Wolves manager Mick McCarthy defended his decision to make five changes with a top-of-the-table league clash at Reading on the horizon.While Southgate had to pick up the pieces of a squad that was worse-for-wear after transfers and injuries.
McCarthy's side travel to the Madejski Stadium to take on their nearest rivals on Tuesday, and he seemed to pick his team accordingly. But it backfired.
I'm sure the Yorkshireman can say he can do without the distraction of the cup, but success breeds success and Boro could turn the corner after this win.
Wolves started with top-scorer Sylvan Ebanks-Blake on the bench alongside the likes of Michael Kightly, Andy Keogh and Kevin Foley - all of whom are likely to feature against the Royals.
McCarthy: "To be fair, Stephen Ward was injured and Richard Stearman was suspended.
"But I think if our aim is to go to Reading and get something, then to have all my team play 90 minutes ahead of playing the most dynamic team in the league - and arguably the best team in the league - would be folly on my part.
"We still tried to win the game. We had three strikers on trying to win the game because we didn't want a replay. But it was not to be.
"We will now play a league game instead of a cup game and that's it. It's all about the league now and we are in a good position."