Following the highs of two straight Premier League wins, Molineux was dragged back into the pits of despair after Wolves horror show against Bournemouth.
More calamitous defending from Gary O’Neil’s men, led by the terrible performance of Jose Sa, saw Wolves concede three penalties, which were all avoidable.
It reaffirmed why the Old Gold have the worst defence in the Premier League, conceding 32 goals in 13 matches, with continuous lapses in concentration costing O’Neil dearly.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 18 |  WolvesWolves | 13 | 2 | 3 | 8 | 22 | 32 | -10 | 9 |
Arguably, there was only one positive to come from the 4-2 defeat against Bournemouth, and that was the performance of striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, who has been praised ahead of the trip to Everton.
Jorgen Strand Larsen had his best game for Wolves vs Bournemouth
On a nightmare afternoon at Molineux, Strand Larsen was a rare shining light for Wolves, scoring two well-taken goals and looking like a constant menace up front.
Since completing a season-long loan move from Celta Vigo, the Norwegian striker has plundered six Premier League goals in 13 appearances.
A big and imposing centre-forward with impeccable finishing to match, the 24-year-old has adapted to life in England’s top flight superbly while seeing several plaudits fall his way.
Dave Edwards dubbed Strand Larsen’s work rate as ‘so good’ after the defeat to Bournemouth, and O’Neil has joined the former Wolves ace in praising the striker.
The Wanderers boss felt he had one of his best games in a Wolves, despite his side losing, as he explained in his pre-match press conference.
“It was one of his better games for us, he looked a handful. His numbers are excellent for a new striker to the league. It’s a big plus for us and him and we’re seeing an improvement in his all-round game,” O’Neil said.
Strand Larsen is one of O’Neil’s best discoveries
In a campaign where O’Neil has taken a lot of slack, mostly for his side’s terrible performances, Strand Larsen was one of his best discoveries.
Wolves’ summer recruitment was flawed for the most part, though the Norwegian striker joins midfielder Andre as being the best of a bad bunch.
No other striker in the Premier League has scored more than Strand Larsen’s five non-penalty goals since the start of October, and that just emphasises how crucial he is.
| Jorgen Strand Larsen for Wolves |
| Appearances – 14 |
| Minutes played – 1090 |
| Goals – 6 |
| Assists – 3 |
Not since Raul Jimenez have the Wanderers had a striker as clinical as the Celta Vigo loanee, with the above table suggesting why Wolves must make Strand Larsen’s deal permanent next summer.