Adrian Clarke looks at key tactical points and players who can be decisive in Matchweek 5.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
They may have collected only one win from four matches so far, but new head coach Gary O’Neil has tactically re-energised Wolves.
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Inheriting a side that had lost its way as an attacking identity, scoring only 31 goals last season, O'Neil has replaced a feeling of flatness around Molineux with an injection of positivity.
Saturday’s opponents Liverpool will certainly encounter a Wolves team that plays with increased aggression.
A combative style
Urging his players to be competitive all over the pitch, O’Neil has extracted more bite from them.
They currently lead the Premier League rankings for tackles made, tackles won, and possession regains.
If Jurgen Klopp’s men dither on the ball or move it too slowly, Wolves will close them with feverish enthusiasm.
Midfielders Joao Gomes and Mario Lemina, plus full-back Nelson Semedo, are in the division’s top 10 for successful tackles.
Wolves tackles & poss. won comparison
| 2022/23 | PL rank | 2023/24 | PL rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tackles | 17.30 | 7th | 21.75 | 1st |
| Tackles won | 9.74 | 11th | 13.25 | 1st |
| Possession won | 54 | 7th | 59 | 1st |
The new head coach has also driven up the work ethic.
Wolves are covering an extra 1.7km per match on average compared to 2022/23, while their sprint output has risen by 11 per cent too.
Ditching a defensive approach
Wolves have been noticeably more adventurous since O’Neil took charge.
An outstanding display at Manchester United on the opening weekend set the tone.
In an unlucky 1-0 defeat, they racked up 23 shots, the most efforts from a visiting side at Old Trafford since November 2005.
Man Utd v Wolves highlights
All the action from last night at Old Trafford.
— Wolves (@Wolves) August 15, 2023
🔴🐺 pic.twitter.com/sE11e0kDxN
In a 4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1 that has in-form Matheus Cunha used as a support striker, O'Neil has demanded braveness and intent when his players have possession.
As shown below, Wolves have made dramatic improvements to the way they create goalscoring opportunities.
It is a relatively small sample size, but as a side they are significantly more progressive in their passing and movement.
Wolves attacking comparison*
| 2022/23 | PL rank | 2023/24 | PL rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expected Goals | 0.99 | 20th | 1.69 | 13th |
| Shots | 10.80 | 17th | 15.50 | 9th |
| Shots inside box | 6.81 | 17th | 11.25 | 8th |
| Touches in opp. box | 19.26 | 18th | 28.25 | 9th |
| Completed dribbled | 10.50 | 1st | 15 | 1st |
| Passes completed between the lines | 16.34 | 15th | 21.50 | 8th |
*Per 90 mins
Getting the balance right
Wolves’ new style and the way they commit players forward has perhaps made them more vulnerable at the back.
They conceded four at home to Brighton & Hove Albion and three at Crystal Palace, so there is a balance to be struck under O’Neil.
Potentially, the visit of free-scoring Liverpool may force a more controlled approach this weekend.
Finishing remains their big issue - a 9.76 per cent shot conversion rate is the third-lowest this season - but at least their prospects of scoring goals and winning matches has increased thanks to this shift in approach.
Cunha and Pedro Neto are currently two of the division’s best dribblers, and fit-again Neto has also created an impressive 14 chances across four matches.
Having beaten Liverpool 3-0 at home in February, and undoubtedly lifted by O’Neil’s positive mindset, Wolves should give their illustrious opponents plenty to think about.
Last time they met
Also in this series
Part 1: How West Ham trio have filled Rice void
Part 2: Why Iraola's positive approach will soon pay off for Bournemouth
Part 3: Can Branthwaite maintain early impact as he tackles Arsenal?
