Wolves travelled to FA Cup winners Crystal Palace in the Premier League on the back of successive defeats against Manchester City and Brighton.
Vitor Pereira made six changes to the side that were beaten by Brighton, with Matheus Cunha dropping to the bench and the likes of Nasser Djiga and Rodrigo Gomes making rare starts.
Crystal Palace entered this clash on a high after winning the FA Cup against Manchester City on Saturday, and the Eagles started fast out of the blocks. But it was Wolves who took the lead through Emmanuel Agbadou.
Jorgen Strand Larsen headed Pablo Sarabia’s whipped delivery across the box, with Agbadou nodding past Dean Henderson to put the visitors in front.
However, their lead was short-lived as the hosts showed the fight to come back from behind. Eddie Nketiah cashed in on some lacklustre defending to score a brace before Ben Chilwell’s deflected free kick gave them a two-goal cushion in the second period.
Strand Larsen scored on the hour mark to give his side hope, and they were arguably better than Palace in the second period before Eberechi Eze made sure of the result minutes from time.
It was ultimately another disappointing outing for Wolves, so with all that said, here are five things we learned.
Rodrigo Gomes had a nightmare
Gomes started for the first time since the 3-0 loss to Newcastle United in January, and the Portuguese didn’t cover himself in glory.
The 21-year-old was used as a right wing-back in the first half in place of Nelson Semedo, and the youngster was dispossessed deep into his half in the build-up to Nketiah’s second goal of the night.
The former Braga man is bright and energetic in transition, but needs a lot of work defensively, and that was evident at Selhurst Park as he struggled to live with Ben Chilwell and Romain Esse in the first period.
He did, however, play a bit better in the second stanza when he was switched over to the left flank.
Goncalo Guedes was non-existent
Wolves’ trip to Palace could be Goncalo Guedes’ penultimate game for the club ahead of the summer transfer window opening.
In the loss to Brighton, Guedes failed to take his chance after starting for the first time since the win over Aston Villa in February, and he didn’t fare much better on Tuesday night.
The Portuguese forward amassed an xG of just 0.08 and registered just one attempt on goal, which demonstrated his lack of threat.
Wolves need to cut out basic defensive errors
In fairness, Wolves were much improved in the second half and were unfortunate not to claim a point after having most of the attacking play.
Ultimately, it was their basic errors in the first period, conceding two avoidable goals, that cost them a chance of winning all three points, or at least a draw.
The Wanderers are often guilty of losing possession in their own half against a high-pressing team, and that is something they need to improve on.
Wolves need to give Jorgen Strand Larsen more service
Jorgen Strand Larsen was back in the starting lineup after missing the last two games with a minor injury.
Wolves have missed his presence since he has been unavailable, as demonstrated by his impact against Palace. He grabbed the assist for Agbadou’s opener and then scored to give his side hope in the second.
That was his only attempt of the night, which shows how little service they supply their big Norwegian, whose height and physicality cause most defences problems.
Strand Larsen scored his 14th league goal of the season, yet that total could be closer to 20 if more quality was fired into him.
Vitor Pereira needs a lot of improvements in transfer window
Pereira’s high-octane system leaves Wolves exposed at the back, and in the summer transfer window, he will be looking at some defensive additions.
Equally, the Old Gold will need to find a perfect replacement for Cunha, who is close to joining Manchester United.
Three defeats on the bounce after an incredible run also suggest there are several improvements needed to his squad.
