Wolves have crashed to a 3-2 defeat in their latest Premier League game against Fulham in very controversial fashion.
Wanderers lost at Craven Cottage with VAR once again playing a huge part in Gary O’Neil’s side’s downfall.
Two very dubious penalties were awarded to the hosts, and Fulham were extremely lucky not to have two of their players sent off in Tim Ream and Carlos Vinicius. Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher branded both decisions ‘extremely harsh’.
It is a feeling Wolves know very well. A string of decisions have gone against the team this season and many fans are absolutely sick to their stomachs at this point.
O’Neil will be furious this evening, but there’s also something else he won’t be particularly pleased about…
Gary O’Neil will not be happy with Mario Lemina and Joao Gomes after Fulham defeat
Tonight, both Mario Lemina and Joao Gomes came into the game with Fulham on four bookings for the season each.
It meant that if either player picked up one this evening, they would have to serve a one-game ban.
In the first-half, Gomes got booked for a late challenge on Willian. It was a very careless and needless foul, with Willian’s pass going out safely for a goal kick.
Then in the second-half, with around five minutes to go plus injury time, Lemina also got a yellow card for a very needless foul on the halfway line on Cairney. There was no danger for Wolves and Lemina was far too rash with the way he went in.
Obviously, both players are all about being tenacious, physical and winning the ball.
But O’Neil really needed them to get through this match without getting booked.
A huge blow for Wolves
O’Neil not being able to call on Lemina and Gomes for the Arsenal game is extremely frustrating.
The pair are brilliant together and bring the dynamism that has long been missing from the Wolves midfield.
Wolves have historically fared pretty well against the bigger clubs in the Premier League, particularly at home.
There would have been much more optimism among the fanbase if Wolves were going to the Emirates this weekend with the pair available.
But now, O’Neil must field a totally new partnership – and it’s going to be a huge ask to get a positive result against one of the league’s best sides.