Wolves suffered their 17th defeat of the season when they were beaten by Fulham on Tuesday. The Old Gold remain dangerously close to the relegation zone.
Despite welcoming the Cottagers to Molineux in mid-week, Wolves were beaten 2-1 by Fulham in a match they probably should have taken something from.
As a result, Vitor Pereira’s men have remained in 17th place, just five points clear of the drop.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 16 |  West HamWest Ham | 26 | 8 | 6 | 12 | 30 | 47 | -17 | 30 |
| 17 |  WolvesWolves | 27 | 6 | 4 | 17 | 37 | 56 | -19 | 22 |
| 18 |  IpswichIpswich | 27 | 3 | 8 | 16 | 26 | 57 | -31 | 17 |
It isn’t just their stop-start league form that is a cause for concern though. One player appears to be struggling with the physical demands that comes with Wolves’ all-action system.
Vitor Pereira warned about Rayan Ait-Nouri’s fitness levels
Rayan Ait-Nouri not only plays in one of the side’s most demanding positions — left wing-back — but he is also one of the side’s most relied on figures.
The Algerian has started in 26 Premier League matches this campaign, playing an average of 86 minutes per match.
Ait-Nouri’s latest appearance came against Fulham but some have been critical over his ability to see out matches.
Discussing Ait-Nouri’s history of fitness problems, club expert Liam Keen admitted the wing-back does struggle as games reach the latter stages.
“I felt he’d turned a corner with this, but I have to agree, he does wilt a little bit,” he said on the E&S podcast.
“[…] I think fitness is something a few managers have been critical of this squad, as a whole, when they’ve come in, Vitor hasn’t really targeted that in any of his press conferences, but it’s something Wolves have to be better at.”
Knowing Pereira’s system includes high flying wing-backs and two number 10s, the club’s focus should be on improving the player’s physical durability.
Cover needed
Hearing one of the side’s most important players is struggling to do it for the full 90 minutes is a big worry.
Wolves’ lack of options at the back, especially at wing-back, are glaringly obvious. As things stands, Ait-Nouri is the side’s only outright and natural left-back.
The demands on him have been huge, and with the fixtures continuing to come thick and fast, don’t look like easing up anytime soon.
Although signing two new centre-backs and a defensive midfielder was Pereira’s priority in January, it is understandable why fans were also crying out for a full-back.
Tyrell Malacia was linked with Wolves but talks never really got going. No other player came close to joining, leaving Ait-Nouri with no choice but to continue as the side’s only recognised left-sided wing-back.
This is an area of the squad which must be addressed in the summer transfer window, though.