Rob Edwards’ first game in charge did not end how Wolves would have wanted, with Crystal Palace beating them 2-0.
The new head coach made four changes from James Collins’ line-up against Chelsea, and on paper, it looked like a good selection.
For 60 minutes, it was working. Wolves looked threatening up top, and while the Eagles did have their moments going forward, the score was still at 0-0.
While Oliver Glasner might have been frustrated at a ‘controversial’ VAR call in the match, he would have been happy when his side scored against the run of play.
However, while there were some small positives to take away, there was one player who should be dropped for next week.
- READ MORE: Wolves player ratings vs Crystal Palace, Andre gets 7/10 and plenty of 5/10s in Rob Edwards’ opener
Wolves’ best performer in the disappointing Crystal Palace loss?
Marshall Munetsi must be benched by Rob Edwards
There is a reason that Marshall Munetsi was a favourite under Vitor Pereira, and that is due to his immense work rate and the intensity he puts into winning his battles on the pitch.
For that very reason, the midfielder emerged as an early contender to be an Edwards favourite too.
However, with Wolves needing a spark going forward, that is an area he completely lacks in, and when played alongside the likes of Andre and Joao Gomes, there is little balance in the midfield.
| Statistic | Total |
| Accurate passes | 12/18 (67%) |
| Total shots | 1 |
| Touches | 32 |
| Dispossessed | 2 |
| Ground duels won | 3/8 (38%) |
| Aerial duels won | 2/6 (33%) |
There is little service being given to the strikers, and if Edwards started a player who was a little more forward thinking and had qualities better suited to the final third, it could have been a different result.
For instance, across the game, Tolu Arokodare and Jorgen Strand Larsen were only able to take two shots, and each of those came from outside the box.
It is difficult to score goals if your goalscorers are starved of chances.
However, there was one player who was brought on that could give that needed spark.
Jean Ricner-Bellegarde looked sharp coming on for Wolves
When Jean Ricner-Bellegarde came on, Wolves were already 1-0 down, and it was not long after when Crystal Palace doubled their lead.
However, despite the circumstances, the Haitian still had some good moments.
Bellegarde was much better in possession, misplacing just one of his eight attempted passes, and managed to create a big chance for Wolves.
Additionally, while he only competed in three duels, he did win two of those, showing he can battle in midfield.
Before Pereira was sacked, Bellegarde was pushing into the starting XI.