Big boost for Rob Edwards as struggling Wolves man looked back to his best against Crystal Palace

Rob Edwards will have some positive thoughts despite Wolves’ 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace.

It was just his first match in charge, and while it did not have the desired outcome, he will have learnt a lot about his side.

For instance, he will hopefully realise that Marshall Munetsi must not start against Aston Villa.

Another takeaway is that Wolves performed similarly to Vitor Pereira’s opening matches in charge, and with the Portuguese head coach steering them to safety last year, that is a positive.

However, the biggest boost for Edwards will be the seemingly returned-to-form Emmanuel Agbadou.

Emmanuel Agbadou looked calm, composed and assured against Crystal Palace

Emmanuel Agbadou was one of the big positives from Wolves’ defeat despite the Old Gold conceding twice. But in the game, the Ivorian could not do much to stop the goals.

The opener by Daniel Munoz did deflect off Agbadou, but it was a moment of luck for Crystal Palace rather than a bad series of play by the Wanderers. Additionally, Yeremy Pino’s curler from outside the box was pinpoint into the top corner.

It has been a tough campaign for the Wolves’ number 12, but against the Eagles, he was defensively solid and looked back to the defender fans had grown fond of last season.

He could even be considered among Wolves’ man-of-the-match contenders.

A few months of bad form does not change the fact that he is still one of Wolves’ best centre-backs, and hopefully Rob Edwards can use this performance as a piggyback to turn around his form on a more permanent basis rather than it being a one-game thing.

In general, the Old Gold looked defensively better, and with a little more luck on their side, they could have got something from the game.

Adam Wharton praised them for being difficult to beat, and Agbadou’s work at the back played a big role in that.

Emmanuel Agbadou has to start against Aston Villa

Emmanuel Agbadou has earned his spot back in the side, and unless something drastic happens, he must be one of the first names in the team next week.

His physicality, aerial dominance and speed are all vital qualities that Rob Edwards will need to keep the likes of Morgan Rogers, Ollie Watkins and Donyell Malen quiet.

The return of the form for the Ivorian is a huge boost, and it could not have come at a better time for the new head coach.

He’ll need his best players at the top of their game to have any chance of surviving relegation at this stage. Agbadou will be a big miss now when he goes to AFCON.