Wolves blog: First bump in the road for Nuno?

Four games without a win, including the two FA Cup games against Swansea, is the longest Wolves have gone without a win this season.

Previously they had only gone two games without a win in August and again in October, when they lost to Man City on penalties and then QPR.

But the statistics that Wolves have only scored eleven goals in eleven games, and one in their last four, are doing the rounds at the moment.

It was not a problem when Wolves were grinding out the 1-0 wins, but as we saw against Forest on Saturday, there are ways to stifle Wolves.

If this is the closest we come to a crisis this season, any Wolves fan will take that – we are still eleven points clear of the playoffs.

Nuno has whisked Wolves away to Marbella at the first sign of the team wavering – although we are told this was a pre-planned trip (perhaps to celebrate his birthday?)

A week in a warmer climate, with a chance to relax and recharge after the gruelling festive period is sensible – second placed Derby also took a similar, albeit longer trip to Dubai.

But there are a number of small issues Nuno will need to overcome in order to get Wolves back firing.

Leo Bonatini has not scored since December 4th away at Birmingham, totalling ten games without a goal.

Earlier in the season, Leo had that run of scoring in six consecutive league games.

But it is not just the goals, the chances themselves seem to have dried up. He hasn’t been getting as much service recently as he had been, and often finds himself much deeper in the pitch.

Maybe Rafa Mir is Nunos ‘Plan B’ if teams continue to force us wide, giving us an aerial option in the box.

But Bonatini’s lack of goals is concerning, especially when goals have dried up somewhat all over the park.

Another area which is so crucial to Wolves’ play is the wing backs. Barry Douglas and Matt Doherty have been exceptional this season, with Douglas’ set pieces and goals in particular having proven a valuable asset.

But the pair were withdrawn at half time on Saturday, replaced by Helder Costa and Morgan Gibbs- White as Wolves altered their formation in an ultimately futile attempt to get back into the game.

Ninety minutes each for the pair in the midweek game at Swansea probably took its toll, as they appeared jaded and were unable to make their usual impact.

A number of times during that first half, passes aimed for Doc ended up going out for a throw-in.

For the second Forest goal, Douglas’ man was able to put a cross in which was finished by Ben Osborn.

Without the suspended Ruben Vinagre and cup-tied Jordan Graham available, Nuno’s hand was pretty much forced to play the pair at Swansea.

The wing backs in Wolves’ formation are absolutely crucial and is perhaps one of the areas that needs more strength in depth.

Nuno may be at his first bump in the road, but he did implement Wolves new formation in the summer and hit the ground running.

He is an extremely talented manager, but it is natural for Wolves fans to have fears the team will blow their great position.

Away from the dugout, where Nuno appears explosive and passionate, he portrays a calm and aware man.

The players and majority of fans have complete trust in him – and a win at Ipswich will get rid of any jitters.