Wolves must find a way to turn around their difficult return from the international break, with consecutive defeats threatening to leave their promotion push playing catch-up.
This is seemingly not the Wolves side expected to bounce straight back to the Premier League - at least, not since the international break.
Cesar Peixoto’s side have returned from the hiatus a shadow of the team that built momentum beforehand, with consecutive defeats exposing familiar flaws.
The 3-1 loss to Bolton at Molineux was particularly damaging, ending their unbeaten home start and raising fresh questions over their promotion credentials.
Torrid return
It was not supposed to restart like this. Wolves’ momentum has seemingly evaporated, with the optimism surrounding Peixoto’s early weeks in charge giving way to frustration.
The last time Peixoto walked off the Molineux pitch, he was surrounded by jubilant supporters after a significant Black Country derby victory over West Brom. This time, he was met by a growing sense of discontent.
Wolves boss Cesar Peixotoplaceholder image
Wolves boss Cesar Peixoto | Getty Images
The contrast was stark, as was the difference in Wolves’ performances. A lack of purpose and cutting edge has left Peixoto with questions to answer as the season threatens to drift off course.
Armstrong’s struggles
Wolves are lacking two vital ingredients: cutting edge and ruthlessness. Adam Armstrong’s struggles in front of goal have become a particular concern.
The forward arrived with a proven Championship scoring record from his spells at Blackburn Rovers and Southampton. Yet he has managed just one goal in nine league appearances this season.
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His chance in the second half against Bolton proved pivotal. Jordan James was one of the few positives on a difficult night, finding Rafiki Said whose low delivery picked out Armstrong, who had only goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu to beat.
Bazunu deserves credit for an excellent save, but these are the opportunities a striker brought in to deliver goals must take.
That chance for Adam Armstrong which was kept out by Gavin Bazunuplaceholder image
That chance for Adam Armstrong which was kept out by Gavin Bazunu | PA
Football can turn in an instant, as Wolves know only too well. Within minutes, Bolton had retaken the lead, leaving Armstrong to reflect on another costly miss. It also followed a significant opportunity spurned against Birmingham City.
Missing Raul
Armstrong’s struggles only heighten the sense that Wolves are missing Raul Jimenez.
Read More
They need a focal point capable of leading the line, holding up the ball and, crucially, providing greater conviction in front of goal. Jimenez’s absence has been keenly felt, particularly when chances fall to Wolves’ forwards.
Sa’s costly moment
Jose Sa had made important saves early on, but his role in Bolton’s opener was a costly moment in a difficult evening.
Atsuki Ito fires Bolton ahead against Wolvesplaceholder image
Atsuki Ito fires Bolton ahead against Wolves | PA
The goalkeeper appeared weak and went to ground following a collision with Bolton’s Eoin Toal, allowing the ball to slip through his grasp. It was a damaging blow and set an ominous tone for the night.
Winger problem
Just as Peixoto appeared to be building depth out wide with Said returning from injury, Wolves have been hit by fresh setbacks, with Bertrand Traore and Rodrigo Gomes both sidelined.
Mateus Mane is also struggling for form, while Said has made only two substitute appearances since returning. Peixoto’s options are dwindling at a time when Wolves desperately need greater attacking threat.
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde offered a brief bright spot with a well-taken equaliser against Bolton, but his overall contribution was limited after a difficult first half.