Wolves suffered an agonisingly late defeat to Manchester City at Molineux on match day eight of the season.
The Old Gold’s hunt for a win in the Premier League continues, extending their run without three points to 11 games.
Gary O’Neil hasn’t seen his side win in the league since April, with Wolves sitting bottom of the table with just one point to their name.
On match day eight, it looked as though the hosts would secure their second point of the campaign against Manchester City however, late drama denied Wolves of a draw.
John Stones’ late winner settled the direction of the points with great controversy on what turned out to be another disappointing afternoon at Molineux.
Five things we learned as Wolves suffered late defeat to Man City
While the game will be viewed as a product of another VAR controversy, there were plenty of positives to take from the performance from a Wolves point of view.
For all of the talent on show in O’Neil’s squad, it’s puzzling to see the side struggling to this extent, as Wolves took the game to the champions at Molineux.
Pep Guardiola’s side earned a win through a late winner however, that must not take away from the level of performance the hosts committed to, here’s five things we learned from the defeat.
Five at the back is the answer
O’Neil made the switch to a back five, finally, and Wolves’ performance level turned up a notch.
It was no surprise, making the delay to revert to what’s proven to work frustrating, however, it’s clear that the manager can’t look back now from the set up that makes the difference.
Jose Sa deserves a chance
On the subject of squad changes, Jose Sa came back into the side due to Sam Johnstone’s injury.
The Portugal international impressed on the day and was a clear candidate for man of the match, with possibly the clearest takeaway from the game being that the 31-year-old deserves more than just being ousted.
O’Neil would be smart to act on the goalkeeper’s strong performance to create competition for the number-one spot, as Sa’s recent omission clearly inspired his top display against City.
Santi Bueno has a place in the team
Sa wasn’t the only Wolves player to step up, as it was an equally strong day at the office for Santi Bueno.
The centre-back has had a difficult time at Molineux however, stepped up to the mark against City to excel in a back three alongside Craig Dawson and Toti Gomes.
O’Neil will be relieved to have seen the Uruguayan put in such a shift as the boss’ options in central defence don’t exist outside the trio.
Jorgen Strand Larsen was the perfect signing
Last season it was evident that Wolves required a target man in the box going forward, and they found that in Jorgen Strand Larsen this summer.
The forward scored his third Premier League goal in style against City, burying an exceptionally well-worked chance at the back post to put his side ahead.
Strand Larsen is showing week upon week that he fits the profile needed in O’Neil’s side, with his movement and strength against the champions something to applaud.
Gary O’Neil deserves time
Arguably the most controversial thing learned from the defeat was where it leaves O’Neil, whose future has been speculated as a result of the poor start to the season.
Things didn’t improve points-wise against City although, the quality seen on the pitch and the game plan that was applied was right and troubled Guardiola’s side.
For that reason, the manager might have bought himself some time to turn things around at Molineux, with it clear that the boss is capable of getting his squad to a level to compete against the very best.