Wolves managed to pick up four points last week in the Premier League, but there is a feeling for some that it should have been more.
Wolves had two matches at Molineux, facing Burnley and Nottingham Forest. They secured a 1-0 victory against Burnley, thanks to another goal from Hwang Hee-chan at home. However, they experienced a setback on Saturday, dropping points against Forest due to a subpar performance.
While four points are respectable, some believe it was a missed opportunity for six points, and the team’s performance in both matches was below par. The absence of Pedro Neto is notable, but another player, Rayan Ait-Nouri, has also been sorely missed.
The game against Forest marked the third consecutive match without Ait-Nouri, who sustained an injury during the 3-2 defeat to Fulham in late November. Despite attempting to play through an ankle injury, he had to withdraw from the match.
Fortunately, Ait-Nouri’s absence is expected to be temporary, providing relief for Wolves, as they have felt the impact of his absence. Ait-Nouri has been a standout performer this season, making a significant contribution from the left side, especially since the shift to a wing-back system, a role he has expressed a preference for.
Hugo Bueno has stepped in as Ait-Nouri’s replacement, but the young Spaniard has faced challenges. Despite being an exciting talent, Bueno appears slightly off the pace, having recently returned from injury. Unlike his more adventurous performances last season, he has played more conservatively, with Nelson Semedo taking on a more attacking role on the opposite side.
Ait-Nouri’s attacking mindset and ability to carry the ball forward have been sorely missed in the last few games. Described as one of the best dribblers by goalkeeper Dan Bentley, Ait-Nouri had become a vital force for Wolves on the left side, and his absence is palpable according to former midfielder Dave Edwards.
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