**Thankfully Sunderland are back in action this weekend as we play host to bottom of the table Wolverhampton Wanderers. With just two points from seven games we spoke with Emma from** [**Always Wolves**](https://alwayswolves.co.uk/) **to see what's going on...**
**Bottom of the league on just two points, winless after seven games. What's gone wrong for Wolves so far this season?**
Wolves’ issues this season are wide-ranging. The on-field problems stem from a major turnover of players in the summer. Some were out of contract and didn’t want to renew, while others like Matheus Cunha and Rayan Aït-Nouri were sold for profit. It’s hard to settle a team with so many changes. Although Sunderland seem to have coped.
While Wolves did spend in the summer, many signings arrived late, which meant Vítor Pereira had limited time to implement his ideas. There’s quality in the squad, but several players are still adjusting to the Premier League. That said, we’ve seen signs of improvement against both Spurs and Brighton.
Some fans blame the owners for the decline in recent years. It’s not long since we were in Europe and finished 7th twice. The owners have chosen to limit investment and push for the club to be as self-sustaining as possible. While admirable, the result has often been managerial change and big January spending just to keep us in the league.
**What are your thoughts on manager Vitor Pereira? Do you think he'll keep his job long-term despite this poor start to the campaign?**
Vítor is well liked by the fans, largely because of his warm nature and camaraderie, with his slogan, “First the points, then the pints.” This will buy him time.
I don’t think our problems this season are of his making. I’ve no doubt he’s an excellent manager and I fully expect him to turn results around. However, it’s a slippery slope when you’re struggling, Wolves haven’t won a game since April and questions must be asked. For now Pereira seems to have the confidence of the dressing room, but if he loses this it may be time to move on. The concern then is who would want to take the reins.
**It's fair to say that Matheus Cunha was your star player last season, how did Wolves replace him in the summer? And what did you make of the summer recruitment overall?**
It’s debatable whether Cunha was our best player. We did win six on the bounce without him. Still, he’s a maverick with real moments of individual brilliance. He can turn a game on his own, though there were spells where he drifted and offered too little. That kind of spark is hard to replace.
There hasn’t been a like-for-like replacement. The closest is Jhon Arias from Fluminense. He’s still finding his feet, but I’m confident he’ll be a superb signing. He’s strong one-v-one and has the flair you expect from a top South American talent.
We also kept Jørgen Strand Larsen despite interest from Newcastle, but an Achilles issue has held him back. He hasn’t yet made up for the goals lost with Cunha and Aït-Nouri departing.
Our midfield is a strength with João Gomes and André. They battle hard and can control games.
But, two players deserve a shout this season.
First, newcomer Ladislav Krejčí. He’s a centre-back who can also play in midfield and he looks top quality. Watch him for a few minutes and you wouldn’t know he’s new to the Premier League.
Second, a real surprise is goal keeper, Sam Johnstone, who was linked with Sunderland and Burnley in the summer. He’s been a big reason for our defensive improvement in recent games, taking charge and organising the back line alongside Krejčí. Last season José Sá was Pereira’s undisputed first-choice, but Johnstone put in work with a goalkeeping and fitness coach in the summer and has been a revelation.
**On the other hand, what are your thoughts on how Sunderland have started the season? Did you expect us to start so well?**
The promoted teams this season are stronger than in recent years, so this hasn’t surprised me or many Wolves fans. Even so, Sunderland are doing better than expected. It reminds me of our first season back in the Premier League under Nuno when we finished 7th. The team spirit and momentum from winning the Championship carried us through. There’s a real belief about Sunderland now, and it shows.
**Which player in our squad worries you the most?**
I haven’t watched a full Sunderland match this season, so I’m going off highlights and what I’ve read. Wilson Isidor seems to be flying, and Granit Xhaka has been supplying the assists. I’ll be keeping a close eye on them.
**Are you going to the game?**
Of course. I’ll be singing in the away end.
**What's your score prediction and goal scorers?**
On the Always Wolves Premier League prediction show, I went with my heart: a 2-1 Wolves win. I usually go with my head, which says a draw would be a good result for us. But we need the points, and we need the win.
As far as goal scorers are concerned all Wolves goals have come from different players this season, I’m also unsure what team Pereira will choose, he made multiple changes after the last international break and there’s quite a few Wolves players that have done a lot of miles.
**Finally, where do you think both sides will finish this season?**
I expect Sunderland to tail off. A bad run at some point is inevitable, but I still think they’ll finish out of trouble.
Wolves could be in a relegation battle until the end. The next few games are pivotal. I do think we’re a better side than the table suggests right now.