Wolverhampton Wanderers were outclassed 2-0 by Crystal Palace at Molineux Stadium on Saturday, November 22, 2025, in a performance that laid bare the depth of their crisis this season. Two second-half goals — a clinical finish by Daniel Muñoz in the 63rd minute and a swift counter from Yéremi Pino six minutes later — sealed a win that pushed Crystal Palace into the top four, while Wolves sank deeper into relegation territory. The result leaves Wolverhampton Wanderers rooted in 20th place with just two points from 12 games, a goal difference of -20, and five straight losses. For Crystal Palace, it was a statement: they’re not just surviving, they’re surging.
Second-half collapse seals Wolves’ fate
Wolves started with intent, pressing high and hoping to exploit Palace’s high defensive line. But their structure unraveled as soon as Palace took control. Daniel Muñoz, playing as a box-to-box midfielder, broke the deadlock after a slick one-two with Maxence Lacroix. The pass was pure, the finish clinical — low, hard, inside the far post. Within minutes, Adam Wharton found Yéremi Pino sprinting behind the defense. A single touch, a step inside, and a curler into the top corner. No luck. No fluke. Just quality.
Wolves had chances — barely. Their only shot on target came from Jørgen Strand Larsen in the 32nd minute, saved easily by Dean Henderson. Palace, meanwhile, had four shots on target from ten attempts. Their 59% possession wasn’t just dominance — it was control. Every pass felt purposeful. Every movement had rhythm. Wolves looked disjointed, their 5-3-2 formation collapsing into a disorganized 5-4-1 under pressure.
Lineups and injuries paint a picture of decline
The starting XI for Wolverhampton Wanderers was led by captain Toti Gomes, but even he couldn’t stem the tide. Goalkeeper Sam Johnstone made two saves — both routine — and looked isolated. Behind him, the backline of Tchatchoua, Agbadou, and Krejci was repeatedly exposed by Palace’s pace. Midfield trio Munetsi, André, and João Gomes were overrun. The bench offered little: Hwang Hee-chan, the team’s most dangerous attacker this season, came on too late — in the 78th minute — to make a difference.
The injuries are piling up. Daniel Bentley (ankle), Matt Doherty (knee), and Rodrigo Gomes (groin) are all out until at least February. The squad depth is stretched thin. And with no clear tactical identity, fans are losing faith.
Palace’s rise and the Premier League’s new power players
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace are quietly building something special. Their 3-4-2-1 formation, masterminded by an unnamed but increasingly effective manager, is fluid and punishing. Marc Guehi anchored the defense with calm authority, while Ismaïla Sarr and Yéremi Pino danced between lines. Even their goalkeeper, Dean Henderson, looked composed — a far cry from the errors that plagued him last season.
Palace now sit fourth with 20 points, just two behind third-placed Newcastle. Their goal difference of +7 is the best among the top five teams outside the ‘Big Six’. They’ve won five of their last seven. And they’re doing it without a £100 million superstar. It’s the kind of team-building that managers dream of.
What’s next? Wolves’ season hangs by a thread
Wolves’ next match — still unconfirmed in official sources — comes against a struggling side, but it won’t matter if the team doesn’t fix its fundamentals. Their 41% possession, 81.4% pass accuracy, and 46 clearances look impressive on paper — but they’re symptoms of panic, not strategy. They’re defending more because they’re losing more. And when you’re conceding 27 goals in 12 games, no amount of clearances can save you.
For Palace, the next challenge is consistency. Can they hold off Manchester United and Liverpool in the coming weeks? Can they keep Pino and Muñoz firing? The answers will define whether they’re a top-four contender — or just a flash in the pan.
Statistical snapshot: The numbers that tell the story
- Possession: Palace 59% | Wolves 41%
- Shots on target: Palace 4 | Wolves 1
- Corner kicks: Palace 4 | Wolves 1
- Pass accuracy: Palace 83.8% | Wolves 81.4%
- Fouls: Wolves 13 | Palace 9
- Yellow cards: Wolves 2 | Palace 3
- Big chances created: Both teams 2
- Big chances converted: Palace 2 | Wolves 0
The gap isn’t just in points. It’s in belief. In execution. In the quiet confidence that Palace have and Wolves are desperately searching for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Wolverhampton Wanderers struggling so badly this season?
Wolves’ collapse stems from a toxic mix of injuries, tactical confusion, and lack of attacking creativity. They’ve lost key players like Doherty and Bentley, and their midfield lacks control. With only seven goals scored in 12 games, they’re not just losing — they’re being outplayed in every phase. Their 5-3-2 formation has become predictable, and opponents are exploiting their slow full-backs.
How has Crystal Palace improved so dramatically compared to last season?
Crystal Palace have become more cohesive and efficient. They’ve moved away from relying on individual brilliance to a system built on positional discipline and quick transitions. Players like Muñoz and Wharton have elevated their game, while Pino’s emergence as a clinical finisher has added a new dimension. Their defense, anchored by Guehi, is far more organized, and they’ve conceded just 13 goals — the fewest among the top five teams.
What does this result mean for Wolves’ relegation chances?
Wolves are in serious danger. With only two points and a -20 goal difference, they’re already 11 points adrift of safety with 26 games left. Even if they win every remaining match — unlikely — they’d need other teams to collapse. Their next six fixtures include matches against Arsenal, Brighton, and Chelsea. Without a radical change in performance or personnel, relegation looks inevitable.
Who are the key players to watch for Crystal Palace going forward?
Yéremi Pino is the breakout star — five goals in his last six appearances. Daniel Muñoz has become the engine of their midfield, while Adam Wharton’s vision and passing range are critical. Dean Henderson’s consistency between the posts has been a revelation, and Marc Guehi’s leadership has stabilized a once-fragile defense. If these four continue performing, Palace could challenge for a European spot.
Was there any controversy in the match?
No major controversies were reported. The referee, Michael Oliver, issued three yellow cards to Palace and two to Wolves — all for tactical fouls or minor dissent. There were no penalty appeals, no VAR interventions, and no disputed decisions. The result reflected the flow of the game: Palace were simply better in every area.
When do Wolves play next, and what’s at stake?
Wolves’ next fixture is scheduled for December 1, 2025, against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. A loss there would extend their losing streak to six and likely confirm their status as relegation favorites. With no new signings expected before January and morale at an all-time low, this game could be the tipping point — either a desperate fightback or the beginning of the end.
