'Not a crisis, but Wolves must improve to go up'

[BBC] Wolves' 2-2 draw with Blackburn was not a crisis, but it raised a question supporters have been asking since the start of the season. Is this squad ready to compete at the top of the Championship and earn an immediate return to the Premier League? There is attacking talent. Fer Lopez was the clearest example. His pass for Marshall Munetsi's goal was outstanding, but his wider performance was just as encouraging. He found space, played forward and gave Wolves a clear attacking focus. For a period, Wolves' movement and passing suggested they could cause serious problems in this division. However, that spell did not last. Once Blackburn settled into the match, Wolves became slow and predictable. They struggled to create space and did not show the same high press or attacking intensity seen during pre-season. Mateus Mane looked short of confidence and experience, while other attacking players also struggled to influence the game. That can be part of adjusting to the physical demands of the Championship, but it also highlighted the lack of proven alternatives from the bench. The defensive problems were just as concerning. The centre-backs looked as if they had not fully adapted to playing in a back four. Toti, in particular, struggled with the positioning and decision-making required in that system. He was often exposed when Blackburn attacked the wide areas, while Wolves lacked the calm and authority needed to manage those moments. The goalkeeper position remains another concern for Wolves. Dan Bentley currently has the shirt, but he has struggled to provide the confidence an unsettled defence needs. Jose Sa has the experience and shot-stopping ability to be valuable in the Championship, yet he remains on the bench. Sa was animated and visibly involved throughout the game, showing how invested he remains in the team. Whether Wolves decide to restore Sa, continue with Bentley, or look for an alternative, the situation needs to be resolved quickly. The uncertainty is not helping a defence that already looks short of confidence. These issues explain the frustration around the summer transfer window. The concern is not simply that more players are needed. Wolves need the right players, particularly in central defence, midfield and the attacking options available from the bench. There are still two weeks left for the Wolves hierarchy to put this squad right, but there is a lot of work to do. Blackburn did not expose a crisis, but they showed that Wolves are not yet balanced or consistent enough to be considered clear promotion favourites. Find more from Dazzling Dave at Always Wolves