Gary O’Neil’s Wolves team has reached the eight-game mark in the Premier League season, and it appears they are standing at a crucial juncture. The appointment of O’Neil as the head coach was initially met with controversy and, to some extent, ridicule.
When Julen Lopetegui abruptly ended his tenure at Wolves, Gary O’Neil’s name surprisingly emerged as a leading contender, even though he wasn’t a top choice for most people. Despite having lost twice as many games as they’ve won, O’Neil has managed to gain the support of a significant portion of the Molineux faithful. The team is back together, and there is a sense of unity and progress.
While there were early signs of promise, such as the memorable defeat at Old Trafford, which could have been a win if not for missed opportunities and a questionable VAR decision, the victory over Manchester City garnered attention and surprised many, as did the draw against Aston Villa, which pleased even the harshest critics.
The next three games for O’Neil’s Wolves will serve as an early test for the aspirations of this post-Lopetegui generation. These fixtures present unique challenges for O’Neil to navigate. Winning an away game against Bournemouth, on paper, is a match they should win, but historically, Wolves have struggled in such situations. A victory against the Cherries on the road would send a strong message.
Then, there’s the encounter with old rivals Newcastle, who are in good form, having beaten PSG in Europe. Wolves often excel as underdogs, and while they are expected to put up a good fight, winning might be a tough task.
The final match in this trio is against Sheffield United, who have been struggling since their return to the top flight. They have struggled to score goals and have conceded heavily. The international break provides a good opportunity for O’Neil to assess the team’s performance in the first 18 games. While Wolves are not in a dire position in the table, they have yet to demonstrate consistency.
The team’s identity is clear, with an emphasis on relentless pressing and vitality. Pedro Neto is showing great promise, and the team is putting in strong performances overall. Wolves fans value passion and effort in their team, and as long as the players show commitment to the cause, they will have the support of the fans.
Now is the time for Gary O’Neil to prove himself as the right person for the job and build a team that the crowd can take pride in. If he can achieve this, he has the potential to silence any doubters for good. The upcoming fixtures will offer a clearer view of the club’s future and intentions.
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