Two of Gary O’Neil’s key players at Wolves have come under fire for one mistake they’re making too frequently.
It’s been a dreadful start to the 2024/25 calendar for Wolves, who sit bottom of the table in the Premier League after six matches.
With just one point to their name, O’Neil’s side are desperate to secure their first victory in what has been an incredibly difficult run of fixtures to kick off the season.
For all of the doom and gloom that comes with being bottom of the table, there are several positives for the manager to take, with Wolves’ quality undeserving of 20th place.
Joao Gomes and Nelson Semedo told to stop putting Wolves in danger
For the most part of the season, Wolves haven’t played particularly badly but second half collapses ultimately tell the whole story.
A win must be found soon for O’Neil’s side, who face Brentford, Manchester City and Brighton in October.
Putting together a strong 90 minutes is the biggest task that the squad have to overcome in order to win however, there’s another pressing issue that could lead Wolves to victory if solved.
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Previewing the upcoming duel with Brentford on the E&S Wolves Podcast, journalist Nathan Judah singled out one thing that Nelson Semedo and Joao Gomes do consistently that is piling the pressure on the squad.
“Do not pick up early bookings. Wolves are getting booked so early in games. Nelson Semedo, Joao Gomes, repeat offenders.
“You’re just walking on eggshells, especially when you’re playing four at the back, straight away you are nervous as hell,” Judah explained.
The Wolves expert was right to highlight Gomes and Semedo as the offenders, with the midfielder picking up three cards already, and the fullback receiving two, which causes those around them to panic.
“Joao Gomes can’t really be Joao Gomes for me,” Judah said.
“He picks up a booking in the 20th minute, then Nelson Semedo, every time a player gets past him it’s a disaster waiting to happen. From that point of view, they’ve got to be very careful.”
Wolves require more composure
Wolves are desperate to win and sometimes performances show that in overdrive, with plenty of players on the pitch who play with passion and emotion.
Such qualities are admired at the club however, there’s no time like the present for figures such as Semedo and Gomes to reel it in slightly.
A controlled and assured performance over 90 minutes is what is separating Wolves from earning their first three points of the campaign, something that we’ve seen can be done in spells.
Aside from wanting to add more assurance to the team, Semedo and Gomes should also be wary of the five card suspension that is looming, with the Brazilian being just two bookings away.