Wolves are in deep trouble this season, suffering their eighth consecutive defeat in the Premier League following a heavy 4-1 loss at home to Manchester United. This defeat, combined with their woeful record of just two points from 15 games, leaves Wolves firmly at the bottom of the Premier League table. With only two points and a growing deficit of 13 points to safety, the club’s top-flight future is rapidly slipping away.
It has now been 227 days since they last tasted victory in the Premier League. During this period, the club has seen three different managers, two sporting directors, and one technical director come and go, yet the team continues to struggle. In total, Wolves have conceded 41 goals in the league, underscoring the defensive fragility that has plagued them throughout the campaign.
Their 4-1 loss to Manchester United on Monday marked another painful chapter in their ongoing crisis. The defeat equaled their longest-ever losing streak in the top flight, which dates back to the 1981-82 season. The club’s solitary goal came from Jean-Ricner Bellegarde in the first half, which temporarily leveled the score, but United’s dominance in the second half saw them score three more goals, sealing the defeat.
Premier League Status:
- Total Points: 2
- Position: 20th (Bottom of the Table)
- Consecutive Losses: 8
- Goals Conceded: 41
- Last Win: 227 days ago
- Managerial Changes: 3 managers in 12 months
- Next Fixtures: Arsenal, Brentford, Liverpool, Manchester United
The situation is looking increasingly grim for Wolves as they are already guaranteed to be bottom of the table by Christmas Day, a marker that signals how dire their situation is. The club’s total of just two points after 15 matches is now the joint-lowest tally at this stage of the season across the top four tiers of English football.
As it stands, the threat of relegation to the Championship is looming large, and Wolves are on track to potentially break records for the worst Premier League points tally. The all-time English record for a winless start in the top-flight is held by Bolton, who went 22 games without a victory in the 1902-03 season. If they do not secure a win soon, they risk challenging this historic low.
Wolves’ current plight is not just a result of this season’s struggles. In fact, the club has been in gradual decline since their two consecutive seventh-place finishes in the 2018-19 and 2019-20 campaigns. In the five seasons that followed, Wolves’ league finishes have steadily dropped, finishing 13th, 10th, 13th, 14th, and now they sit 20th, struggling for survival.
The revolving door of managers has certainly contributed to the club’s issues. Since the departure of Nuno Espírito Santo, Wolves have cycled through five different head coaches in just four years. Rob Edwards, the latest to take the reins, is the third manager to be appointed in less than a year, following Gary O’Neil and Vitor Pereira’s sackings.
Alongside managerial changes, Wolves have also seen key players leave the club, with the likes of Raul Jimenez, Ruben Neves, Adama Traore, and Joao Moutinho all departing in recent seasons. Their absence has left a significant gap in both the squad’s quality and leadership, which has yet to be adequately addressed. The club has attempted to replace these players with newcomers who lack Premier League experience, leading to difficulties in adapting to the intensity of England’s top tier.
Can Wolves Avoid Becoming the Premier League’s Worst Team?
The future of Wolves in the Premier League is increasingly uncertain. If their form continues, they could become the worst-ever Premier League team in terms of points. The current record for the lowest points at Christmas is held by Sheffield United, who had just two points from 14 games during the 2020-21 season, a campaign severely impacted by the pandemic. Wolves are now in danger of equaling or even surpassing that record.
Former Premier League player Robert Earnshaw, who was part of the 2007-08 Derby County team that recorded the lowest points tally in Premier League history, knows how damaging a long losing streak can be. Earnshaw points out that without top-quality players who can change a game in an instant, Wolves’ chances of survival are diminishing rapidly.
For Wolves to avoid relegation, they must start winning games and improve both defensively and offensively. They have yet to show the kind of resilience required to turn things around, and with crucial fixtures against Arsenal, Brentford, Liverpool, and Manchester United still to come, the task ahead remains daunting.
Wolves’ Manager Rob Edwards Responds
The frustrations of Wolves’ supporters were evident during the recent home game against Manchester United, where a group of fans boycotted the opening 15 minutes in protest against the club’s ownership and the management under Fosun. Edwards, who is acutely aware of the mounting pressure, acknowledged the fans’ frustrations. He stated, “I understand the frustration. I won’t tell fans what to do, but I’d love them to support the players if they see effort and commitment.”
The situation at Wolves is becoming untenable, with many fans voicing their desire for a change in ownership, regularly chanting, “You’ve sold the team, now sell the club.” However, the club’s owners, Fosun, are unlikely to sell unless significant investment opportunities arise.
As the season progresses, it remains to be seen whether Wolves can salvage anything from their campaign. For now, they face a tough battle against relegation, with their Premier League survival hanging by a thread.
FAQs:
Q: What was the final score between Wolves and Manchester United?
A: The match ended with Manchester United defeating Wolves 4–1, handing Wolves their eighth straight Premier League loss.
Q: Who scored the goals in the match?
A: Bruno Fernandes opened the scoring for Manchester United in the 25th minute,Bryan Mbeumo scored early in the second half, Mason Mount added another in the 62nd minute, and Bruno Fernandes scored again in the 82nd minute to seal the result.
Q: Did Wolves create enough chances to challenge Manchester United?
A: Wolves struggled to create clear chances. Their only major breakthrough was Bellegarde’s first-half goal, and they failed to threaten consistently afterward.
Q: Can Wolves avoid relegation?
A: It will be very difficult for Wolves to avoid relegation without a significant turnaround in form. Their current lack of quality in key positions, especially in attack, makes survival increasingly unlikely.
Q: How long has it been since Wolves last won a Premier League match?
A: Wolves last won a Premier League match 227 days ago, making their current run of eight consecutive defeats a record for the club in the Premier League era.