A frustrating afternoon at Anfield where Wolves fought well but once again were the creators of their own downfall and still no points on the board for Rob Edwards after 7 games in charge.
Although Liverpool barely got out of second gear, Wolves held out fairly well until the 40th minute, defending deep and compact to keep the score a respectable 0-0 for the majority of the first half. Yet as soon as the first goal went in, we saw a repeat of the other 15 losses from this season. Heads dropped, eyes rolled and shirts were embarrassingly stretched over faces. With none of the “leadership group” showing a willingness to galvanise their teammates into fighting back for an equaliser, after less than a minute, the current champions had doubled their lead and we saw the same feeble and embarrassed reaction from the players.
The lack of leadership and pathetic mentality of this team is way beyond repair now. What little fight or enthusiasm left has evidently been battered out of them and for the good of everybody it’s time for many of them to leave this football club as early as possible and look for a new challenge. Thankfully, the January window opens in 4 days time and the mass exodus cannot come quick enough. Wolves so desperately need huge changes, and fast.
As to be expected, Wolves did not offer much of attacking threat away at Anfield, but there were at least some positive signs by our new favourite wonderkid Mateus Mane.
Never afraid to get on the ball and fearlessly drive forward with an eagerness to prove himself, the 18 year old forced Alisson into a good save down low and another effort shortly after just missed the top of the Kop’s crossbar. Beating his man with flair and trickery and showing the fighting spirit we’ve desperately lacked this season, Mane gives us a glimmer of hope for the future. We haven’t had much at all to enjoy this season, but in this kid, there is definitely something special. Our New Hope.
Another positive was our target man Tolu, who once again showed all the signs of becoming a real fan favourite at Molineux, should he wish to stay next season. All the things we’ve not seen from Strand Larsen this season, Arokodare showed in abundance. The 6ft 6 powerhouse fought for every header, rising high above Konate to win the aerial duel for our consolation corner goal, but he also ran the hard yards, chasing lost causes and made himself a real nuisance against the Liverpool backline. I really like Tolu and hope we can convince him to stay and lead the line in the Championship next season.
With such a solid showing from Tolu this afternoon, one can’t help but question why Edwards has persisted with such an out of form and out of confidence Jorgen Strand Larsen for so long? Edwards has to take some stick for this because there are moments in games where I feel with Tolu being on the pitch instead of his Norwegian teammate, Wolves could possibly have a couple more points on the board than they do.
Fans, pundits and probably the players themselves can all see this squad isn’t anywhere near good enough to survive in the Premier League, but after 7 games and 7 losses, the lack of any “new manager bounce” from Rob Edwards is definitely concerning. With 20 games to go, one can’t help but ask the question of what is expected from Edwards this season to keep his place and prove he’s the right man to lead us forward in the Championship. I’m sure there have been conversations and assurances in private between him and the powers above him, but surely losing every week cannot continue? I can’t help but feel Shi #2 may already be considering a change going into next season should the losing streak continue as it has.
Let’s hope January can bring us some much needed reinforcements to give Edwards the players he desperately needs. With another five months of Premier League football, we have to see *something* to give us hope going forward into the next season. I do hope Edwards is that man – but we need to see a lot more action on the pitch and not just empty words and platitudes from the gaffer going forward into 2026. Here’s hoping for a much happier new year for all Wolves fans around the world!
