Wolves can exploit one of Tottenham’s hidden weaknesses after key man returns
Wolves are still searching for their first Premier League point of the season, having lost all five of their opening league matches.
Despite their poor form, Wolves handed Vitor Pereira a contract extension, keeping their head coach at the club for the foreseeable future.
Wolves lost 3-1 to Leeds United on Saturday, a game that many dubbed a relegation six-pointer, with both sides struggling early on this season.
Jorgen Strand-Larsen made his return to Wolves’ side, coming off the bench at halftime to feature for the first time since late August.
Wolves now prepare to face Tottenham in the Premier League, a match which seems to be settled already on paper.
Tottenham have started the season in blistering form, winning three of their opening five Premier League games under new boss Thomas Frank.
Wolves must exploit Micky van de Ven weakness against Tottenham
Pereira will hope that Strand Larsen’s presence can give Wolves a much-needed boost against their formidable opposition in a game that has to yield a positive result for the Midlands club.
Mickey van de Ven may be one area of weakness that Wolves look to target now that Strand Larsen has returned to full fitness.
Strand Larsen scored three headed goals last season for Wolves, 21 per cent of his Premier League goals all season.
| Player | Aerial Duels | Aerial Duels Won | Aerial Duels Success |
| Jorgen Strand Larsen | 184 | 78 | 42.4% |
| Micky van de Ven | 133 | 64 | 48.1% |
Van de Ven will be of interest to Pereira as the Dutchman has only won 48 per cent of his aerial duels so far for Tottenham.
Since the start of 2024, Van de Ven has only won 64 aerial duels while Strand Larsen has won 78 in the same time frame while at Wolves.
Both Tottenham and Wolves have weaknesses from set pieces
One area of concern for Pereira is Wolves’ weakness from set pieces since the start of last season in the Premier League.
No team has conceded more goals from set pieces than Wolves in that period, with the Midlands club allowing 24 goals from set pieces, excluding penalties.
| Goals conceded from set pieces since the start of 2023-24 | Goals |
| Wolves | 24 |
| Southampton | 20 |
| West Ham | 19 |
| Man United | 18 |
| Tottenham | 15 |
Strand Larsen’s return to the side will hopefully add some height to Wolves’ defence on corners, but it’s the other end where Pereira will hope he can make an impact.
Tottenham have conceded the fifth most set piece goals in that time frame with 15 goals going in from opposition set pieces against teh North London club.
Pereira will hope that Strand Larsen’s return to near-full fitness is a good omen for his side as they enter must-win territory after a poor start.