John Taras shares what we learnt from another grim afternoon.
1. Jeff Shi: did he jump, or was he pushed?
Today’s game had a new interim Executive Chairman in the stand. Nathan Shi (no relation) is now in the role.
In his first statement, Nathan Shi said:
“It is with great pride and honour that I join Wolverhampton Wanderers, a club with a rich and distinguished history in English football and deep roots in the city of Wolverhampton.
I am privileged to have the opportunity to lead a club whose achievements, both on and off the pitch, are founded on collective effort, from our players and coaching staff to our employees, supporters, the Wolverhampton Council and the wider community. I am grateful for the trust the board has placed in me.
At this important and challenging moment, I look forward to working closely with all stakeholders to build a stronger future and to help Wolves reach new heights. I believe that together, as one pack, we will move forward with belief, pride, ambition and unity.”
After watching today’s defeat to Brentford, it is clear he has a huge job on his hands.
2. The obvious difference between the sides
After last week’s spirited performance at Arsenal, you would have hoped Wolves would come out against Brentford and go after their first league win.
Instead, Wolves spent around 40 of the first 45 minutes backpedalling and defending. When Brentford had the ball, Wolves often gave them space to carry it into Wolves’ half. When Wolves had the ball, Brentford pressed hard and gave them almost no time.
Brentford found passing angles and space between the lines. Wolves looked rushed and ended up going backwards, even in promising areas. Too often, Wolves’ first thought was to protect the scoreline and hope for a breakaway. Brentford played to win the game.
3. A huge gap in squad performance
The contrast between the clubs is stark.
- Wolves average close to 30,000 in attendance.
- Brentford are typically around 17,000 to 18,000.
Yet the league table tells the real story:
- Brentford: 13th with 23 points
- Wolves: 20th with 2 points
Both clubs lost key players last summer. Brentford also changed coach, with Keith Andrews replacing Thomas Frank, while Wolves appointed Rob Edwards after Vitor Pereira.
But watching both teams today, the difference in style and clarity was obvious. Wolves looked compact early on, but they did not take the few chances they had. Brentford looked sharper, stronger, and more prepared.
It also raises a hard question: if Brentford can recruit well on smaller gate receipts, why have Wolves struggled so badly? How much of that comes back to the outgoing Executive Chairman and the way the club has been run?
4. The Jorgen Strand Larsen conundrum
Larsen is becoming a major talking point.
Last season he scored 14 goals in his first Premier League campaign. When Matheus Cunha was suspended, Larsen stepped up and scored four. This season started with real hope that he would kick on again.
Then came the Newcastle bids late in the window. Rumours suggested he wanted the move, but Wolves turned it down. With key scorers already gone, the club likely felt they could not replace him in time.
Since then, his form has dipped. Some fans have called for him to be rested, believing the transfer situation affected him. I was unsure at first, but after today I think it is time to rest him and give Tolu Arokodare a run.
Too many of Larsen’s layoffs went astray today. He also seemed too easy to knock over for a striker of his size. And the penalty miss summed it up.
His run-up looked casual. He tried the pause, but the keeper read it well. Worse, it went the same way as his previous penalties (to the keeper’s left) and was saved comfortably. That felt like Wolves’ last real chance to get back into the match.
5. Rob Edwards’ changes: were they the problem?
Rob Edwards made several changes, but it is hard to argue that the changes alone caused the defeat.
The biggest switch was in goal: Jose Sa replaced Sam Johnstone. Sa was not at fault for either goal, and he made multiple big saves that stopped the scoreline from getting far worse.
The reshuffled back line (including Doherty, Bueno, and Krejci) had a brutal afternoon against Brentford’s aerial pressure. Some changes were forced by suspensions and AFCON.
Brentford’s approach is clear: they play wide, force throw-ins, and turn long throws into set pieces. Those deliveries into the box are a major weapon.
Hoever came in and Doherty moved into centre back. Hoever and Moller-Wolfe tried to support attacks, but it left space behind them for Brentford to target. Wolves also lack natural wide players. That only changed when Mane came on around the 65th minute, and he immediately added something. For me, Tolu should have come on at the same time, not in the 81st minute when the game was already gone.
Fer Lopez started and showed effort and a couple of decent passes, but it was not enough to change the match.
Where does it leave Wolves?
If Nathan Shi stays in the job, he inherits a massive rebuild. It also feels likely that several players will leave in January or in the summer, including Joao Gomes, Andre, Arias, Fer Lopez, and Moller-Wolfe.
A rebuild may now happen in the Championship. And getting out of that league is never simple. It is a division where a dozen teams can realistically push for promotion.
Right now, the outlook feels bleak. Very bleak.
article by John taras
Wolves Member for several years but follower since the 70’s. Now retired and looking forward to being involved in discussions.