Wolves were eliminated from the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night after a 3-2 defeat to Brighton. Despite playing well in many matches this season, Wolves have struggled to secure victories, with just one win in six games across all competitions.
Gary O’Neil’s side exited the competition in the third round at the Amex Stadium. Brighton dominated the first half, but Wolves showed improvement after the break, although their efforts fell short.
Much like their Premier League performances so far, Wolves had several positives to take from the game, and some players gave O’Neil food for thought despite the loss. However, their inability to turn promising displays into wins remains a concern.
Five players who gave Gary O’Neil something to think about after Brighton defeat
Rodrigo Gomes
Rodrigo Gomes made his first appearance for Wolves since their 6-2 loss to Chelsea, starting in the Carabao Cup clash against Brighton. The Portuguese winger had a strong impact, offering a dangerous outlet and injecting creativity into Wolves’ attack. Though he missed a key chance to score, Gomes’ performance has certainly given Gary O’Neil something to consider when selecting his squad for the upcoming match against Aston Villa.
In contrast, Hwang Hee-chan had a difficult night. The forward, who netted 12 Premier League goals last season, looked a shadow of his former self, struggling to influence the game. With just 21 touches in 71 minutes, it was a forgettable performance, likely diminishing his claim to future game time.
Santi Bueno’s form continued to raise concerns as well. While he wasn’t disastrous, his defensive contributions lacked the necessary strength, particularly in the buildup to Brighton’s decisive third goal. The centre-back’s inconsistent displays since arriving at Wolves have cast doubt on his suitability for the English game, making his inclusion in future lineups uncertain.
On a more positive note, Goncalo Guedes stood out with a fine display, scoring Wolves’ first goal and earning praise from O’Neil, who described him as “excellent.” Guedes’ clinical finish highlighted his strong form, making him a strong candidate for a key role against Aston Villa.
Tommy Doyle also made a strong case for himself. Captaining Wolves on the night, the 22-year-old capped off a solid midfield performance with a goal. However, O’Neil faces a dilemma, as Wolves currently have an abundance of quality options in midfield. Doyle’s performance suggests he deserves more opportunities, but fitting him into the first-choice lineup will be a challenge.
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