Wolves crashed to a 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday – and there was a first start for Leon Chiwome.
Gary O’Neil took his depleted squad to Villa Park in the hope of getting a result, but it proved too tall an order in the end.
Wolves actually started very brightly, enjoying some really good position in the first 20 minutes. It was pleasantly surprising to see, but Wolves were made to pay for not capitalising on their early dominance, and especially so when Rayan Ait-Nouri spurned a golden chance.
Moussa Diaby scored for Villa, and then in the second-half, Ezri Konsa’s cross found its way into the back of the net.
It’s a tough one to take, but Wolves were always going to find it tough.
Chiwome led the line yesterday – and the youngster has now sent a message to supporters…
Leon Chiwome sends message after making first start for Wolves against Aston Villa
O’Neil decided to give Chiwome his first start yesterday, with Matheus Cunha still deemed not quite ready.
The Brazilian is back in training but clearly, this contest was just a bit too soon for him.
So O’Neil went with Chiwome, over Nathan Fraser who had struggled against Coventry City before the international break.
Unfortunately, Chiwome did not fare too much better against Villa than Fraser did against Coventry.
It was a similar story for the 18-year-old, who really struggled to get into the game. He tried to show for the ball, but he was often overlooked by his teammates, and that lack of a threat up top really harmed Wolves, who did not create much in the way of big chances.
Irrespective of the result though, Chiwome’s pride over making his first start against Villa was clear. He said on Instagram: “What a moment for me and my family to make my Premier League debut and first Premier League start. Frustrating result but we go again on Tuesday. All glory to God.”
A tough afternoon
It was great that Chiwome got to start against Villa and he deserved to, after his lively showing against Coventry after he replaced Fraser.
But it was a tough afternoon up top for the teenager, with the service to him pretty poor.
He tried his best and worked hard, running the channels. But he just couldn’t really get into the contest on the whole and was never really a big goal threat.
Chiwome has a bright future. But he, and also Fraser, shouldn’t really be in this position where they are being relied upon at the moment.
Ideally, they would both be out on loan furthering their development. But O’Neil has had to bring them in to try and do a job.
Cunha is expected to return for Wolves this coming week and the Brazilian’s comeback cannot come soon enough.