This season has been a struggle for Wolverhampton Wanderers. After narrowly avoiding relegation in the previous campaign under manager Gary O’Neil, they now sit at the bottom of the Premier League standings.
It comes as a surprise to many, especially with BBC Sports’ Phil McNulty predicting a better performance from the Midlands team. However, when digging deeper into their stats, it is clear that Wolves have underperformed significantly this season, particularly in their defensive efforts.
Having yet to secure a win, Wolves have conceded the most goals in the league so far. Their backline has been porous, leading to embarrassing defeats against the likes of Chelsea and Brentford. Strangely, they are not at the bottom of the expected goals against list, showing they are underachieving in defense.
On the attacking front, Wolves have also struggled to find the back of the net consistently. While they have scored ten goals, the expected goals suggest they should have scored more. This inconsistency has been a major factor in their poor form.
Looking for a spark, manager O’Neil may turn to young winger Rodrigo Gomes. Despite limited opportunities, the Portuguese talent has shown glimpses of his potential. With his pace and skill, he could provide the creativity and goal threat needed to turn things around for Wolves.
As they prepare to face tough opponents in Brighton, Gomes could be the game-changer Wolves need. With his ability to unlock defenses and create chances, he has the potential to lift his team out of the relegation zone and set them on a path to success. It’s a risk O’Neil might be willing to take in order to change their fortunes this season.
