Wolverhampton Wanderers currently languish in 20th place in the Premier League standings. They have yet to record a victory this season and have managed just three points from their opening ten games. Wolves had a similar start two seasons ago, when they were 18th after 17 games. They had managed just three wins and had 13 points on the board. However, they recovered strongly and finished 13th, seven points above the relegation zone.
Gary O’Neil’s side faced similar struggles last season as well. However, it was in the opposite order. They were good for most of the season, sitting 9th after 29 league games. Their last ten games were disastrous, though, with Wolves picking up just one win, dropping them to 14th.
Wolves have struggled to stay consistent for the entire season. They’re good for long durations of the year but can go on really bad runs. If Wolves want to turn things around, they must act fast. Last week’s draw against Crystal Palace means that the Midlands side have just one win in their previous twenty league games. Despite the horror ending to Wolves’ 2023-14 season, the team was not strengthened, and they lost key players like Pedro Neto and Maximilian Kilman.
Wolverhampton Wanderers have been really poor in defence
It’s easy to point out Wolves’ biggest problem this season – their defence and goalkeeping. They have conceded 27 goals so far – the worst in the league. Worryingly, the 27 goals have come from an expected goals against (xGA) of 19.1. While the xGA is still bad (fourth worst in the league), Wolves have conceded eight more goals than they should have. The defenders have allowed far too many shots on target (second most), and the keepers have failed to keep them out.
Wolverhampton have a PsxG-GA (post-shot expected goals – goals allowed) of -4.6, the worst in the league. Both keepers Jose Sa and new Sam Johnstone have been underwhelming in goal. O’Neil seems uncertain about his first-choice keeper, with both having a negative PsxG-GA.
Their stats in attack are not great, but not bad either. Despite recording the second-lowest XG in the league, Wolves have been clinical with their finishing, having scored 14 goals. However, they must increase their chance creation, with Wolves ranking 19th in passes into the penalty area and touches in the penalty area,
O’Neil’s side have a favourable fixture run, beginning with a home clash against Southampton this weekend. Three points against a fellow relegation side is paramount to their chances of survival.
