Brentford Hands Wolves 10th Straight Loss as Kelleher Shines

Wolverhampton Wanderers suffered their tenth consecutive defeat, equalling the lowest points tally at Christmas in Premier League history. With just two points from 17 matches, Wolves fell to a 2-0 loss against Brentford at Molineux on December 24, 2023. Keane Lewis-Potter scored both goals for Brentford, sealing a dismal outing for Wolves, who are now rooted at the bottom of the league.

After a promising display against league leaders Arsenal the previous week, Wolves failed to match that level of performance. The team struggled to create opportunities, allowing Brentford to dominate the match. Lewis-Potter’s goals came in the second half, highlighting Wolves’ defensive frailties and lack of offensive creativity.

Before the match, the atmosphere was somber as Molineux observed a moment of silence for Ethan McLeod, a 21-year-old academy product who tragically passed away in a car accident. His family and friends stood pitchside, paying tribute to his legacy.

Brentford began the match with more possession, a stark contrast to their usual style. The first half saw little action, with the longest wait for a shot in a Premier League match in six years. The only notable attempt came from Lewis-Potter, whose strike was saved by Wolves goalkeeper José Sá. Despite Wolves making four changes to their lineup, they struggled to find rhythm or coherence.

As the second half unfolded, Wolves fans became frustrated. In the 63rd minute, Brentford capitalized on a defensive error. Lewis-Potter pounced on a loose ball after a hopeful pass from Vitaly Janelt, scoring the opener. Wolves attempted to respond but were unable to convert, and Brentford quickly struck again. Lewis-Potter directed a cross from Mikkel Damsgaard into the net in the 83rd minute, putting Brentford firmly in control.

In a last attempt to salvage a point, Wolves were awarded a penalty after a foul by Brentford’s Kelleher on Matt Doherty. Following a VAR review, the penalty was confirmed. However, Jorgen Strand-Larsen’s poorly executed penalty was saved by Kelleher, further aggravating the home supporters. As the final whistle blew, boos echoed around Molineux, reflecting the fans’ discontent.

This defeat leaves Wolves in a precarious position as they head into the new year. They are now tied with Sheffield United’s 2020/21 record for lowest points at the halfway mark of the season, despite having played three additional matches. The pressure mounts on head coach Rob Edwards, who faces increasing scrutiny as results continue to disappoint.

As for Brentford, the victory provides a much-needed boost. Their performance, particularly from Lewis-Potter and Kelleher, showcased their potential to compete effectively in the league. The team will look to build on this success as they approach the upcoming fixtures.

Wolves will have to regroup quickly, as they aim to avoid further humiliation in their next matches. The club’s supporters will undoubtedly demand a turnaround in fortunes as the season progresses.