“I know there will be a lot made of the next games, but they’re not must-wins”- Gary O’Neil makes stunning comments about Wolves next games despite winless start to the season, fans won’t like it

Gary O’Neil and his team are preparing for Wolves’ upcoming Premier League battle with Crystal Palace.

Like Wolves, the Eagles have had a trialling start to the 2024/25 campaign, leaving it until match day nine to collect their first win. For the Old Gold, the hunt for three points is ongoing, with O’Neil’s side without a victory in the league since April.

O’Neil is having to rebuild his relationship with fans, who have rightfully lost trust in some of the boss’ ideas of late. Sitting 19th in the table is not acceptable regardless of Wolves’ fixture difficulty, with the manager’s tactics, substitutions and comments being placed under the microscope. 

Drawing late against Brighton gave fans something to cheer about, with the point coming at the perfect time ahead of two must-win clashes.  Supporters will brand Saturday’s meeting with Crystal Palace as a must-win however, the manager disagrees.

“I know there will be a lot made of the next games, but they’re not must-wins,” O’Neil boldly said to the media when previewing the next two challenges, via Express and Star. 

It was a statement that very few will share with the boss, whose side have not won in the Premier League in six months.

O’Neil’s assessment of the game is unsettling, as anything but a victory only extends Wolves’ winless streak. While the mood at Compton was significantly lifted by Cunha’s last-gasp equaliser at the Amex, focus must not stray away from the reality of the Old Gold’s position.

At present, Wolves have a 22.2% chance of survival, with relegation a real possibility if form does not drastically improve. O’Neil may not see the upcoming duels with Palace and Southampton as must-wins but truthfully, they are.

“We need to be ready in every game and we want to win,” the manager followed his comments with, offering opinion on the next two opponents.

“Crystal Palace are good. They spent £30million on a striker from Arsenal and Eze is pretty good!

“Southampton will also be tough, they keep the ball forever and have a real set way of playing,” O’Neil said.