Wolverhampton Wanderers

Matthew Howarth
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Manager Gary O’Neil defended his team after last weekend’s defeat at home to Liverpool, but Wolves can have no complaints with the outcome at the Gtech Community Stadium after a desperate display left the visitors still searching for their first Premier League win of the campaign.

O’Neil’s side responded well to Brentford’s first two goals – replying first through Matheus Cunha, then Jorgen Strand Larsen – but their efforts were undermined by some truly woeful defending for the Bees’ subsequent two first-half efforts.

Lemina conceded possession far too easily in the build-up to Christian Norgaard’s strike, while nobody in a Wolves shirt picked up Ethan Pinnock from Mikkel Damsgaard’s corner in first-half stoppage time, giving the defender time and space to put Brentford 4-2 ahead.

The half-time whistle was met by a chorus of boos from Wolves’ travelling supporters, who have now seen their team concede 21 goals in just seven games this season – two more than relegated Sheffield United had at this stage last term.

Goalkeeper Sam Johnstone denied Pinnock again in the second half as Brentford continued to carve out the better openings, and Schade should have done better when he shot straight at the Wolves keeper prior to Fabio Carvalho's late finish.

The last time Wolves picked up only one point from their opening seven games of a league season was 60 years ago, when they ended up finishing second bottom in the old First Division.

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter, at the Brentford Community Stadium

Image source, Getty Images

If the court of popular opinion is anything to go by, no one is safe at Wolves.

Chants of "you don't know what you're doing" were directed at manager Gary O'Neil, while the ownership also came under fire as supporters in the away end sang "we want Fosun out".

The first seemed like a response to O'Neil's substitution as midfielder Andre came off for forward Hwang Hee-Chan, in a logical change given Wolves were 4-2 down in the 57th minute, but the real reason behind the anger was simmering frustration at the general state of play.

That was being well-beaten by Brentford to lose their sixth of seven games, seeing the west Midlands club rooted to the bottom of the table, still without a win, last failing to gain a victory in seven matches during the 2003-04 season.

The attacks at the ownership during the match, which ended 5-3 after late Fabio Carvalho and Rayan Ait-Nouri goals, could be down to the constant need to balance the books with star players Pedro Neto and Max Kilman sold this summer, and the subsequent investment not matching the money received.

O'Neil was also exceptional in his first season in charge and signed a new contract in the summer but has voiced his concern about some of the transfer activity that followed.

The 41-year-old is now trying to establish a new way of playing without key players and despite Matheus Cunha and Jorgen Strand Larsen getting on the scoresheet, they were poor and deserved to lose.

Wolves could still get themselves going but there will be questions asked about whether the manager is the right man for the job during the international break and whether the club as a whole are in a state of managed decline, with an imbalanced squad and a lot of inexperienced players.

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

Have your say on Brentford's performance, external

What did you make of Wolves' display?, external

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

Follow reaction and read the match report

Chris Collinson
BBC Sport statistician

It has been a hectic start to the Premier League season with some clubs making a fast start while others are yet to get going.

But whose boots are made for walking the most so far?

Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa has walked the most after six games, just 0.1 km more than Manchester City striker Erling Haaland.

Interestingly, Haaland and Bournemouth striker Antoine Semenyo walk a lot despite being forwards.

Maybe the reason why Haaland has been able to establish himself as one of the fastest players and why Semenyo has made so many sprints is that they conserve their energy for the biggest moments where they can make the most impact.

Meanwhile, it is not just distance walked that we have tracked.

Wolves’ Matheus Cunha has spent more of his time on the pitch walking than any other player in the Premier League so far.

It is also interesting that both of Tottenham’s centre-backs spend so much of their time walking, given Spurs' high possession, high pressing, style of play.

This might mean Cristiano Romero and Micky van de Ven can conserve energy for when things get a bit chaotic (or they fancy a marauding run)?

This could especially be true for van de Ven who has been the fastest player in the competition so far.

Seven matches make up Saturday's Premier League action, and we will bring you every moment.

• Crystal Palace v Liverpool - 12:30

• Arsenal v Southampton

• Brentford v Wolves

• Leicester v Bournemouth

• Man City v Fulham (listen live on BBC Radio 5 Live)

• West Ham v Ipswich

• Everton v Newcastle - 17:30 (listen live on BBC Radio 5 Live)

Kick-off 15:00 BST unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

Image source, Getty Images

Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League matches this season, against a variety of guests.

For week seven, he takes on Will Champion and Jonny Buckland from Coldplay, whose latest album, Moon Music, came out on Friday.

Sutton's prediction: 2-1

Wolves are still bottom, with only one point so far, but they have actually been playing OK - including in last week's defeat against Liverpool.

Eventually it will click for Gary O’Neil's side, and maybe it will happen here, but I also think Brentford have been better than their recent results have suggested.

The Bees have scored in the first minute of their past three league games, so Wolves need to be prepared for a fast start.

Brentford did not go on to win any of those matches, but I have a feeling they will get over the line here, especially because they are at home.

Will and Jonny's prediction: 2-1

Read the rest of their predictions and have your own say here

Chris Collinson
BBC Sport statistician

There can often be a lot of focus on distances covered and sprints made by teams, but how much of a difference does it really make to their success?

When it comes to distance covered by teams it is the 'battle of the B's' with Bournemouth, Brighton and Brentford having covered the most ground in the Premier League so far this season.

At the other end of the scale, bottom side Wolves have run the least so far - 5km fewer than any other side.

Initially, I thought this could be due to how difficult their start has been (i.e. sitting deep and not rushing out against top opponents), but they actually rank mid-table in pressing stats (with no players missing via red cards either).

But, it is worth noting that running a lot does not necessarily equal success.

Nottingham Forest, Fulham, Chelsea and Aston Villa have also been the 'laziest' teams so far yet have started the season well.

It is a similar story when it comes to sprints too - some good teams sprint a lot, some good teams sprint little.

Tottenham have made the most sprints in the Premier League this campaign, followed by fellow high-pressers Liverpool and Bournemouth.

But defending champions Manchester City have made the least – 60 fewer than any other team – and yet they have been pretty good so far too.

Looking at which teams have made the most sprints – Spurs, Liverpool, Chelsea – and which the fewest – City, Arsenal, Villa – it suggests that playing style plays a part in how much a team sprints as well as just work rate.

Jonty Colman
BBC Sport journalist

Wolves boss Gary O'Neil has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game at Brentford (kick-off 15:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• On team news: "Santiago Bueno's glute is OK. Craig [Dawson] has trained a bit. Bouba [Traore] and Yerson [Mosquera] are still out. hopefully Bastien [Meupiyou] will train with the group next week.

• On his side's winless start to the season: "It's a 38-game race. We know that if we play well and perform to our potential, we have a good opportunity against Brentford. Brentford will feel the same about us. We can only control us. We’re ready for this weekend and then we will be ready for the game after that. I am confident if we play like we can over the season."

• On Brentford scoring in the first 40 seconds in their past three matches: "Incredible, they are big on set-plays. They use kick-off as a start of that. The lads have seen all three - we know we need to be ready. The three goals in consecutive weeks heightens that awareness."

• On Brentford boss Thomas Frank: "He's done a great job of making sure they take points off the sides that aren't going to be in the top six. They are a tough side to play at their place and well-organised. They will be a test. My group know what it will take this weekend. There's not been loads wrong with the performances so far - just little bits in games has cost us points. With all of those little tidy-ups, we'll be in a good position."

• On criticism from Gary Neville during last weekend's defeat by Liverpool: "It was a good assessment of that one phase, that was all. I was as frustrated as Gary. Players always have decisions to make over how direct we're going to be. Later in that phase, we get Tommy Doyle out, get into the final third and don’t have patience."

• He added: "The general feeling from people that know football should be that was a fantastic effort against a top side equipped with world-class players. We gave them a real tough go and made them feel like they scraped a victory."

• On the need to get a first win: "I'm confident every week the lads are going to show what is expected. When we go to Brentford, I am confident of getting a result. I'm desperate for it to be this weekend. Overhyping games can be dangerous. If we're prepared that gives us the best possible chance."

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

Image source, PA Media

Wolves have conceded 16 goals from just 9.8 xG against in the Premier League this season, the worst such difference so far this term (-6.2).

They had the fourth-best record in this regard last season (3.9), conceding 65 goals from 68.9 xG against.

Mike Taylor
BBC Radio WM reporter

Image source, PA Media

"I'm sure at some point I'll lose my job and they'll want me out of here," said Gary O'Neil on Saturday, acknowledging the reality that touches almost all managerial careers.

"But until that very day, nothing will ever make me think badly of the Wolves supporters," he continued.

"They've been incredible to me. I think they understand the situation well. There's a lot of things at play here and we're fighting some big clubs with one arm tied behind our back at the minute with some situations that we're dealing with, on top of some injuries.

"But we are doing it with real togetherness and fighting spirit. This is us and what we are, and we're going to be the best we can and we accept the consequences."

The many Wolves fans who lingered after their ultimately fruitless battle against Liverpool had indeed shown appreciation to O'Neil and his players. The previous day, chairman Jeff Shi and sporting director Matt Hobbs had insisted O'Neil was their man, and there is no reason to doubt that strength of internal support.

Wolves have, after all, played only six Premier League games since the club rewarded O'Neil and his staff with long contracts.

As everyone knows, that selection of matches has been exceptionally difficult and with the exception of the second-half collapse against Chelsea, Wolves have put up a credible fight in all of them.

However - and putting aside that there is still Manchester City to come next - Saturday's game at Brentford begins a spell of matches in which merely competing hard will not be sufficient.

In normal times, Brentford away falls in the 'tough place to go' bracket, where an away point would be perfectly satisfactory.

That remains true, but at a time when victories have been so rare, the pressure really is going to be heightened to win games like this - an unfair situation, perhaps, but undeniable.

If Wolves do not impress in the next few weeks, then even allowing for all the current circumstances, the heat from supporters will turn on the club, even if not directed primarily at the coach himself. When that heat arrives, as we have all seen before, it is the manager's position which often proves to have the lowest melting point.

Wolves' immediate future will be more straightforward in so many ways if they avoid this scenario and allow O'Neil more time to develop his team.

In the end, though, only wins, not well-meant words or applause, will secure it.

• Listen to full commentary of Brentford v Wolves at 15:00 BST on Saturday on BBC Radio WM

• Tune into The West Midlands Football Phone-In from 18:00 on weeknights

The BBC Radio WM Football phone-in with Daz Hale and former Wolves striker David Kelly has had its share of callers debating the latest at Molineux.

Gary O'Neil's side are under pressure after dismal results in recent weeks.

"I still do think there's light there," Kelly said. "The Brentford game is a big one as you have to get something there."

Presenter Daz questioned the 'underdog' status Wolves seem to carry given a wealth of international players.

Take in a clip below and access The Football Phone-in on weeknights 1800-1900 BST on BBC Radio WM

Dazzling Dave
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Wolves are experiencing their worst Premier League start in 20 years. The last time they had just one point at this stage was during the 2003-04 season.

October offers little respite and it is understandable fans are worried about when the next point or win will come.

Arne Slot was correct when he noted Wolves' performances are better than their league position suggests. Their display against Liverpool showed resilience and did not feel like a match between the top and bottom of the league.

However, many supporters are questioning Gary O'Neil's strategies. Things unravelled when Santi Bueno left the pitch injured, leaving only one recognised central defender. Carlos Forbs injected speed into the attack, but without Jorgen Strand Larsen, who was subbed off, there was no target in the box, and again Hwang Hee-chan just did not cut it.

Meanwhile, Rodrigo Gomes, Sarabia and Guedes stayed on the bench, yet they might have added much-needed energy. Some tactics remain a mystery - yet the real challenge for Wolves might be the mental strength.

The players appear committed. Mario Lemina’s emotion after the final whistle showed his frustration. Football is as much a mental battle as a physical one. When players' emotions falter under pressure, their performance suffers. Nerves in crucial moments can lead to mistakes. If they fail to earn points in October, will they be ready for supposedly easier games? A drop in morale could lead to desperation but if the team keep spirits high, there is a chance for improvement.

While some fans call for O’Neil’s dismissal on social media, this sentiment was not evident at the stadium. There were no boos, and the supporters applauded the team.

It seems fans understand the difficulties and lack of fortune, but that will soon turn if Wolves do not start moving up the table.

Find more from Dazzling Dave at Always Wolves, external

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Wolves and Liverpool.

Here are some of your comments:

Wolves fans

Mark: We have one idea, play across the back and hope to make space, even when there's four minutes to play! Excuse has been the fixtures, so let's see against Brentford, lose that and Gary needs to go! Our club get what they ask for, selling our most attacking player and our regular centre-back and captain. Maybe Fosun's luck has run out - two summers of selling our best!

Bryce: Baffling selection and baffling subs again from the manager. Bellegarde did nothing and Forbs looked up for it, but the manager took off our target man Larsen and Hwang was non existent. Semedo again in a defensive shocker for their winner. Changes needed at the top or we are done by Xmas.

Allan: I did say that we wouldn’t win any of the first six games and it proved to be true. We now have to take the positives out of the performance which was good. We now have a few games coming up where we maybe can get results and pick up a few points.

Ed: O'Neil out-coached again. Those substitutions were criminal, wasted all of our opportunities to change the game. Lack of direction, no depth in defence and a coach looking more clueless by the game. We could be adrift before the fixtures 'ease.' Newsflash. it's the Premier League. It's never easy.

Liverpool fans

Robel: Important and fortunate three points. Mo Salah is one of the best Liverpool players of all time. However, coaches need to learn to take him off when he is having a bad game. Both he and Szobo weren't up to par. Szobo got replaced but Mo stayed and almost gave away a goal in the dying minutes. Coach has to be more ruthless if we're to be real contenders.

Lee: Liverpool made hard work of it but a win is a win and in these early days of the season it is a very important one. Saw some big difference in approach between Slot and Klopp here, Slot seemed happy, especially in the last 15, to allow Wolves to be on the ball. The press was much more conservative and targeted throughout.

Gerry: Liverpool didn't ever get going. Slow from the start and uncomfortable in control. We had only a few moments where I thought we could get something out of this match. Sloppy passing at times led to chances missed that should have won the game. We've only played lower placed teams at the moment. I'm not convinced Slot's style will beat the best!

Image source, Getty Images

Wolves' winless start to the Premier League season continued on Saturday following a 2-1 defeat to leaders Liverpool.

Gary O'Neil's side have just one point to show from their opening six games but the manager is adamant that things aren't quite as bad as they appear right now.

Speaking after the match, he said: "I wouldn’t even class it as a situation. If we played these six games over the course of a season it would feel nowhere nears as bad as it does at this moment. Things have not gone as we want them to but no Premier League game will be easy.

"Playing Brentford next week will be just as hard. What I can guarantee is, the lads will always be ready to give everything.

"I have real belief in the group and myself that we will maximise what we can achieve this season. Whatever we do achieve will definitely be every last drop we can get out of this group."

Midfielder Mario Lemina was seen leaving the field in tears following the full-time whistle.

When asked why, O'Neil added: "I’m not sure, he’s disappointed.

"He hates losing, as we all do, but there is an understanding of where we are.

"One point from six, you’d expect a boo or cries for the manager to be changed or some negative reaction from the fanbase but what you see is them staying behind to clap their team because they see what they give. They show a good understanding of the situation.

"We have lost two starting centre-backs this week, we rushed Toti back from a hamstring and have gone out and shown everyone what we are. I’m disappointed it didn’t give us enough to get a result which we need and want but I can only hold them accountable to what I think they give and they gave everything today."

Highlights and analysis from Saturday's seven 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:

• Arsenal 4-2 Leicester

• Wolves 1-2 Liverpool

Image source, Getty Images

Wolves manager Gary O'Neil has been speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live after today's defeat: "Really positive performance from the players. You can see by the reaction of the fans at the end. It was a big effort and a lot of positives against a top side. Disappointed we went off-plan for a second and opened the game up and got punished. Apart from that, I thought the lads were excellent. There were some decisions we made that were not ideal and not patient enough.

"In terms of a group giving everything and fighting one of the biggest clubs in world football, big performance.

"I have seen a lot in the first six games that I am confident. We have Brentford away who are really tough. But we are fighting against some of the big hitters at this moment and lost two centre-backs this week. We are fighting, we are scrapping and giving absolutely everything."

Image source, Getty Images

Wolves defender Toti Gomes, has been speaking to Sky Sports after today's loss: "A tough defeat according to what we did in the game. We started well and we were a bit unlucky suffering the first goal, but we responded immediately in the first half.

"We were not paying attention to some details. We deserved something from this game - at least a point.

"All the details count especially against the big teams. If you do little mistakes they will make a goal and we will suffer."

On the penalty: "Straight after our first goal, but these are the small details. Suffering again from the penalty is tough - we tried to go again. The game is finished and we did everything we could."

On Wolves' form: "It is not easy, but it is a matter of time [until results improve].

"We are not in a good phase, but we have to stick together. We have had tough defeats against big teams but we are going to keep fighting and we have a lot to prove.

"I ask the fans to stick with us as we are going to keep improving."

Image source, Getty Images

In 2024, only Ben White, Fabian Schar and Josko Gvardiol (all 6) have been involved in more Premier League goals among defenders than Wolves' Rayan Ait-Nouri (5 - 3 goals, 2 assists).

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

Have your say on Wolves’ performance, external

What did you make of Liverpool’s display?, external

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

Follow reaction and read the match report