Wolves and Aston Villa have both endured difficult starts to the season, but one striking similarity links the two sides as they struggle at the wrong end of the table.
The Old Gold sit at the bottom of the Premier League, still searching for their first points of the season, as they welcome Leeds United to Molineux this weekend.
Manager Vitor Pereira will be hoping his side avoids setting another unwanted record, with Wolves at risk of losing to Leeds four times in a row for the first time in 54 years, if they fall to defeat at Molineux on Saturday.
While Villa also find themselves in the relegation zone after a quieter than expected summer window, Wolves’ problems stem from selling too many of their established players.
Clearly, the balance of Pereira’s squad has been disrupted, and results so far reflect a team struggling to adapt.
Wolves and Aston Villa yet to lead for a single minute in a match this season
Data also shows Wolves rank among the lowest in the league for pressing intensity and possession, another contributing factor behind their poor start to the season.
As reported by The Athletic, Wolves and Villa fans are yet to see their teams lead for even a single minute this season.
Failing to get ahead makes it difficult for any side to control games; instead they are constantly chasing the game and leaving themselves vulnerable at the back.
Not only have Wolves failed to lead for a single minute this season, but they have also failed to score in three of their four Premier League games this season- another concerning statistic that outlines their early-season struggles.
Pereira now faces the task of ensuring his side stops this trend before it worsens.
Wolves need to start matches with more intensity
Although Wolves have an awful record at Molineux in August and September, they must come away with a positive result against Leeds at the weekend.
The key for the Old Gold is to start matches on the front foot and with greater intensity.
On too many occasions this season, they have been taking too long to settle into matches, allowing opponents to take control and eventually take the lead.
By going for the opener early, they can shift momentum and lift the crowd, giving them the best chance of securing a positive result.
The signs were there in the opening stages against Newcastle, where they created early chances but couldn’t find the breakthrough.