5 things we learnt from wolves defeat to crystal palace

1. Semedo absence 

The first 45 I think we really struggled without Semedo on the right hand side, Rodrigo was extremely shaky and lost the ball leading to a goal conceded. Really heavy first touches and no composure down the right. Djiga nowhere to be seen for their second goal too, no communication leaving Bentley furious. Even though Agbadou scored, in the first half it was too easy for Palace to get the opener taking it past Agbadou and it wasn’t a pretty first half performance. 

2. Strand Larsen’s importance

No matter how poor the display is as a collective Larsen is always there when needed. Jorgen Strand Larsen (14) has overtaken Raul Jimenez (13) in goals scored in their first Premier League season at Wolves. This also includes no penalties for the Norwegian, as the club are still yet to receive one this season and it’s so nice to have that Raul Jimenez replacement we were crying out for 

3. Rodrigo Gomes display 

As touched on briefly, Rodrigo had some moments where he was really poor and his first touch was too heavy and leading out of play in the first 45. Seems as though he really struggled at wing back and may be utilised better further forward… missed a player of Semedo’s quality behind him. Forced to swap sides for the second half to aid Semedo being substituted to the right.  He was then extremely quiet in the second half being substituted for Hwang in 80’, a big let down today unfortunately. 

4. Andre substituted 

In my opinion it’s nice to see Andre taken off, he’s been a standout for us this season by a country mile and he plays 90 minutes without fail every week. Wasn’t at the paces we usually see today but nearing the end of the season he’s beginning to fatigue and the best thing to do is keep him rotated ensuring no injury, what a player. 

5. Lineup takeaways

Although the performance wasn’t great, it was nice to see names rotated and some new names in the starting lineup with the likes of Bentley and Djiga in the starting XI, Semedo swapped for Rodrigo which is upsetting to see following the recent news of him edging closer to leaving the club. Toti gaining the armband for today could be a good hint to him retaining in next season which is an interesting choice over the likes of Agbadou etc… 

Lovely to see Matheus Cunha benched too, not even out of pure spite or bitterness a fan is saying that.. it’s due to the fact we need players starting who will impact next season. Don’t want to risk Cunha being injured and jeopardise his move 🙄