'Performance was nowhere near good enough'

[BBC]

[Getty Images]

Wolves' defeat to West Ham exposed a familiar problem that has been an underlying issue all season.

For most of the first half, Wolves actually looked the better side. But even then, the same problem kept appearing - a lack of quality and directness in the final third. That is not good enough now and it will be even less acceptable in the Championship.

The two goals conceded in quick succession also pointed to a deeper issue. Individual errors, combined with a clear lack of focus and a bit of naivety, cost Wolves badly at a key moment in the game. Those kinds of mistakes cannot keep happening.

Wolves have not had enough physical presence or enough players who can handle a proper battle. Against West Ham, that lack of size and power showed up again. In the Championship, where games are often scrappier and more physical, that weakness would stand out even more.

The squad has limited creativity and that is telling when so much is being asked of Joao Gomes, who is naturally a defensive midfielder, and 18-year-old Mateus Mane. who has already had to carry a huge amount of responsibility over half a season. That is not sustainable if Wolves want to come back stronger.

There was also a familiar lack of support around the striker. When Wolves get players close enough to combine, they can create chances. When they do not, the centre-forward is isolated and attacks break down before they begin. Adam Armstrong has at least offered movement and link play and this may have been helped had there been a second striker like Tolu alongside him.

In truth, this defeat said as much about squad balance as it did about the teamsheet. Wolves have spent too long without enough physical presence. If they are being overrun in the Premier League, that same profile will struggle in the Championship too.

Wolves need more imagination, more pace, more physicality and more players who can make the final third feel dangerous. Right now, too many promising spells fade into nothing.

This performance was nowhere near good enough.

Find more from Emma Milton at Always Wolves