Wolverhampton Wanderers find themselves in a precarious position at the bottom of the Premier League table, currently sitting in 20th place. The team has yet to secure a win this season, managing to scrape together only three points from ten outings. This alarming start brings back memories of a similar plight two seasons ago, when Wolves languished in 18th place after 17 games, having garnered just three wins and 13 points. However, they made a remarkable turnaround that year, eventually finishing in 13th place, seven points clear of relegation.
The last season wasn’t much different in terms of inconsistency. While Wolves had a commendable run for a significant portion, peaking at 9th place after 29 matches, their ending was nothing short of disastrous. In the last ten games of the season, Wolves managed only a single win, which saw them tumble down to 14th place. Clearly, this ongoing struggle with inconsistency has raised concerns about the team’s ability to maintain performance throughout the season.
For Wolverhampton to turn the tide, immediate action is necessary. The recent draw against Crystal Palace highlighted a grim statistic: Wolves have now gone just one win in their last twenty league matches. Coupled with a disappointing conclusion to the 2023-24 season, the club’s management has not substantially strengthened the team during the transfer window. Moreover, they have lost several key players, including Pedro Neto and Maximilian Kilman, which has further weakened their squad.
One glaring issue for Wolves this season is their defensive capabilities. The team has struggled mightily in this area, conceding a staggering 27 goals—making them the worst defensive team in the league. What’s even more troubling is that these goals have come despite an expected goals against (xGA) of 19.1. This means that Wolves have allowed eight more goals than statistically expected based on the quality of the chances conceded. Their defenders are allowing too many shots on target, and both goalkeepers, Jose Sa and newcomer Sam Johnstone, have failed to deliver the necessary performances to keep the opposition from scoring.
The statistics are telling; Wolverhampton boasts a post-shot expected goals vs. goals allowed (PsxG-GA) of -4.6, the worst in the league. This concerning figure reflects the team’s struggles in the box, as both goalkeepers have not provided the solidity required to inspire confidence in their defense. Coach Gary O’Neil seems uncertain about selecting his first-choice goalkeeper, further complicating the situation for the backline.
As for their attacking capabilities, the stats present a mixed bag. Despite Wolves ranking second-lowest in the league for expected goals (XG), they have shown some efficiency in front of goal, scoring 14 times. However, this success is overshadowed by their lack of chance creation. Wolves rank 19th for passes made into the penalty area and touches inside the final third, indicating a desperate need for improvement in attack if they are to climb out of the relegation zone.
Fortunately for Wolves, there are signs of a potential turnaround on the horizon. They have a favorable run of fixtures coming up, starting with a crucial home match against Southampton this weekend. Facing a fellow relegation contender, securing all three points is vital for Wolves’ chances of survival in the Premier League.
As the season progresses, Wolverhampton must address both their defensive shortcomings and their struggle to generate attacking opportunities. Resilience and tactical adjustments will be pivotal as they attempt to claw their way back up the table. With key matches on the horizon, the pressure is on the players and coaching staff to transform their current plight into a fighting chance for survival.
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