Liam Keen analysis: Wolves show promising signs in Hammers win

As he works on the evolution of this Wolves side, the head coach can take plenty of heart from a largely impressive performance.

New signings

Wolves secured three new signings before pre-season and in their first game in front of fans, the trio were involved in all three goals.

Jorgen Strand Larsen made some intelligent runs and occupied the defenders in a good showing, before assisting Matheus Cunha for the opening goal with a clever cutback pass.

In the second half, Rodrigo Gomes snatched a brace with an instinctive first finish and a back post header for the second.

That second goal came courtesy of a magnificent Pedro Lima cross, as all three new signings put down a marker.

O’Neil said of Gomes: “He arrives at the back post really well because he works so hard. No matter how far he’s got to make up, he always arrives at the back post.

“There was bits of his game I thought he could do better with, certain moments he’s been better on the ball in training, but obviously it’s a great start for him.

“To join a new team and get two goals in his first proper game was nice for him. Not getting carried away – there’s loads of stuff I still want to improve and help him with.”

Formation

The game against West Ham was the clearest indicator yet of O’Neil’s plan for his team.

Wolves played a hybrid back four and back five system at times against Como, and occasionally against West Ham, while in training they have been working hard on a back four.

For most of Saturday evening it was a rigid back four and with an extra attacking player on the pitch, Wolves looked exciting going forward.

They presses aggressively, created overloads on the flanks and manufactured chances.

All three goals showed examples of pressing and playing out from the back with success.

Although Wolves will need to revert to a back five at times this coming season, if O’Neil can master the back four, Wolves have enough attacking talents to enjoy an exhilarating campaign.

Resurgence

A handful of players from last season will need to make improvements for this season and in the Express & Star we recently highlighted Jean-Ricner Bellegarde as one who needs to step up.

And he did just that in a 30-minute showing against the Hammers.

Coming on in the second half and playing slightly deeper in central midfield – a role he has never really played for Wolves – the 26-year-old was a stand-out performer on the night.

That position allowed him to pick the ball up deeper and run at the opposition, traits he has superb skill in but rarely utilised last season.

He did that excellently for the second goal, as his run set up the chance that eventually fell to Gomes.

Wolves have Boubacar Traore and Joao Gomes to return to the squad, but Bellegarde could provide a more attacking option in that area.

His versatility may prove useful this season but the player also needs to find the right position for him to have the most impact.