Wolverhampton Wanderers

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Wolves defender Matt Doherty also spoke to Sky Sports after the defeat at Chelsea: "Everyone knows about Chelsea's quality. It kind of felt like we weren't at the races at the start. There were periods in the game when we were pressing well and looked like we might do something, but not for long enough.

"Against every team in the Premier League you have to be on it for 90 minutes and I just thought there were too many times where we weren't on it."

On conceding more goals: "We are working hard during the week. Tonight it was a couple of set-piece second phases. It is the basic stuff where we need to stay switched on. It is more a concentration thing when the ball comes into the box.

"Set-pieces can also be an attitude thing. You have to want the ball to come to you, or you have to want to attack it. We need to start putting our head in where it hurts."

On how the team is progressing under Vitor Pereira: "When he came in we got ourselves a few good results, got into the next round of the cup as well. But we've got a run of fixtures now.

"We were looking at games like this, like Newcastle, as fixtures where we could pick up some points. We have Arsenal at home next and those home games you have to be looking at getting points.

"He has come in and brought a new lease of life to a lot of the players - myself included. Maybe he gets the message across a lot better to the Portuguese speaking players - they seem to have taken to him well.

"He has done really well and we like his ideas. We just need to be better than today."

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Wolves boss Vitor Pereira, speaking to Sky Sports after their loss at Chelsea on Monday: "We faced a strong team with players who can create chances one against one. We started the game not in the way that I like. We defended too much in the low block.

"We conceded two goals from set-pieces and a goal that we cannot concede. We need to improve tactical maturity.

"The worst moment of our game is when we are defending in the last third; when we are defending in front of our box. This is a problem for us."

Did you know?

Wolves have lost their first three league games to start a calendar year for the first time since 1982 - a season they were relegated from the top flight.

Meanwhile, Wanderers have conceded 11 goals from corners in the Premier League this season, more than any other team. They have also let in 19 goals from set-pieces (excluding penalties), which is at least seven more than any other side.

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It was a familiar story for Wolves at Stamford Bridge.

They have now conceded 19 goals from defensive set pieces (excluding penalties) this season.

That is seven more than any other side and contributes to them having the worst defence in the Premier League.

Two of those 19 goals came in this game.

The first was a lapse of concentration from Matheus Cunha, failing to get out with the rest of his defence, while the second saw Jose Sa in no-mans land and Trevoh Chalobah climb above everyone.

It is an area that Vitor Pereira will need to sort out quickly if Wolves are want to avoid a real battle to survive.

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

What did you make of Chelsea's display?

Have your say on Wolves' performance

Come back to this page on Tuesday to find a selection of your replies

Dazzling Dave
Fan writer

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Creating goalscoring opportunities in the Premier League is no small task, yet Wolves have consistently managed to do so. However, a glaring lack of clinical finishing in decisive moments is now dragging the team closer to relegation.

Surprisingly, Wolves rank among the league's top teams for shot conversion at 10.8%. When their attack clicks, Wolves display swift transitions and precision in front of goal, making them an imposing threat.

Yet, this efficiency has faltered at critical moments, particularly with key players like Matheus Cunha sidelined, which has only exacerbated the problem.

The consecutive 3-0 defeats by Newcastle and Nottingham Forest highlighted these struggles. At St James' Park, Wolves failed to convert multiple chances, with Jorgen Strand Larsen missing a pivotal one-on-one opportunity in the first half.

Meanwhile, Newcastle's Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon demonstrated the clinical edge Wolves lack. Similarly, against Forest, several chances went begging, including two clear-cut opportunities missed by Larsen.

The Norwegian, despite his tally of seven goals and two assists this season, has faced increasing criticism from fans. Interestingly, he is on track to produce numbers similar to Raul Jimenez's debut campaign, where the striker recorded 13 goals and seven assists - and he turned out to ne not too shabby!

However, Larsen is not the only one to blame. Gonçalo Guedes, Pablo Sarabia, and Hwang Hee-chan have also struggled to capitalise on clear-cut opportunities at crucial moments.

Of course, even elite strikers like Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland occasionally miss golden opportunities. But what sets them apart is their ability to bounce back immediately, converting the next chance with composure.

Wolves, by contrast, seem to be struggling to shake off missed opportunities.

If Wolves are to survive, they must rediscover their clinical edge while addressing their defensive frailties - conceding goals at key moments has added further pressure on the misfiring attack.

There have been glimpses of potential, and the talent to turn their fortunes around is evident. However, if Wolves continue wasting chances, it will cost them their Premier League status.

Find more from Dazzling Dave at Always Wolves, external

Chelsea are not in great form but they are going to click again at some point and, if they do, they are going to wipe the floor with Wolves.

Vitor Pereira had that initial bounce as Wolves manager, but they have found it difficult in their past two league games, losing 3-0 to Nottingham Forest and Newcastle, and I don't see things getting much better for them at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea should win comfortably, while Wolves still have a lot of work to do to get out of relegation trouble. They are in the thick of that battle at the moment.

Sutton's prediction: 3-0

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Nick Mashiter
BBC Sport football news reporter

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Mario Lemina's decision to apologise for making himself unavailable for Wolves was necessary and offers him a road to redemption - however brief.

There is no suggestion the midfielder now wants to stay at Molineux - the expectation remains that he will leave this month - but he has at least recognised the error of his ways.

The reigning player of the season had a turbulent and emotional year, having lost his father in December 2023, after which his Wolves team-mates lifted his shift up when celebrating a goal while he was away from the club.

He was crucial to the success of last season, when Wolves comfortably survived under Gary O'Neil, but emotions have often taken over in 2024-25.

The 31-year-old cried on the pitch after September's narrow loss to Liverpool and then scrapped with Jarrod Bowen in the 2-1 defeat at West Ham last month, which pushed former boss O'Neil closer to the exit.

There is nothing wrong with showing that you care but it has to be channelled in the right way and Lemina surely sees now his decision not to play against Newcastle was wrong.

Something O'Neil and his coaches were acutely aware of was trying to manage an emotional squad properly.

Vitor Pereira has that job now and could certainly use Lemina at Chelsea on Monday.

Wolves are still mired in their battle against relegation and a fit and focused Lemina can help them win vital points.

Wolves boss Vitor Pereira has been speaking to the media before Monday's Premier League game against Chelsea (kick-off 20:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Pereira confirmed Matheus Cunha has been "a bit sick" and out of training, but there is a "possibility" he can be ready for the game.

• He also confirmed Nelson Semedo is training, Toti Gomes is "recovering well" and could return in a week, while Boubacar Traore is "working with us now" and Sasa Kalajdzic is working with the medical department.

• After Mario Lemina asked to be left out of the squad for the midweek match, Pereria explained: "What I learn in my life, if we speak every time truly then we don't have problems. Because what happens? Last time I came to the press conference I thought he was in for the game, then he asked me to be out of the game because mentally he wasn't in condition [to play]. Today he came to me, he asked to apologise to me and the team. He said he is ready to do his best for the team until we have a solution and decision."

• On if the apology has been accepted by himself and the midfielder's team-mates: "We can make mistakes in life, I did some mistakes in my life. We must give him the opportunity to show in the act not with words. I believe he spoke with his heart and he will try, I am here to see if he can or not, if he can help - OK. If he cannot, I prefer to go with another one who is committed."

• The Wolves boss said the club are "doing our work" and is hopeful they can bring "one or two" players in before the end of the window.

• On what kind of player he is hoping to bring in: "More solutions, more solutions to help. I'm very happy with the team and players I have, but we need more solutions in midfield, maybe another defender. We are trying to understand the market, it depends what we find. If we find the right players to bring – OK. If not, it is better to bring no-one."

• On if he would be accepting if they did not sign anybody new: "It will be the reality and I must face my life with reality, not with dreams. I will face with the same energy and looking for a good future. We know to be more comfortable with this fight, difficult fight, we need at least two more players."

• Pereira said absent forward Cunha brings the "creativity" to the side as he is "unpredictable" and can "take a rabbit and magic in the moment on the pitch and create something special".

• He said there is a "clear picture" for the squad and in this moment they "need to improve offensively and defensively".

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Manchester United will move for Wolves' 23-year-old Algeria full-back Rayan Ait-Nouri if their Netherlands defender Tyrell Malacia, 25, moves to Juventus. (Caught Offside), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Tom Gayle
BBC Sport football news reporter

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It's been a dramatic fall from grace at Wolves for Mario Lemina. Last summer he was named the new club captain ahead of the 2024-25 campaign. His popularity amongst the fan base was unquestionable. They had voted him their player of the 2023-24 season, with the then head coach Gary O'Neil describing the midfielder as the "standout choice" to wear the armband, adding Lemina has "big respect from the players, and drives standards".

Fast forward six months and the man once viewed as Wolves' leader now appears to be trying to force his way out of Molineux. Following a 3-0 defeat to Newcastle, Vitor Pereira was keen to focus on the positive aspects of his team's display during the post-match press conference. It was a performance similar to the home defeat to Nottingham Forest nine days earlier. The scoreline didn't fairly represent their competitiveness, and it could have been a lot different if they were as clinical as the opposition in front of goal.

When the topic changed to explaining Lemina's absence, this was no animated outburst from Pereira. His delivery was firm, calculated, and rather cold. It pricked the ears of all those in attendance, including the Newcastle press pack who were fine tuning their reports and analysis ahead of Eddie Howe's arrival. Quotes of "he wants to leave" and "I don't need him" provide succinct clarity of how the head coach views the situation, both now, and moving forward.

Some have questioned why Pereira decided to reveal the contents of what appears to have been a private conversation with one of his players. The availability of Lemina has been a constant debate amongst the media and fans since Wolves made their managerial change. The Gabon international has only been selected for one match day squad across the six fixtures Pereira has been in charge of, with injury and illness being given as explanations for separate absences.

It's been a difficult 13 months for Lemina. In December 2023 he lost his father. Part of the grieving process saw Wolves request and receive Premier League approval to change the name on the back of his shirt to Mario Jr. as tribute to his Dad's legacy. This was followed up by the arrival at Molineux of Lemina's youngest brother, Noha, on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. Lemina also praised the club's psychologist Martin Littlewood for the help he provided during this time.

Lemina had a strong relationship with O'Neil. The previous manager was publicly vocal with his support of the player to take as long as he needed before returning to work following his father's death.

Ahead of this season Lemina said of O'Neil: "I just think that the gaffer gets the best from me, and he's allowed me to do something that I've never been allowed before. He really trusts me when I go forward and when I defend. I'm really comfortable with where I am right now."

With the club bottom of the table after seven games he launched a staunch defence of his head coach saying only "liars and cheaters" would blame O'Neil for their poor start. It couldn't have been an easy conversation for either of the two men when the decision was made to take the captaincy away from Lemina following a post-match flare up with West Ham's Jarrod Bowen last month. O'Neil departed his role just two days later.

Given the turbulent past year or so, Pereira's reference to Lemina revealing how he's not in the "mental condition to help the team" shouldn't be taken lightly. While some Wolves fans will welcome a swift exit during the January transfer window, others will want an explanation from the player himself as to exactly why he feels an apparent desperate need to leave the place he called "home" back in August.

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We asked for your thoughts after Wednesday's Premier League game between Newcastle and Wolves.

Here are some of your comments:

Paul: The whole team is solid with no weaknesses. The bench also looks strong. With no Champions League or European distractions we will challenge for two cups and the league this year. Our owners, Eddie and his back room staff are getting it spot on.

Alvin: Six straight Premier League wins and nine in all competitions! I'm delirious with a level of irrational exuberance not felt since the days of Kevin Keegan. Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon seem to share a telepathic, goal-producing link, and the Tonali-Bruno partnership just keeps getting better. And do we sell Dubravka now that he suddenly looks like prime Buffon? Does he stay as No.1 or does Nick Pope come straight back in when he's fit? Guess we'll cross the bridge when we get there, but in the meantime I'm in dreamland.

Utsav: It has been an incredible run and Eddie Howe deserves immense credit for this transformation. He has masterfully devised a system that maximises the potential of every individual in the team, ensuring they perform at their absolute peak. The unity and determination in their gameplay is evident, and the results speak for themselves. Looking at their January fixture list, there's every reason to believe this outstanding form will continue. They have scored 26 goals while conceding just three in that run which is no small feat—it's a testament to their attacking flair and defensive solidity. They are truly on a roll. If fans and pundits believe Forest and Arsenal are legitimate contenders in the title race, then Newcastle must absolutely be included in that conversation now. Their consistency, resilience, and hunger for success make them serious challengers. Howe's men are showing they belong at the top.

Wolves fans

Col: Utterly toothless. It was like watching a cup game between two teams in a different division. Strand Larsen is a prolific misser of chances and the defence is leakier than a sieve. Relegation looms.

Geoff: At the moment Wolves are, in all but name, a Championship side. There certainly isn't 90 minute signs of a Premier League side. There are maybe two or three players only of that quality!

Tom: Despite the result, Wolves are creating enough chances but just cannot convert these efforts into goals. Newcastle have a world class striker who took his chances and knows where the net is. Silly mistakes are the story of our season, and we were punished again. VP will get us over the line come May.

Watch highlights and analysis from eight midweek Premier League fixtures.

If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up now on BBC iPlayer.

Listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Chelsea 2-2 Bournemouth

• Nottingham Forest 1-1 Liverpool

• Everton 0-1 Aston Villa

Matthew Howarth
BBC Sport journalist

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Facing a Newcastle team brimming with confidence was always going to be a tall order for a Wolves outfit with the worst defensive record in the division, but they were a little unfortunate to be behind at the interval at St James' Park.

Goncalo Guedes had a shot deflected narrowly wide by Lewis Hall with the score goalless, before Jorgen Strand Larsen was thwarted by the upright after Isak's opener.

Matheus Cunha, who started on the bench after returning from a two-game suspension, was unfortunate not to cap an energetic display with a goal, but Wolves' attacking endeavours were undermined by familiar defensive frailties.

In-form Alexander Isak was left in far too much space in the build-up to his second goal, as was Anthony Gordon for the Magpies' third of the match.

Santiago Bueno was unlucky to be denied a late consolation after the ball struck his hand and Strand Larsen rattled the crossbar, but this was another sobering evening for new boss Vitor Pereira as the Wolves slipped into the relegation zone on goal difference.

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Wolves have lost all four of their away Premier League games against Eddie Howe's Newcastle, losing under a different manager every time – Bruno Lage in 2021-22, Julen Lopetegui in 2022-23, Gary O'Neil in 2023-24 and Vitor Pereira 2024-25.

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Wolves boss Vitor Pereira, speaking to TNT Sports: "I am proud of my players and my team.

"This is a difficult team playing at home. We created a lot of chances to score, the difference was they scored in the key moments of the game and we missed the goals.

"For a team like us ,creating six or seven chances to score but we didn't score, this is the frustration we feel. But proud of my players, they tried everything.

"We tried everything, we scored a goal, it was cancelled. We had more chances but this is football.

"They tried everything to get a result."

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

Have your say on Newcastle's performance

What did you make of Wolves' display?

Come back to this page on Thursday to find a selection of your replies

There are four Premier League fixtures on Wednesday and we will bring you every moment.

• Everton v Aston Villa - listen on the BBC Sport website and app

• Leicester v Crystal Palace - listen on the BBC Sport website and app

• Newcastle v Wolves - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Arsenal v Tottenham (20:00) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

All kick-off times 19:30 GMT unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here