Wolves suffered an unacceptable 6-2 defeat to Chelsea at Molineux in their second game of the season.
An inquest is underway following the demolition of Gary O’Neil’s side at the hands of Chelsea.
For the first time since 2007, Wolves conceded six goals at home, telling of the disaster that unfolded in front of those at Molineux.
For a moment, it wasn’t all bad for the hosts, who went in level at half time, drawing 2-2 thanks to goals from Matheus Cunha and a first for Jorgen Strand Larsen.
After the interval, the Blues carved Wolves open, seeing any hope of the hosts securing a result drift away.
From defensive frailties to a single positive, here are five things we spotted in Wolves’ defeat to Chelsea.
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Five things spotted in Wolves’ heavy defeat to Chelsea
Defensive formation is not working
Last season, Wolves found great joy when playing in a back five, making O’Neil’s decision to revert to a back four all the more confusing.
Sure, the change worked in pre-season however, time has shown that the current formation is not working for the personnel in the back line.
Against Chelsea, Wolves’ defence was exposed by the Blues’ strength, particularly on the flanks as O’Neil’s full-backs were caught out time after time.
Surely now is the time for the manager to take some inspiration from the beginning of the 2023/24 campaign and add another central defender to his favoured XI.
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Wolves are crying out for experience in defence
On the subject of the back line, it’s abundantly clear that Wolves are crying out for an experienced head in defence.
It’s criminal to see Toti Gomes and Yerson Mosquera paired with little structure when Craig Dawson is sat on the bench, which is something else that could come of use if a back five was restored.
That being said, Dawson can’t be relied on as Wolves’ only experienced central defender for the entire season, making it clear what Matt Hobbs must go searching for before deadline day.
Work in the transfer window is essential
Based on the Chelsea result alone, O’Neil has now been warned of what Wolves need to identify before the transfer window shuts on Friday night.
A goalkeeper to challenge Jose Sa is a must, as the 31-year-old had a terrible outing at Molineux on Sunday afternoon.
Aaron Ramsdale has been linked to Wolves, which could solve that area however, that’s the least of O’Neil’s problems.
A winger to replace Pedro Neto is essential, as is at least one defender to bolster the back line, work is there to be done if Wolves want to improve this term.
Rayan Ait-Nouri position change should be considered
Last season, Rayan Ait-Nouri was one of Wolves’ best, as the left-back’s versatility came of great use to O’Neil when his options were limited.
The Algerian stood out throughout the campaign, thriving on the left side of the back five, where he was able to showcase his defensive and progressive ability.
In a rare case, Ait-Nouri was terrible against Chelsea, where he was exposed defensively, reinforcing that O’Neil is not getting the best out of the 23-year-old in the current formation.
If a change in defensive set-up is not sanctioned, then a rethink of the Algeria international’s role should be, with Ait-Nouri far more captivating going forward than he is at the back.
Strand Larsen ready for Premier League challenge
To end on a positive note, O’Neil should be encouraged by the performance of Strand Larsen, who netted his first Premier League goal.
Aside from scoring, the summer signing proved that he is the target man that Wolves have been crying out for, being strong on and off the ball and ready to get stuck in when needed.
The 24-year-old took his goal in a clinical nature, with plenty to come from the striker who was arguably the best of a bad bunch against Chelsea.