Vitor Pereira was scrutinised by many fans after his decision not to give minutes to Fer Lopez or Rodrigo Gomes against Brighton last time out. Is it time to roll the dice with our young stars going forward?
A toothless Wolves attack
The wait for a first league win is becoming an ever-darkening cloud that looms over Wolves with each game that passes, just as it was last season.
Following on from frustration away at Spurs and at home to Brighton, where both games featured a late equaliser for our opposition, has an improvement on previous defensive frailties put more of a spotlight on a poor attacking display this season?
To put it plain and simple, Wolves haven’t been good enough going forward in the opening seven matches, only Nottingham Forest can match the Old Gold’s scoring record so far with five goals which is the least in the league.
At this point last season, Wolves had hit nine goals despite being a point worse off under O’Neil but with six of those by players no longer at the club.
Wolves fail to create enough chances to give the best opportunity of winning, the opening stages away at Newcastle and chances for Arias and Larsen at home to Brighton being the exceptions.
We sit 19th in terms of xG created so far with an attack that looks short of confidence and without a spark in teams gone by, Cunha, Neto and even Podence to name a few of those who could create something from nothing.
Underwhelming frontline
Jhon Arias was brought in from Fluminense to give a real boost to the attack but has so far been underwhelming as the wait for his first goal contribution goes on.
Hee Chan Hwang faces criticism for his performances this season and it is increasingly difficult to justify his selection in the lineup as he looks unable to return to his brilliant best in the 2023/2024 season.
Jorgen Strand Larsen has also failed to get his Premier League season up and running after his busy transfer saga with Newcastle. Wolves need the Norwegian firing like he was last season but a mixture of a lack of full fitness and poor service has made it difficult to leave his mark on matches.
A change of personnel in the midfield and attacking areas might be the answer to getting the best out of Larsen again.
The key could be hidden in plain sight
Wolves lack creativity, fluidity and pace when given opportunities to take the ball forward into attacking areas. While Joao Gomes and Andre are fantastic football players, their job is not to create goals.
Marshall Munetsi gets a mixed reception from fans, some appreciate his role in helping the team off the ball and popping up with a goal but here lies another player who won’t create Wolves goal scoring opportunities.
The team is devoid of excitement, so up step Fer Lopez?
His sole start of the season so far provided 45 minutes of forward-thinking, inventive play with an inch-perfect assist for the games opener against Leeds.
Following a change to a back four, this frees up a space in the team and who can argue against another chance given to the 21 year-old Spaniard.
Pushing Munetsi into a midfield three alongside our two Brazilians means Fer Lopez and Arias can support Larsen and form a more positive and exciting lineup.
His underlying stats are seriously impressive as he leads the team for both progressive passes per 90 and progressive carries per 90 which begs the question of why he has failed to get more than 103 minutes in the Premier League so far.
From the limited minutes we have seen Lopez play, his desire to play forward and take risks can be frustrating when possession is lost but is refreshing to see a footballer who plays so direct in his approach.
The team is crying out for this since the transfer of Matheus Cunha to Manchester United in the summer
Our flying wing-back, or winger?
Rodrigo Gomes’ situation is a little more difficult with competition in the wing-back position and Pereira’s desire to play Rodrigo as part of the back line as opposed to one of the front three.
While moving to a four might give Fer Lopez more opportunities, Gomes may lose out with the more defensive duties needed as a fullback.
The Portuguese is by no means poor when defending 1v1 along with his pace and high energy press but his physicality and ability in the air might hold him back in a fullback position.
With Hugo Bueno and Jackson Tchatchoua both looking to secure the full back positions, this poses the question of playing Rodrigo as part of the front three.
More than happy to make smart runs in behind and also with an eye for goal, his versatility may just be his best friend when making his case to start for Wolves and I would definitely not be against a lineup with Rodrigo Gomes supporting Larsen along with Arias or Fer Lopez on the opposite side.
The bottom line
Wolves need to create more chances and score more goals, a simple problem but the most difficult to fix.
Wolves’ next two involve a journey to Sunderland before hosting Burnley, both feel like huge matches already and we can’t afford to be flat and stagnant in our attacking play if we want to achieve our first win of the season in either match.
These two players in particular are exciting for fans, let’s hope this can convert to results, confidence and a boost of morale in our bid to stay in the Premier League.
Written by Gabriel Mills
