Wolves were beaten at the death by Manchester City on Sunday at Molineux, but one player has emerged with a great deal of credit.
Gary O'Neil changed the system to a back three with wing-backs, just as he did in this fixture last season. Wolves won 2-1 last time out, and the manager was hoping for more of the same.
But it wasn't to be this time around.
Despite a great start with Jorgen Strand Larsen scoring early, Wolves went on to lose 2-1 with Josko Gvardiol and John Stones scoring for the visitors.
There has been controversy about Stones' goal due to the position of Bernardo Silva. He was stood in front of Jose Sa from the corner and then moved as Stones headed it in.
The Portuguese was deemed not to be interfering.
That was especially frustrating for Sa, who had enjoyed a very good return to the side.
Johnstone was not in the matchday squad for Sunday's game, having apparently sustained a minor adductor injury during the international break.
So it was a big chance for Sa - and the 31-year-old did not disappoint.
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He made a string of great saves throughout the contest and kept Wolves in it right until the end. It was a good show of character, after fans thought Sa had looked shaky against Brighton in the Carabao Cup last month.
One man who was left impressed by the Wolves stopper was Alan Shearer, who intends to select him in his Team of the Week.
He said on the Rest Is Football podcast: "The keeper made some incredible saves."
Gary Lineker said: "Is he in his team of the week?"
Shearer replied: "Yes, he is. I put him in there for those four, five brilliant saves."
Jose Sa does not deserve to be dropped after Man City heroics O'Neil would be playing a very dangerous game if he chose to drop Sa for the next game against Brighton if Johnstone was fit and available.
Sa was simply superb against City and had it not been for him, it could have gotten ugly for Wanderers.
He deserves a lot of credit, because he's been in an uncomfortable situation for the past few weeks having dropped down the pecking order after the arrival of Johnstone.
Jose Sa vs Man City Minutes played - 90 Saves made - 5 Saves from shots inside the box - 2 Goals prevented - -0.19 High claims - 2 There is an argument now that Sa should keep his place in the side.
Because for many Wolves fans, Johnstone simply hasn't done enough since he came in from Crystal Palace for PS10 million.
We all know Sa - who cost Wolves around PS7 million - can have his moments. But yesterday he reminded everyone what a brilliant shot-stopper he is, and he surely has to keep his place.
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