We look at four things we learned after Wolves held on to collect a point after a 0-0 draw at Brighton.
Gary O’Neil’s side travelled down south to participate in their first Premier League game of 2024 on Monday night. After a long winter break and an FA Cup victory, Wolves went into the fixture in fine form.
The Molineux side received multiple boosts before the match as well when the manager confirmed Matheus Cunha’s fitness as well as Pedro Neto and Mario Lemina’s ability to start.
However, despite a flurry of goals in recent fixtures, it was a quiet game all around. Now the dust has settled we look back at four of the biggest talking points from the game.
Rayan Ait-Nouri a miss
The Algerian was missing again due to his participation in AFCON. Matt Doherty was chosen to take the mantle but struggled to have the same influence.
The Irishman gave the ball away a few times and Wolves’ seemed to be lacking that attacking edge down the left side.
Ait-Nouri was one of the club’s best players so far this season. However, recent games have shown that he might also be one of Gary O’Neil’s most important.
The sooner he can return, the better for Wolves with his attacking prowess no doubt a miss for the foreseeable future.
Defensive masterclass from Wolves
Defensively, Wolves have been weak this season. Despite the squad overall playing well, O’Neil’s side has often struggled to keep their opponents out.
However, one Monday night, they showed how much they have progressed recently. Brighton barely had a sniff throughout the game with players such as Nelson Semedo and Max Kilman on fine form.
This was 100% better than the last time the two met which ended in a 4-1 victory to the Seagulls or even their 6-0 result last campaign.
After collecting their fourth Premier League clean sheet this season, hopefully, the side can now kick on in this department.
Wolves still need a striker
As the game wore on, one thing became clear. Wolves still need an out-and-out number nine.
While defensively Wolves did everything right, up top the side spurred a few golden chances.
Cunha should have scored at least once with Neto playing some great balls throughout. On another day, Wolves come out of that game with three points.
With the transfer window still open, it has to be the club’s priority to finally bring a striker into the club.
Onto the Black Country Derby
While the game against Brighton was always going to be important, all eyes were still on the Black Country Derby.
Thankfully, Wolves came away with not only a point but no injuries or suspensions for Sunday’s game.
With the game arguably being the club’s biggest for years, Wolves need to do everything in their power to ensure they get the result.
A cup run is exactly what O’Neil’s side needs and they could well be on their way to the FA Cup fifth round come Sunday night.