Wolverhampton Wanderers defeated Brighton & Hove Albion over the weekend to earn a point that gave them more confidence. Given that the Old Gold fell behind 2-0 until the last few minutes and rallied to win a share of the prize, the outcome was all the more impressive.
Although Gary O’Neill is still in the woods, the Molineux club is fighting hard to earn their first Premier League victory of the season, as evidenced by the fight his players displayed against a team that was thriving under Fabian Hurzeler. The skid might end on Saturday if the same squad plays Crystal Palace.
Cunha Matheus and Ait Rayan Nouri’s numbers vs Brighton Over the weekend, O’Neil was saved by Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri, who scored the goals to salvage a point away from home. The pair will be essential to maintaining Wolves in the top division if they can maintain their fitness over the next months. In addition to scoring the equalizer, the Brazilian made four crucial passes, created a huge opportunity, was fouled twice, and was successful on three of his five dribbling attempts.
Elsewhere, Ait-Nouri completed 92% of his passes and attempted seven dribbles – succeeding with four – while also winning six ground duels during the game, supplying plenty of support to Cunha down the left flank.
It might be difficult to retain them at the club if they keep up this performance. Ait-Nouri apparently makes barely £10k a week, whereas Cunha makes £60k. Without a doubt, both will be able to make a lot more money if they transfer to another club.
Despite earning more money each week than the two of them combined, one of the club’s top earners has hardly made an impression this season.
Why O’Neil must now sell Pablo Sarabia
Last season, Pablo Sarabia was impressive under O’Neil. Across 36 games in all competitions, not only did he score four times, but the former Paris Saint-Germain gem chipped in with ten assists, helping his side finish away from the relegation zone.
This season has been a different story. Despite Pedro Neto leaving in the summer, the Spaniard has made zero starts in the Premier League, playing only 73 minutes in total.
Despite playing just 28 minutes a game on average in the top division, Sarabia has given up eight possessions, produced zero significant opportunities, and averaged just one vital pass per game. Since joining the team in January 2023, Sarabia has been a respectable addition, but it’s obvious he isn’t making as much of an impact as he ought to, especially considering his salary.
In fact, the 32-year-old’s weekly salary at Molineux is £90k, more than Cunha and Ait-Nouri put together. This is an incredible sum for a player who doesn’t appear to be in O’Neil’s plans.
There are already rumors that the veteran is looking for a winter break due to his lack of playing time, and the January window is quickly approaching. There is no doubt that a significant portion of the pay cost may be released if the manager is able to let Sarabia go.
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