Gary O’Neil has explained why he took Mario Lemina off for Wolves at half-time against Brighton.
Wolves rescued a point late on against the Seagulls with Matheus Cunha scoring in the 93rd minute after excellent work by Tommy Doyle.
Wolves had gone 2-0 down thanks to goals by Danny Welbeck and Evan Ferguson for the hosts.
But Rayan Ait-Nouri turned in from a corner, before Cunha then levelled right at the death to prompt some wild celebrations from the away end.
It is a result that could well be a catalyst now for Wolves.
To gain a point in that fashion will have done wonders for confidence, and Wolves do now have a more favourable run of fixtures.
After the game, Gary O’Neil shared why he took Mario Lemina off during the 2-2 draw.
Mario Lemina went off with injury against Brighton
It has been a bit of a difficult start to the new season for Lemina.
Last season’s Supporters’ Player of the Season hasn’t really produced the standards Wolves fans know he can.
Perhaps the captain’s armband has weighed heavier than expected. But some have debated whether it’s time for Lemina to have a spell on the bench.
Lemina himself said he had his worst game ever for Wolves against Brentford before the international break.
It’s possible that Lemina could actually be given time to rest up now, with the midfielder picking up an injury against Brighton.
O’Neil said (via E&S): “Mario has a slight issue with his calf. I think he’ll be OK next week, I don’t think it’s a big one.”
A chance for O’Neil to rest Lemina
It has been really interesting to watch Lemina this season.
He has been a super £10 million signing for Wolves, but this term he hasn’t really been anywhere close to his best level.
There seems to be a chance that Lemina will be fine for next weekend’s game against Crystal Palace. But O’Neil should genuinely consider taking the opportunity to rest his captain.
It would be an extremely bold move. Wolves fans know that on his day, Lemina has the potential to be an absolute dominant force in midfield. But right now, his form just isn’t there.
Doyle was very influential for Wolves against Brighton and deserves to keep his place. Joao Gomes has also been good in the last two matches.
We will see what O’Neil decides to do. But with Wolves still without a win in the Premier League, perhaps it’s time to do something different and drop Lemina, play a two in midfield and go with three attackers.