For our BBC column this week we take a look whether individual player brilliance, specifically Matheus Cunha is keeping O'Neil in a job.
In July, when Wolves acquired Jorgen Strand Larsen, sporting director Matt Hobbs expressed his ambition for the team to target the European competition spots.
Fast forward to today, and Wolves find themselves far from realising that goal.
Despite outscoring fifth-placed Nottingham Forest this season, Wolves are anchored to the bottom of the table.
Inconsistencies in defence have hindered Gary O’Neil’s efforts to build a cohesive team. According to WhoScored, Wolves are the league’s biggest under-performers for xG against – conceding 27 goals versus an expected 22.41, a discrepancy of 4.59.
Their attack tells a different story, with Wolves scoring 16 goals compared to an expected 12.88 – surpassing expectations by 3.12 goals, the highest attacking over-performance in the division.
At the heart of Wolves’ attack is Matheus Cunha, a beacon of hope for O’Neil. Cunha has a remarkable ability to turn the mundane into the spectacular, having scored five goals and provided two assists so far this season.
He has been instrumental in nearly half of Wolves’ goals this season, but his impact goes beyond statistics.
With 23 goal contributions in his last 28 Premier League starts, he stands among the elite and he is only surpassed in consistency by six players from top-six teams. His shot rate of 3.2 per 90 minutes even surpasses notable players like Mohamed Salah and Ollie Watkins.
Without Cunha, Wolves’ offence would lack potency and direction.
We have to ask: is it O’Neil’s tactical nous shaping results or the sheer talent of individuals like Cunha?
O’Neil, once lauded for his tactical acumen on Monday Night Football, now faces a formidable test with Wolves.
While his attacking unit shows promise, defensive frailties undermine their efforts. Vulnerabilities at set-pieces and open play offer openings that opponents readily exploit.
Though Wolves possess the core of a solid mid-table team, defensive improvements are essential or O’Neil’s tactics may prove ineffective.
While the squad boasts many talented individuals, survival in the Premier League depends heavily on Cunha’s continued performance. Any injury or transfer involving Cunha could significantly diminish Wolves’ chances of retaining their league status.
