Adama Traore’s performance in Wolves’ 3-1 win at Burnley was a microcosm of his career to date – electrifying in his dribbling, frustrating in his end product.
The 26-year-old was described as ‘unstoppable’ by Burnley boss Sean Dyche after a display in which he completed nine dribbles, but he also missed two golden opportunities to score, taking his tally to one goal in his last 39 Premier League appearances.
It is a familiar story for Traore, who has long been renowned for his ability to beat defenders but has struggled to add goals and assists to his game. He has only three goals in his last 61 league games, and while that is not his primary role in Bruno Lage’s system, it is a source of frustration for the Wolves boss.
He is creating a lot, he’s playing really well, he’s a danger, but he has to score goals, said Lage. He has to work on that, but the way he is playing now, the way he is creating, the assists, the way he is being aggressive, I’m very happy with him.
There is no doubt Traore remains a valuable asset for Wolves, with his pace and power causing havoc for opposition defenders, but until he can add a clinical edge to his game, he will continue to fall short of reaching his full potential.
Nick Wright
We weren’t good enough, we weren’t brave enough,” O’Neil said. “We got what we deserved.”
Wolves’ defensive woes are plain to see – they have conceded 24 goals in 12 games, their worst record at this stage of a top-flight campaign since 1966-67.
But it is not just at the back where O’Neil needs to find a solution. Wolves were second-best all over the pitch against Brentford, with the hosts enjoying 61 per cent possession and having 21 shots to Wolves’ nine.
Changes are necessary. It remains to be seen whether O’Neil sticks to his word and alters his approach, but something needs to give if Wolves are to climb out of the relegation zone.
Charlotte Marsh
Southampton need to build on the promise shown against Arsenal and start picking up points in crucial matches against teams around them in the table. Russell Martin will be hoping for more consistency and better results as they look to climb out of the relegation zone.
It’s a tough battle ahead for Wolves, Crystal Palace, and Southampton as they navigate the challenges of the Premier League season. The managers will need to make strategic decisions and get the best out of their players to turn their fortunes around.
Only time will tell if these teams can bounce back and secure their status in the top flight. But one thing is for certain, there is no room for complacency in the competitive world of English football.