carvalhal hails perfect reaction of triumphant Sheffield Wednesday

The Owls rallied after going behind to an early penalty from former loanee Benik Afobe with Fernando Forestieri soon levelling from the spot before adding a quick-fire second.

A fine strike just before the hour mark from Daniel Pudil provided the Owls with a two-goal cushion and gloss was provided by a stoppage-time fourth from Gary Hooper - his first goal at Hillsborough since joining on loan.

It provided the Owls with their first win over Wolves in 11 matches since March 2006 and a timely tonic after their below-par midweek loss at MK Dons.

Carvalhal, whose side face Birmingham and Middlesbrough over the festive period, said: “Today was a challenge after the last game. Groups can get down, but champions are different.

“The challenge was to have a strong and fast reaction after the last game and we did that.

“The second challenge was beating Wolves. I think it’s been a lot of years since we have beaten Wolves and it was a challenge to us to break this kind of thing because we wanted to try our bet to break this.

“The answer of the players was absolutely fantastic. Today, the team were a little more offensive also. We didn’t start well, but after 15 minutes, we started to control the game and we produced a fantastic score and performance with some goals against a difficult opponent who were organised.

“But today was the day for my players.”

Beleaguered Wolves boss Kenny Jackett was critical of his side’s defending and admitted that he is ‘in the firing line; with the Midlanders having won just once in their past eight matches.

Jackett, whose side lost 3-2 at home to Leeds United on Thursday, said: “We were too brittle defensively to get something out of the game.

“Football manager is what it is. We have just lost two games and conceded seven goals.

“Our position is not where we want to be after finishing seventh last year. I certainly accept I am in the firing line.”