Gary O'Neil bemoans missing element in Wolves performance

Wolves recovered from a poor first half with a dominant second but were twice unable to complete their comeback as they lost 3-2.

And O’Neil was pleased with his players, but bemoaned their lack of a killer instinct.

“We didn’t do as well as we should in the first half and conceded a goal from miles out and a nothing situation,” he said.

“It was a big setback for the lads after what happened against Newcastle.

“We were pushing, had some good opportunities and missed a few final passes before they scored again and it’s a tough ask against a good side.

“We were the better side for most of it after that. We came here to try and win the game but fell short of it, but the lads gave everything and were a threat.

“We just needed to find a way at 2-1, with so many opportunities. We missed so many chances to score.

“It’s a defeat but it probably shouldn’t have been a defeat.”

Goncalo Guedes notched Wolves’ first goal – his third in the competition this season – and the head coach was full of praise for the attacker.

O’Neil said: “He showed an excellent attitude. His work, his willingness to work for the team, his moments of quality, his brightness, I was really impressed.

“There were some good performances.

“I don’t like to single people out really too much this early because sometimes it can look different when you watch it back and don’t like to miss people out.

“But I think you’re right with your first question, Guedes stood out a lot.

“I’m pleased for him because obviously he’s had a tough journey, some injuries, and been unsettled here.

“His performance was very good for me.”

Jose Sa had an evening to forget with a hand in all three Brighton goals, but O’Neil refused to criticise his goalkeeper.

He added: “I’m not sure. There’s always a lot of people involved in goals.

“We know how good Jose can be between the sticks and there were a couple of good hits.

“I haven’t seen them back looking at it from a goalkeeping perspective.

“I was looking more around the team structure and how they got to those positions, but it’s never just about the goalkeeper.”