Liam Keen debrief: Wolves working out how to balance team
Wolves started the new season with defeat at Arsenal but gave the Gunners a fright along the way.
A disjointed first half was met by a controlled second, but errors ultimately led to Wolves losing 2-0.
Gary O’Neil can take some heart from the performance of his side, but will also have plenty to work on as Wolves prepare for the opening home game of the season.
Defensive balance
In their new-look back four, Wolves carried out Plan A against one of the best sides in the league.
At first, it was a struggle. Toti Gomes, in particular, was struggling to play out from the back and was consistently losing possession.
Wolves were taking plenty of risks by playing out from Jose Sa, finding Mario Lemina in midfield who had come deeper under pressure from the opposition, before looking to play the ball out wide.
O’Neil was determined to play his way and Wolves got away with some nervy moments, but showed they are still a work in progress.
Yerson Mosquera did well for the most part, but Wolves also need some squad balance at the back and another centre-back signing will be important.
This new defensive system does allow for another attacking player to be on the pitch and if pre-season is anything to go by, Wolves have potential with this intense style.
Creating chances
Wolves were always expected to lose against Arsenal, but with some luck it could have gone very differently.
Both goals conceded came from errors, firstly, but a magnificent David Raya save was the only thing stopping Jorgen Strand Larsen from bagging a debut goal.
The cross from Hwang Hee-chan was sublime and the movement from Larsen was intelligent. On another day that nestles into the net.
Pablo Sarabia had a good volleyed effort saved, while Wolves’ pressing forced Arsenal into a mistake for Matheus Cunha’s big chance.
The opportunities were there and Wolves, particularly when they were on top in the second half, could have grabbed something from the fixture.
Looking ahead to the test of Chelsea this weekend, Wolves will need to be quicker in their transitions.
Cunha is likely to start and will aid with that and it is essential for Wolves to punish teams.
More will also be needed from Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, who was slightly underwhelming at the weekend when handed a big opportunity to impress, given Cunha’s injury.
Squad strength
In stark contrast to last season, O’Neil was able to name five attacking players on the bench at the weekend.
The head coach wanted options and he certainly had them at the Emirates.
Daniel Podence – who many thought would never wear a Wolves shirt again – was used off the bench, while Chiquinho was also given a chance to impress.
The futures of some of Wolves’ fringe players is still uncertain, but the current squad is much bigger than last season.
Although some players will depart and Wolves are keen to trim their numbers slightly, they must also find the right balance in giving O’Neil enough options for the campaign.
Wolves cannot find themselves in the position again where academy youngsters are needed for season-defining fixtures.
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