Wolves crashed to a dismal 4-0 defeat against West Ham United on Friday night, and Angel Gomes has come in for criticism from Andy Thompson and Lee Naylor.
Angel Gomes’ performance against West Ham did not just fall short, it reinforced the criticism from some that he struggles to influence demanding games.
Thrashed at London Stadium… 😠
What on earth happened? Was that the worst Wolves performance of the season so far?!
His limited involvement, early substitution, and lack of defensive work were clear to see, and his ineffective display was a talking point on Matchday Live Extra after the game.
Both Andy Thompson and Lee Naylor were left unimpressed with the Englishman in the 4-0 loss, with Naylor even suggesting he should have gone off sooner than he did.
And Thompson reckons he’s a luxury player that Wolves cannot afford to be carrying.
Angel Gomes struggled in West Ham loss
Gomes played 61 minutes against West Ham before being taken off, which reflected his limited influence on the game.
Wolves needed control in midfield, but he failed to impose himself during his time on the pitch.
Playing a slightly more advanced role, his involvement in possession was minimal, with Gomes completing fewer than 20 passes across the match (via Sofascore).
He also registered just 31 touches, a figure that placed him on the fringes of the contest rather than at its centre.
With him playing further forward, there was also little defensive contribution. He recorded zero defensive actions the whole time he was on. In a league and a match that demands work rate and physical contribution, that absence of defensive output stands out as a clear weakness.
Andy Thompson and Lee Naylor criticise Gomes
After the game, Thompson said: “We were, in the first-half, getting in those positions and getting on the half-turn, but it didn’t happen enough. I don’t know whether it was because of confidence going forward in the final third or because they cut that first one out.
“We didn’t see Angel Gomes after that, really.”
Thompson: “Do you think we can carry Gomes? I don’t think we’re a team at the moment, with the position we’re in, that we can carry anybody. He’s a luxury player for me, a little bit.”
Naylor: “It’s tough because he’s lightweight, and it seems that he gets pushed around quite a bit.”
Gomes may not suit Championship
Gomes recently said he is happy at Wolves, and his comments suggested he would be open to extending his stay beyond his current loan deal.
There is an option to make move permanent, giving Wolves a clear pathway if they decide he fits their plans. The decision will depend on whether his performances justify committing to him beyond this spell.
However, the evidence from the West Ham game – and others before – raises concerns about his suitability for the Championship.
That league presents arguably an even more physical and demanding environment than the one Gomes is currently in, with intensity and duels central to midfield roles.
Gomes has made it clear he is comfortable at Wolves, but the club will need to carefully consider if this ‘luxury player’ would really be a viable option next term.
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