Wolverhampton Wanderers were beaten 3-2 by West Ham United in the Premier League last night.
Nuno Espirito Santo changed to a four-at-the-back formation following a huge ACL injury blow to Jonny Castro Otto, and a positive Covid test for Willy Boly.
Nelson Semedo, Conor Coady, Romain Saiss and Rayan Ait-Nouri were the chosen quartet, and it was all a bit of a mess at the back.
The Hammers surged into a 3-0 lead, with Jesse Lingard a particular thorn.
Leander Dendoncker pulled a goal back on the stroke of half-time, before substitute Fabio Silva gave the hosts hope.
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But ultimately Wolves gave themselves too much to do.
It is clear Wolves seriously struggle to defend in that system, and Sky Sports’ pundit Gary Neville did not hold back when analysing Jarrod Bowen’s goal at half-time.
He said on Monday Night Football: “Honestly look at the Wolves defenders here.
“Last time I saw this was in an under nines game. If you look at the retreating Wolves players, they all end up in like a bunch – it’s unbelievable.
To get counter-attacked on, so open, so disorganised, everything that Wolves have not been under Nuno.
“Tonight they’ve opened up that much, it’s been an absolute avalanche.”
Neville nails it
While Bowen finished with aplomb and Lingard did well to make the goal, it really was shocking defending from Wolves.
The fact not one player could see the danger unfolding and decided to foul him and take the yellow card was concerning.
But it wasn’t just that goal, Wolves just looked so vulnerable on most of West Ham’s attacks, especially in the first-half
Wolves definitely create plenty of opportunities in this formation, but it’s clear it is still very alien to a lot of the players, and some don’t see suited to it all.