Jorgen Strand Larsen makes a surprising but welcome admission after Aston Villa loss

Jorgen Strand Larsen made a surprising but welcome admission after Wolves’ defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday.

Rob Edwards had been hoping for a win in his second game in charge. But despite an improved showing, the Old Gold still lost.

Wolves carried a bit more threat this time, but were made to pay for not being clinical.

Who do you think was Wolves’ best performer in the 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa?

Emi Martinez was in inspired form for Villa which was unfortunate for Wolves, and Boubacar Kamara’s strike from the edge of the box was ultimately the difference.

It was a very frustrating loss, but there were at least some signs of improvement for Wolves.

Jorgen Strand Larsen expressed his frustration after the defeat to Villa, insisting Wolves were the better side.

And the Norwegian also made an interesting admission regarding his own fitness.

• READ MORE: Rob Edwards pinpoints four positives for Wolves despite defeat to Aston Villa in West Midlands derby

Jorgen Strand Larsen says he finally felt ‘fresh’ vs Aston Villa

It has been a frustrating campaign for Jorgen Strand Larsen.

Not only had he lacked service, but the striker had fitness issues earlier in the season which have not allowed him to play with total freedom.

There was also that pursuit from Newcastle United at the end of the transfer window, which may or may not have had an impact on him.

But in the main, the injury he was carrying was the biggest hindrance.

But Strand Larsen made a positive claim after the defeat yesterday, insisting that it was the first time he’s actually felt ‘fresh’.

He said: “It’s the first time I’m feeling fresh again since my injury. The staff have been excellent, they’ve come in with energy. 

“Conceding a screamer from outside the box is not anyone’s fault. We are really unlucky.”

• READ MORE: Who is Jorgen Strand Larsen? Meet the Wolves striker who has been compared to Erling Haaland

Strand Larsen must find ruthless streak

It is positive to hear Strand Larsen saying he finally feels fresh, and hopefully we now see a bit more ruthlessness in front of goal.

He was unlucky to see the goal he scored get ruled out, as it was nothing to do with him. It was actually a very good finish, with the ball slightly behind him from Jackson Tchatchoua.

But the chance he had when Jean-Ricner Bellegarde slid the ball across should have been put away. Yes, Pau Torres did well to poke the ball away, but Strand Larsen has to be scoring.

If Wolves are to have any hope of surviving this season, Edwards has to get his number nine among the goals again.

Steve Bull has urged Strand Larsen and Tolu Arokodare to put themselves about a bit more, and that would be good to see. But the biggest thing is that they both start chipping in with goals.