Three things we learnt after shambolic defending ensured Wolves fell to a sixth Premier League defeat in seven games.
Wolves were unable to turn their terrible form around as Brentford easily overcame Gary O’Neil’s side 5-3 at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Coming into the match bottom of the Premier League table with just one point from their first six, it was a vital early match for the Old Gold.
While O’Neil insisted Brentford wasn’t a ‘must-win’ game, after only one league win dating back to March 10, the fans were hungry to taste victory at long last.
Yet, the visitors simply could not handle Brentford as they conceded four goals in the first half despite equalisers from Matheus Cunha and Jorgen Strand Larsen.
With Wolves unable to mount a comeback in the second half, they remained bottom of the league with matches against Man City and Brighton coming after the international break.
Now, looking back at the tie, Molineux News has highlighted three things we learnt from the defeat.
A new centre-back is needed urgently at Wolves
Nathan Collins of Brentford scores his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC at Gte…
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
How Wolves have got themselves into this position is nothing short of baffling. Everyone knew a centre-back was needed before Max Kilman was sold to West Ham, yet, no one came in.
The fact Matt Hobbs stated that Wolves ‘didn’t need an additional centre-back’ after the former captain was sold has come back to haunt the Old Gold.
Against Brentford, the backline was shambolic yet again, with multiple of Brentford’s goals highly preventable.
The fact Wolves kept getting themselves back into the game only to concede shortly after is disgraceful defending.
If the club wants to retain its Premier League status, it is clear that Fosun must spend in January and buy a new top centre-half.
Matheus Cunha is Wolves’ best chance of avoiding relegation from the Premier League
Matheus Cunha of Wolverhampton Wanderers celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Wolverha…
Photo by Jack Thomas – WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images
One of Wolves’ few shining lights this season has been Cunha. The Brazilian found the back of the net again to equalise early on before the visitors collapsed.
The goal now means Cunha has scored three times in seven Premier League games, despite being injured for a large part of pre-season.
With Wolves’ backline incapable of keeping a single clean sheet, there is now a bigger emphasis on the attacker performing to ensure the Old Gold can get a result.
While many players in the attacking areas are performing, Cunha is by far the stand-out each game. If Wolves do stay up, the Brazilian will have likely played a large role in that success.
Time is running out for Gary O’Neil at Wolves
Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Gary O’Neil applauds the home fans after the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Liverpool at …
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
While the Wolves manager had plenty of excuses for the previous six results this season, the performance at Brentford was inexcusable.
The fact the club went into the game knowing the Bees were great from kick-off, yet still conceded in the second minute is laughable.
Wolves have now just won one of their last 17 Premier League games, which is horrific no matter the circumstances imposed on O’Neil.
With Man City and Brighton next after the international break, it is hard to imagine that the Englishman will be able to turn this form around quickly.
A big performance is needed somewhere or O’Neil may be out of a job soon.
