This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Wolverhampton Wanderers continued their unbeaten run in the Premier League but it very nearly became their first defeat since the middle of September if it weren’t for Matt Doherty.
Nuno Santo’s men were always second to Sheffield United after Lys Mousset snagged a second-minute opener but the stalwart right wing-back stepped up and headed home Raul Jimenez’s cross in the 64th minute.
It was enough to salvage a point at Molineux and stretch their streak to a ninth-straight match, equalling a club record held since 1973.
However, for the second time in a week, there were blips defensively.
On the Chalkboard
It is no secret that Wolves have had to suffer in the absence of Willy Boly – they are yet to lose in the top-fight or Europa League without him, but that only speaks volumes on the team as a whole.
And the fact that they’ve ridden some luck recently.
The centre-back position needs to be addressed at the first opportunity as there’s only so much they will be able to take before one team capitalises and punishes them.
Nuno Santo clearly doesn’t fancy Real Madrid’s loan man Jesus Vallejo as he’s only played 162 minutes in the Premier League while Romain Saiss and Leander Dendoncker have shown signs that they are indeed not natural defensive options.
First, it was the Moroccan in midweek against Braga as Wolves let a 3-1 slip, many fans deemed Saiss at fault for at least one of their goals.
Then, the Belgian midfielder was rather suspect against the Blades, losing possession 13 times recording one foul – the Express and Star labelled his performance ‘sloppy’ too.
For the time being, there’s nothing much Nuno can do – Ryan Bennett has been absent through injury while Max Kilman can only take up one of their two places.
We know that Wolves are pursuing a centre-back in January, even before Boly went down injured, but they just need to ensure they follow through on this after pulling out of an attempt to clinch Ruben Dias in the summer.
[ad_pod ]
Meanwhile, one Wolves stalwart has elevated his game in recent weeks after the club were linked to an alternative in his position..