Wolves’ struggles continued yesterday with another defeat.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side were beaten 1-0 by Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, and it’s now eight Premier League matches without a win.
Wolves set up with their tried and tested formation of three-at-the-back plus wing-backs, but struggled to create opportunities in London.
It was an awful display from the visitors, who were very sloppy on the ball and lacking urgency in their play.
Palace’s winner came from the lively Eberechi Eze, who received the ball on the edge of the box, sold Leander Dendoncker with a drop of the shoulder before unleashing a drive beyond Rui Patricio.
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It was a good hit from the 22-year-old, but there was a feeling that the veteran should perhaps have saved it.
Eze’s effort did go through Willy Boly’s legs, but it ultimately ended up very close to Patricio and questions can probably be asked of the veteran, who is normally cat-like in such situations.
It unfortunately follows a string of disappointments this season involving Patricio.
From Jacob Murphy’s equalising free-kick for Newcastle to Olivier Giroud’s volley for Chelsea at Molineux – the £16 million star (BBC Sport) is just not looking as solid as fans know he can be.
Patricio position under threat?
Some are now calling for Patricio to perhaps be axed, and his form his definitely something that’s becoming harder to turn a blind eye to.
He has largely been so dependable since coming to the Black Country, but he is not in a good moment right now. In fairness, the same can be said of a number of other players in the squad right now.
John Ruddy is not the world’s greatest back-up, but the manager has got to be considering bringing him in to send a message to Patricio if anything.
It cannot be so that Patricio – who has played every single minute in the Premier League so far – is untouchable despite making several errors, and Nuno may now have a big decision to make against Arsenal on Tuesday.