The following two against Watford and Cardiff are pivotal for the peace of mind of the fans

Instead, the resumption has seen a spiral downwards with Wolves disappointingly flat, numbingly negative at times lacking both coordination and direction.

Even the win at Burnley was hardly achieved with genuine conviction; the two goals shaped by the generosity of the home team.

The opening half-hour at Turf Moor was shambolic, so undisciplined that the game could have been irretrievably lost amid the disorganisation.

Ultimately, a positive result was achieved but in a starkly unconvincing fashion.

Prior to this, Wolves had failed comprehensively to test Middlesborough in a game prematurely it appears, described as a clash between candidates for top placing in this league.

This malaise has extended to two wretched home performances against Bolton and Portsmouth.

These teams, despite their limitations, found a way to frustrate Wolves and dilute home advantage.

In both matches, regardless of soporific starts Wolves wrestled second-half ascendancy but failed to finish the job with the opposition showing a greater capacity for retaining their self-belief and desire.

Bolton continually penetrated Wolves in midfield, while Portsmouth - whose only danger on offer was from set-pieces - were fed a diet of corners and free-kicks as Wolves feebly tried to protect their lead.

Without fail, it was a Pompey attacker who achieved the first contact after delivery and eventually and inevitably, Wolves conceded.

The inexplicable challenge by Tommy Doyle that led to the equaliser seemed to radiate the negative uncertainty within the team itself.

Much anticipation was in the air with Wolves having a rapid block of four home fixtures against opposition as seen by some as average second tier teams.

Just a solitary point from the first two games brings such an assumption into serious question.

If for nothing else, the following two against Watford and Cardiff are pivotal for the peace of mind of the fans.

Already, many suspect they are seeing the evidence of a familiar cycle of catatonic underachievement with a static lack of rhythm fuelled by introspection and negativity.

In both of these Tuesday games under the lights, the Molineux fanbase has been uncharacteristically downbeat fearing that a resurrection of last season’s frustration is very much in the offing.

They are certainly in no mood to endure another couple of listless and shapeless performances with so little on offer to ignite some semblance of excitement.

Despite being only five points from top spot, automatic promotion on this form is clearly a non-starter; time to regroup and forge a sustainable system and identity.