The Wolves are in unfamiliar territory because they’re in the dreaded relegation zone. With only six points under their belt, the Molineux side is 19th in the Premier League table, and the Premier League 2024 odds aren’t optimistic about their chances to stay up.
Because of this, Gary O’Neil’s job is in jeopardy, although he got some much-needed breathing room following their recent Premier League 2024 results.
After a five-game losing streak in September, the Wolves have gone undefeated in their last three, and they notched their first league win last Saturday.
Their 2-0 win against Southampton was their first victory from their last 20 league fixtures, and the Wolves are hoping to tack on more points in their next few matches.
As we wait until the resumption of club football, allow SBOTOP to examine what went wrong for the Wolves at the start of this season.
Defencive woes put the Wolves in a deep hole
The Wolves are off to a bad start because they have a porous defence. Until today, they own the league’s worst backline statistically since they’ve already surrendered 27 league goals for a goal difference of -11.
The loss of centre-back Max Kilman played a role in the Wolves’ poor performance. The Wolves sold the 27-year-old to West Ham United for £40 million this summer, and he’s doing well under Julen Lopetegui, his coach back then at Wolves.
The Wolves failed to reinforce their defence during the summer transfer window in the wake of Max Kilman’s sale since Santiago Bueno and Craig Dawson are their only recognisable centre-backs.
If one of them gets injured, Gary O’Neil will be forced to play one or two players out of their natural position.
It also doesn’t help the Wolves that Yerson Mosquera, who returned to Molineux this summer after a loan spell at Villarreal, suffered a season-ending knee injury in September.
Besides their lack of centre-half depth, Gary O’Neil is also dealing with a huge conundrum at the goalkeeping position.
This summer, the Wolves acquired Sam Johnstone from Crystal Palace for €11.9 million to compete with the older Jose Sa. However, the 31-year-old goalkeeper couldn’t replicate his form last season, so much so that O’Neil benched him in favour of Sa.
The difference between these two goalkeepers is not that big.
Jose Sa has a slightly better record in terms of goals conceded per game (2.33) and has that one clean sheet against Southampton, while Sam Johnstone has a marginally higher save percentage (59.38-per cent). Sa has played in six league games, while Johnstone has appeared in five.
Right now, Sa is starting since Johnstone just returned to the bench after recovering from an injury. If Sa goes out of form, the Johnstone should be back as a starter.
Cunha can be the difference for Wolves
The Wolves, on the other hand, are doing okay on the other side of the pitch since they’ve already found the back of the net 16 times.
Matheus Cunha has been the top attacking threat for the Wolves, stepping up for the team after they sold Pedro Neto and Daniel Podence to Chelsea and Al-Shabab, respectively, this summer.
Cunha was the Man of the Match against Southampton because he had a hand in the two goals scored. Pablo Sarabia was on the receiving end of Cunha’s marauding run in the final third, finishing coolly past Aaron Ramsdale after a beautiful pass.
The 25-year-old striker sealed the three points for the Wolves when he fired a volley from outside the box during the 51st minute.
Matheus Cunha now has recorded five league goals and two assists. To the Wolves credit, they have provided support for the Brazilian, as Jorgen Strand Larsen and Rayan Ait-Nouri have combined for seven league goals and three assists.
Gary O’Neil’s job is at stake
Gary O’Neil and his coaching staff received a huge vote of confidence from the front office when they were handed four-year deals last summer. But given their predicament, don’t be surprised if the head honchos are sniffing around for a potential replacement.
If the Wolves ultimately sack O’Neil, they will likely hire someone with significant Premier League experience to try to steer them clear of trouble, and David Moyes fits the bill if recent reports are to be believed.
David Moyes is currently out of work after leaving West Ham United at the end of last season, and he is said to be eyeing a return to the dugout since he feels he has a lot left on his tank.
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