In the 2025/2026 season, Wolverhampton Wanderers have endured what is shaping up to be one of the most alarming campaigns ever recorded in the modern Premier League era.
Once regarded as a structurally stable mid-table side with a clear identity and competitive edge, Wolves have spiralled into sustained underperformance, defensive chaos, and attacking inefficiency on a scale rarely seen at this level.
This Wolves data analysis goes beyond surface-level results.
Through a detailed examination of key metrics and tactical patterns, we will dissect the structural and strategic failures that have defined their season.
From build-up organisation and progression issues in possession, to defensive instability, transitional vulnerability, and ineffective pressing schemes, the analysis will assess Wolves’ breakdown across all phases of play.
By contextualising the numbers within their tactical framework, we aim to uncover the deeper mechanisms behind what may become the worst campaign in Premier League history.
Wolves Build-Up Play & Long Balls: Structural Problems In Possession
Wolves build-up this season has often revolved around bypassing the midfield through long balls aimed at a target man such as Tolu Arokodare.
The idea is simple on paper: the goalkeeper or centre-backs hit diagonal or driven long balls into Arokodare, who uses his size to hold up possession, bring others into play, and flick the loose ball out wide.
From there, the team seeks to settle on the flanks and create chances through the wide areas.
Wolves Build-Up Pattern Vs Nottingham Forest
However, this pattern lacks variation and control. Wolves’ possession figures and expected goals (xG) metrics show they struggle to create high-quality chances from sustained build-up; their attacks stagnate when they can’t link midfield and attack organically.
Arokodare’s involvement often becomes a reset rather than progression, leaving Wolves predictable and easy to defend against.
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