Wolves lost 1-0 to Burnley in the Premier League – and it was the kind of performance fans have seen several times this season.
Wanderers played some good football at times, mostly in the first-half.
There were some neat passages and Wolves did have some decent chances.
But, once again, there was a real lack of a cutting edge.
And in the end, after Burnley got their goal through Matej Vydra, Wolves just ran out of ideas.
Burnley did defend well after going ahead, but Wolves just lacked invention in the final third, which is so often the case when the team is chasing the game.
As Wolves probed, one couldn’t help but think about the absence of Daniel Podence for the visitors.
The 26-year-old was unavailable for selection at Turf Moor due to a toe injury. He also didn’t play in the defeat to Newcastle United.
Wolves lacked a spark in Lancashire. And Podence has often been the man to bring it for Bruno Lage, especially in 2022.
The former Olympiacos ace has had a productive campaign so far, and has, especially in recent times, carried the biggest threat for Wolves.
According to data from The Other 14, Podence creates 2.14 chances per 90.
The £17 million livewire makes things happen, and it seems that when he isn’t on the pitch Wolves really suffer.
Wolves need Daniel Podence back ASAP
The game yesterday really highlighted how important Podence has become for Wolves.
Hwang Hee-chan is in poor form, and Raul Jimenez is not a wide player.
Pedro Neto is still working his way back, and Francisco Trincao has been frustratingly inconsistent this season.
Podence still has a lot of improving to do himself. But there is no doubt that he is now the best wide forward on the books at Wolves.