Gary O'Neil gives verdict on Wolves' survival chances

Two late goals from Rayan Ait-Nouri and Matheus Cunha salvaged a draw, handing Wolves just their second point of the season.

And a relieved O’Neil is confident his players will come good this season after a tough opening nine games – despite the errors that led to both of Brighton’s goals.

“I have to accept that players are going to make mistakes,” O’Neil said.

“I made loads when I played and I made one today when I started with a back five.

“They do make mistakes. It doesn’t mean it needs to lead to a goal and we could have done better.

“We could have been in a better shape for Jose when he kicked it, we left ourselves too open.

“Jose knows that if he makes that action 100 times he’ll get it right 99 times. He doesn’t mess it up very often.

“The same for the other mistake with the second goal. It was a terrible give away when we just won the ball back, and we were wide open.

“These are the bits that can kill you at this level and we’ve been heavily punished for them so far this season.

“But we are working very hard to improve.

“I said we’ll definitely be fine this season and that only reaffirms my thoughts.”

Jose Sa kept his place in the team, with Sam Johnstone still missing following an adductor injury that meant the goalkeeper did not travel with the team.

“He’s (Johnstone) trained, he was just not feeling quite right,” O’Neil said.

“Jose is disappointed with the kick out of his hands, but apart from that he did really well.

“I’m pleased with how he’s done because it’s difficult to come back in after a break.

“He’s a good guy. He’s refocused and reattached himself to the group and he’s fully buying into everything we want to do, which is not always easy when you’ve been dropped.

“It’s been a fantastic response from him and speaks volumes to what he is.”

When asked about Mario Lemina coming off at half-time, O’Neil added: “Mario has a slight issue with his calf. I think he’ll be OK next week, I don’t think it’s a big one.”

Wolves started the game with a back five but switched to a back four for the second half, giving them more attacking threat.

And O’Neil admitted outside noise influenced his decision.

The head coach said: “Coming back late gives everyone a lift and it was only what we deserved before the game.

“It looked very unlikely in the 85th minute because we had just gone 2-0 down, but with that second half performance we were the dominant side.

“With how well Brighton have done, the players they have and the money they spent in the summer, we were the better side for 45 minutes and it’s not arguable.

“The players deserve an awful lot of credit, especially with the run they’ve been on.

“To come out in the second half and find the personality, quality and drive to still produce that, deserves something from the game.

“We did it the hard way and it was a bit crazy in the end, but I’m delighted for the boys.

“We’ve had some tough breaks and deflections go against us, so to keep fighting says a lot about what they are.

“I’m disappointed with the goals because they are poor. I’m also disappointed with myself starting with a back five, if I’m honest.

“A thing has been made about a back five at this football club and it did do well against City, but I thought it would be tough today to get any hold of the game.

“I’m glad we were quick to change to a back four and it gave us some momentum and energy.”