Rob Edwards’ first game at Wolves was always going to be heavily analysed, and the new head coach made some interesting decisions against Crystal Palace.
It was a tough day at Molineux, as the Wolves squad slumped to a 2-0 defeat against the Eagles.
Adam Wharton did praise the Old Gold for their performance, and that will provide Edwards with belief in himself.
The Wolves head coach rued their missed chances following the game, and the Wanderers did have moments when they looked the better side.
But in the end, it was the fine margins that mattered, and Edwards got some things right and wrong in that sense.
Wolves vs Crystal Palace highlights
What Rob Edwards got right against Crystal Palace
The team’s shape
The way Wolves defended was admirable, and they really did not give up too many chances.
Crystal Palace’s goals were from fortunate situations for the away side, as Daniel Munoz was handed an open goal after a deflection, and Yeremy Pino scored a goal most goalkeepers would not save.
Other than that, the Old Gold defended well, and Edwards must be praised for making his side difficult to break down.
Adam Wharton spots a big change Rob Edwards has already made at Wolves
Playing both Jorgen Strand Larsen and Tolu Arokodare
Starting Jorgen Strand Larsen and Tolu Arokodare together was the right move.
Wolves are in need of goals, and what better way to try and score than starting two of your strikers? The pair looked to have quite a good relationship, and one moment in the second half saw Larsen tee the ball off to the Nigerian.
However, Tolu decided to pass to Marshall Munetsi instead of taking a shot of his own.
Other than that, the height the two offered when dealing with Crystal Palace’s set pieces was another benefit.
The only issue with this pairing was the lack of chances they received, but that will be something we discuss later down the article, as that was not their fault.
Seeing this duo play together again must happen, but with different players around them this time.
What Rob Edwards got wrong against Crystal Palace
A lack of creative options to help up front
While it was the right call to play two strikers, the choice to not have a creative number 10 on the pitch was odd.
Tolu and Larsen are not creators; they are finishers, and asking them to make their own efforts against a side like Crystal Palace was too much to ask for.
Fer Lopez was on the bench, and playing him ahead of Marshall Munetsi was likely the better move.
Munetsi should start fearing his place in the team now. His lack of presence in the final third is a big worry.
His substitutions
Taking off Tolu Arokodare was a strange decision, and it was made even worse when Hwang Hee-chan gave the ball away cheaply for Crystal Palace’s second.
Bringing on the Korean was not the right move.
If Edwards wanted to be more offensive with Wolves chasing a goal, there were better subs to be made at that point.
Hugo Bueno could have offered a fresh set of creative legs out wide, and the aforementioned Fer Lopez would have added a spark up top.
Additionally, a cameo from Jhon Arias off the bench did not impress Wolves fans.
Hopefully, Edwards will learn this as he becomes more familiar with his squad.