Two second-half goals from Daniel Muñoz and Yéremy Pino handed Crystal Palace a 2-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux Stadium on Saturday, November 22, 2025 — a result that buried Wolves deeper into the Premier League’s relegation zone and marked a grim start for new manager Rob Edwards. The match, which ended at 90'+6', wasn’t just another loss. It was a statement — one that exposed Wolves’ crumbling defense and left their fans wondering if survival is still possible.
A Manager’s Nightmare Debut
Rob Edwards, 42, took over from Gary O’Neil just days before kickoff, stepping into one of the most difficult jobs in English football. His first touch as head coach? A 2-0 defeat. There was no silver lining. No moral victory. Just a team that looked disjointed, lacking urgency, and utterly outclassed by a Crystal Palace side that moved with precision. Edwards, a former academy coach at Brighton, had been praised for his tactical discipline — but none of that showed on the pitch. Wolves looked like a team playing for time, not points. And time, as it turns out, is running out.
The Goals That Broke Them
The turning point came in the 63rd minute. A long ball from Maxence Lacroix found Daniel Muñoz charging into the box. The Colombian center-back, normally a defensive anchor, rose above two Wolves defenders and smashed a header past Sam Johnstone. No celebration. Just a quiet nod — as if he’d been waiting for this moment. Five minutes later, Yéremy Pino sealed it. A slick one-two with Adam Wharton sent him sprinting down the left, and his low, angled strike curled inside the far post. Johnstone didn’t even move. The crowd fell silent. The game was over.
Wolves’ Descent Into Chaos
Wolverhampton Wanderers now sit rock bottom of the Premier League with just 2 points from 12 games — 0 wins, 2 draws, 10 losses. Their goal difference of -20 (7 scored, 27 conceded) is the worst in the league. They’ve lost five in a row. Five. And they’ve conceded at least two goals in each of those defeats. The defense? Non-existent. The midfield? Passive. The attack? Forget it. Strand Larsen had a chance in the 9th minute — fired high and wide. Christian Benteke (listed as Mateta in reports) was played through in the 16th, but scuffed his shot wide. Even João Gomes’s free-kick, which nicked off Wharton, was saved by Dean Henderson. Wolves didn’t just lose — they were outplayed in every phase.
The Human Cost
Behind the stats are people. Sam Johnstone, 32, has been Wolves’ last line of defense since 2021. He made a couple of good saves — palming away Kamada’s volley, denying Pino in the first half — but no goalkeeper can win a game when his team gives up 27 goals in 12 matches. Meanwhile, Dean Henderson, once a Manchester United prospect, looked calm, composed, and in control — a contrast to the panic behind him. And then there’s Edwards. He’s not a bad coach. He’s just been handed a broken team. The club’s hierarchy didn’t just fire O’Neil — they handed Edwards a sinking ship with no lifeboats.
What’s Next? A Fight for Survival
Wolves’ next match? A home game against Manchester City on November 29. Good luck with that. City, fresh off a 5-1 win over Chelsea, are flying. Wolves? They’re winless since August. The gap to safety? Nine points. With 26 games left, that’s mathematically possible — but emotionally impossible. Teams don’t claw back from -20 goal difference with three wins and a draw. They need a revolution. A new captain. A new identity. A new goalkeeper. A new manager — maybe even a new squad. Right now, Edwards is just trying to keep the lights on.
Why This Matters Beyond Wolves
This isn’t just about Wolves. It’s about what happens when a club’s recruitment strategy collapses. They spent £100 million last summer. They brought in players like Jhon Arias and David Moller Wolfe. None of them have clicked. The Premier League doesn’t forgive mistakes. It doesn’t wait. And for every club hovering near the drop zone — Leeds, Southampton, Everton — this match is a warning. One bad decision, one missed transfer, one failed hire… and you’re not just struggling. You’re sinking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Daniel Muñoz end up scoring for Crystal Palace?
Daniel Muñoz, primarily a center-back, has been used more offensively under manager Oliver Glasner this season. His aerial strength and timing have made him a threat on set pieces. Against Wolves, he capitalized on a long ball from Maxence Lacroix, outjumping two defenders to head in his third goal of the season — a rare but vital contribution from a defender who’s now tied for most goals among Premier League center-backs in 2025-26.
Why is Rob Edwards under so much pressure after just one game?
Wolves haven’t won since August 24 — a 17-game winless run across all competitions. With only 2 points from 12 league games and a goal difference of -20, they’re the worst team in the Premier League. Edwards inherited a squad with no cohesion, poor morale, and a manager’s chair that’s already seen two changes this season. Fans and media expect immediate improvement — but the damage runs deeper than tactics. It’s cultural.
What are Crystal Palace’s chances of avoiding relegation?
Crystal Palace are currently in 11th place with 18 points after 12 games — comfortably clear of the drop zone. Their defense, anchored by Marc Guehi and Muñoz, has improved significantly since August. With Yéremy Pino in form and Adam Wharton orchestrating midfield, they’re one of the league’s most balanced mid-table sides. A top-10 finish is realistic, and even European qualification isn’t out of the question if they maintain consistency.
Who are the key players still performing for Wolverhampton Wanderers?
Despite the chaos, Sam Johnstone remains reliable in goal, and Adam Wharton continues to show composure on the ball — even if he’s often isolated. João Gomes has been the only midfielder pressing effectively, and Strand Larsen occasionally sparks danger on the wing. But without goals or clean sheets, individual performances mean little.
What’s the historical context of Wolves’ current slump?
Wolves were in the top four as recently as 2018-19 under Nuno Espírito Santo. Since then, they’ve cycled through six managers, sold their best players, and failed to rebuild effectively. Their 2025-26 season is their worst in 40 years — worse than their 1984 relegation campaign, when they had 11 points after 12 games. Now, they’re on pace for the fewest points in Premier League history for a team that didn’t get relegated before Christmas.
Could Wolves still avoid relegation?
Mathematically, yes — but realistically, it’s a 5% chance. They’d need to win 11 of their remaining 26 games, including away at Man City, Liverpool, and Arsenal. That’s not just improbable — it’s unprecedented for a team with this goal difference. Even if they found form, the gap to 17th place (currently 11 points) is too wide. Without a January transfer window miracle and a complete tactical overhaul, relegation is all but confirmed.
