We examine which Wolves star had a game to forget after Gary O’Neil’s side suffered a surprise 2-0 defeat to Brentford.
Wolves were unable to recreate their recent form as they were unable to contain the Bees at Molineux. Despite overcoming Chelsea 4-2 in emphatic fashion last week, O’Neil’s side weren’t at the races.
One player who particularly stood out as having a poor was centre-back Craig Dawson. The defender had a good start to 2024 and helped them beat Brentford 3-2 in the FA Cup less than a month ago.
However, this time round, he was unable to ensure the hosts came away with anything as Wolves suffered back-to-back Molineux defeats.
Craig Dawson wasn’t at the races in Wolves vs Brentford
While Brentford were no doubt set to be a tricky test for Wolves, it was a game they were expected to win. The visitors came into the game on poor form while Wolves were scoring at ease in recent weeks. However, plenty of players were below par, including Dawson.
According to WhoScored, the centre-back performed well below the standards he has recently set for himself.
The 33-year-old didn’t make a tackle during the game while also giving away one foul. In the passing department, Dawson was also as good as usual with the defender only completing 85.3% of his passes.
This was below par compared to his recent games. Against Chelsea Dawson made two tackles as well as six clearances in the memorable win. His passing completion was also at 96% at Stamford Bridge.
However, most importantly, the 33-year-old was arguably at fault for both goals Wolves conceded at Molineux. Brentford’s first came from terrible marking off a corner. Someone of Dawson’s experience should be ensuring that the player is at least marked.
Then, for the second, the defender inexcusably gave the ball away which led to the visitors putting the game to bed.
To make matters worse, Dawson could have had a goal as he put the ball into the net in the second half. However, VAR once again became the bane of Wolves, as they chalked the goal off for offside.
Time for Santiago Bueno?
While Dawson has played well recently, it is no secret that Wolves have struggled to keep clean sheets this season.
While this has improved in the new year, O’Neil’s side have now conceded eight goals in their last three games.
Santiago Bueno, who has made limited appearances since signing in the summer, has barely put a foot wrong when he has played.
With Dawson now ageing, O’Neil may well be looking towards Bueno to change things up at the back. The Uruguayan is due a run in the first-team and the manager now has the perfect opportunity to make that happen.