Edwards on Gomes' fitness, Arias and transferspublished at 14:49 GMT 6 January
14:49 GMT 6 January
Josh Lobley BBC Sport journalist
Wolves boss Rob Edwards has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Premier League game against Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium (kick-off 19:30 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
He confirmed that Joao Gomes and Hwang Hee-chan, who came off against West Ham, should both be fine to play on Wednesday. None of the injured players who were previously out will return, but Edwards says "people are progressing on time".
On the importance of getting the first league win of the season last time out against West Ham: "Internally, it's not been the end of the world that we hadn't won. It was a really good day for us and the supporters needed it more than anyone else."
He stressed the importance of not getting ahead of themselves: "We are under no illusions that after a couple of good results we have cracked it, far from it. This is going to be a very tough game."
On the improvement of Jhon Arias in recent weeks: "He wants to feel involved and be in the game. If he can be in the game, we will see the best of him. Perhaps being deeper keeps him in the game more."
Edwards insisted that the club are still working hard to bring in new recruits during this month's transfer window.
Wolves still battling the odds but showing fightpublished at 10:51 GMT 6 January
10:51 GMT 6 January
Nick Mashiter Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
There is hope at Molineux for the first time this season.
The second half of the season starts at Everton on Wednesday and there will be a different air to Rob Edwards' pre-match press conference.
It is the first time this season a Wolves manager has held one after a Premier League victory and, after four points from their past two games tripled their season's tally, there is optimism - however brief.
It would be the Premier League's greatest comeback but Wolves would need to win at least half of their remaining 18 games to even stand a chance so the expectation of relegation. externally at least, does not change.
Those outside of Compton had been resigned to relegation and it was all about how and when, not if, Wolves went down.
Edwards alluded to that last month, insisting they could not get relegated with a whimper and at least there is fight after the draw at Manchester United and Saturday's 3-0 win over West Ham.
There was of course spirit in performances at Aston Villa and Arsenal which deserved more than narrow defeats, but Wolves had to back them up with points.
There is still 12 points to make up to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest - and that will be extended if Forest win their crucial basement battle at the Hammers on Tuesday - so no-one expects miracles.
But any signs of recovery were so desperately needed and at Everton on Wednesday Wolves need to prove they can maintain their battle against the odds.
'Pure relief, pure joy, absolute bliss'published at 16:34 GMT 5 January
16:34 GMT 5 January
Dazzling Dave Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Almost nine months.
Nine long, soul-destroying months of waiting, hoping, travelling, groaning, and still turning up. And finally... finally Wolverhampton Wanderers remembered how to win a Premier League football match.
I do not care who it was against. I do not care about the table. I do not care how ugly it has been getting here. That feeling at full-time? Pure relief. Pure joy. Absolute bliss.
So what changed?
Firstly, we have seen this coming for a while with good performances at Old Trafford and Anfield. But for me, it started with intent. We played with a positive, attacking mindset, not the cautious, scared version we have watched too often. There was movement ahead of the ball, runners taking risks and a sense that we were trying to win rather than trying not to lose.
Mateus Mane has injected something we've been crying out for: energy and directness. In truth, he felt like the spark that lit the flame. His first touch is sharp, and you could see West Ham's defenders struggle to cope as he slipped past them.
He is brilliant at finding space, constantly moving even when he does not have the ball. His football intelligence is clear but more than anything he shows no fear. That attitude spreads. It felt like his tempo rubbed off on everyone around him.
Credit is also due to Hwang Hee-chan and Jhon Arias, because both have had plenty of criticism thrown their way. Rob Edwards tweaked the system and, crucially, pushed them into more central roles. It suited both.
Arias, as part of a midfield three, looked like a different player, more involved, more assured, and more able to affect the game. That switch started at Manchester United and it carried forward here.
Meanwhile Hwang played higher and narrower, ran at defenders, helped create a goal and then kept his nerve from the spot.
Maybe Edwards has landed on a shape that actually works for this squad. The worry is whether we can take it into the next game at Everton. Joao Gomes and Hwang both look like injury doubts and Wolves might be forced to break up a winning combination before it has had a chance to grow.
One last thing: the humour. Both sets of fans traded chants of gallows humour for most of the match and after nine months, we deserved a laugh - and we definitely deserved a win.
Wolves 3-0 West Ham - the fans' verdictpublished at 07:08 GMT 5 January
07:08 GMT 5 January
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We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Wolves and West Ham.
Here are some of your comments:
Wolves fans
Mike: The great escape is on! A good performance all round, albeit against a poor West Ham team. They dominated possession but did nothing with it - we scored three goals and their keeper made three great saves. Sa had nothing to do but deal with crosses. Excellent three points now back it up with a win at Everton in midweek.
Rhys: A shocking performance by West Ham but, saying that, our first half was simply stunning. I think just about every Wolves fan now loves Mane after his ridiculous performance, ripping away the West Ham defence. The Hammers got hammered!
Robert: Performances have been improved in recent games. This is well overdue, and while we won't avoid relegation, maybe we have found some pride.
West Ham fans
Phillip: I can forgive anything except not trying hard enough. There are a lot of players in the group who clearly have no self-respect. At least look as though you care! I have followed West Ham since 1967 and have never seen such low commitment to the cause. They deserve to be relegated and I think it is almost a certainty now. Sullivan deserves no better.
Bullet: The two worst centre-backs in the history of the club, a midfield that prefers to pass the ball backwards and a non-existent forward line. That is West Ham. It is painful to watch.
Barry: Gutless display. This should have been a cup final and Wolves clearly treated it like that. We came out as if we were in a training game. No leaders on the pitch and no leadership from the sidelines. We are completely rudderless. Sullivan and Brady have ruined our club. We will be in the Championship for some years.
Wolves show fighting spirit in first win of seasonpublished at 18:30 GMT 3 January
18:30 GMT 3 January
Adwaidh Rajan BBC Sport journalist
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The 3-0 win against West Ham on Saturday was more than just three points for Wolves - it was a statement from Rob Edwards' side that they still have some fight left in their battle to avoid relegation.
Wolves are, by a distance, the side to have scored the least number of goals in the Premier League this season while they have also conceded 40 goals in 20 games of the campaign.
But at Molineux on Saturday, Edwards' men delivered their most ruthless attacking display of the season and also came away with their first clean sheet.
From the outset, they played with intent, registering five shots on target and converting three of them in a first-half blitz that stunned Nuno Espirito Santo's West Ham.
Nuno's Hammers were an improved side after the restart, but Wolves still held on - limiting the visitors to minimal openings.
But Edwards will know he has work cut out to keep the side in the Premier League.
The bottom side are still six points behind 19th-placed Burnley and 12 adrift of 17th-placed Nottingham Forest.
But ending their 23-game winless run in the English top flight will provide Wolves with some much-needed confidence with a game against Everton to come on Wednesday.
Wolves 3-0 West Ham: What Edwards and Mane saidpublished at 17:29 GMT 3 January
17:29 GMT 3 January
Media caption,
Rob Edwards spoke to BBC Match of the Day after Wolves' victory against West Ham: "We have been improving and progressing and you saw that today. It is another step in the right direction, that is all it was and it is nice it has culminated in a win.
"It was a complete performance. I feel we are progressing and building in the right way. We have had a good week with four points.
"The lads have been all in. Big credit to them and huge credit for the supporters, that was for them today.
"Football is always stressful and with 30 seconds to go I started allowing myself the chance to enjoy it."
On Mateus Mane: "It has given everyone a lift, you can hear the fans singing his name. We have to make sure we look after him. He has had a really impressive couple of weeks and it was a fantastic goal today. He has a great attitude. He will take risks at the right time but at the same time he is all about the team. He has been really impressive so far."
Mane spoke to Sky Sports: "When I hear the fans sing my name it makes me want to do more for them.
"It's our first win but we're not done yet, we want to get higher and higher. I've had friends and family watching here today which felt amazing."
Did you know?
Aged 18 years and 109 days, Mateus Mane became Wolves' youngest ever goalscorer in a Premier League match.
Listen to BBC Radio WM's interviews with Edwards and Mane here
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Brighton v Burnley" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Bournemouth v Arsenal", for instance.
Sutton's predictions: Wolves v West Hampublished at 11:04 GMT 3 January
11:04 GMT 3 January
Wolves' performance in their draw with Manchester United underlined what I already thought.
Yes, they have lost a couple of key players in Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri, but they have still got enough in their squad to have done far better than they have this season.
This is a massive week for West Ham, with their relegation rivals Nottingham Forest up next after this game.
The Hammers are looking pretty desperate, but their recent away record actually is not too bad. They were well beaten at Manchester City but, before then, they drew three in a row at Bournemouth, Manchester United and Brighton.
They probably feel under less pressure when they are on the road but I am still reluctant to back them to win anywhere at the moment.
I feel the same way about Wolves, who have now gone half the season without a victory. Let's call this one a draw.
Wolves v West Ham: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 19:05 GMT 2 January
19:05 GMT 2 January
Matthew Hobbs BBC Sport journalist
Wolves will attempt to win for the first time in the Premier League this season against a West Ham United side who have not won away from home since August.
BBC Sport examines some of the key themes going into Saturday's meeting at Molineux.
Can Wolves end winless run?
Wolves begin the new year having earned their first point since 5 October at Old Trafford on Tuesday to end a wretched run of 11 defeats, although the Premier League's bottom side remain in dire trouble with half of the campaign remaining.
Rob Edwards said his players deserved more following the 1-1 draw and while Wolves' head coach praised a "good performance and progress" after winning the first point of his tenure, drastic improvement in terms of results is needed in short order if the West Midlands side are to mount any kind of realistic challenge at avoiding relegation.
Wolves are only the second side in top-flight history to fail to win any of their opening 19 matches, and the first since Bolton Wanderers more than a century ago.
Wanderers have drawn their opening league game in three of the past five calendar years, but Edwards' men simply must start taking three points as soon as possible and a home match against a West Ham side beset by struggles of their own is surely a must-win fixture.
Wolves started 2025 with a home match against a team managed by Nuno Espirito Santo but on that occasion, they lost 3-0 to Nottingham Forest.
Such a result against a relegation rival would feel almost terminal this time round, particularly against a visiting side who have failed to win any of their past eight league fixtures – their longest run without victory in the competition for nearly 15 years.
West Ham's struggles under Nuno
West Ham's struggles are longstanding, although their prevailing issue so far this season has been an inability to keep clean sheets. The Hammers have done so on just one occasion in 2025-26 - against Forest on 31 August when Nuno was the opposing manager.
That 3-0 triumph at the City Ground was also the only time this season that West Ham have gone on to win a Premier League match in which they have scored the opening goal (D3, L2) and Nuno's defensive approach when in a winning position has regularly attracted the ire of supporters in this campaign – a tendency compounded by a drop-off in most metrics since the former Wolves boss replaced Graham Potter in September.
West Ham's switch to a counter-attacking approach is yet to pay off, with the Londoners averaging fewer points per game, scoring fewer goals and conceding more on average under Nuno than his predecessor.
West Ham, though, tend to start the calendar year in a positive fashion.
The 4-1 defeat by Manchester City at the beginning of 2025 was their first opening defeat in the past eight calendar years, while the Hammers have not lost their first fixture in consecutive calendar years since 2008.
Edwards on Bueno's return, January transfers and 'infectious' Manepublished at 15:56 GMT 2 January
15:56 GMT 2 January
Josh Lobley BBC Sport journalist
Wolves boss Rob Edwards has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against West Ham at Molineux (kick-off 15:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
There are no fresh injuries before Saturday's match and Edwards said he hopes Santiago Bueno can return to the squad.
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Marshall Munetsi are still out but making progress. The latter was on the grass earlier in the week but is yet to return to team training.
On potential business during this month's transfer window: "There's conversations I'm involved in and there will be conversations I'm not involved in, but when I need to know something I can get involved. There will be a lot of work going on behind the scenes on both incomings and outgoings."
He is not concerned about speculation regarding players like Jorgen Strand Larsen, who has shown a "brilliant attitude" in training and games.
When asked how the club will fund any incomings this month: "We might have to [generate funds]. It depends on what we want to try to bring in. January can be quite difficult anyway and we want to bring in the right people, the ones who want to be here and who we feel can affect it. But if we are going to spend it, we might have to generate some of that."
On the profile of player he wants to bring to Molineux: "It doesn't have to be someone who has played 600 games - it could be someone who is 22 and has played 100 games - but they have really good experience at the level. It is more the person and, of course, they have to be a good player."
He spoke highly of Mateus Mane, saying that his performances have been strong and he has deserved his minutes. He added that the youngster has an "infectious energy" around the squad and pointed out athleticism as one of his most impressive traits.
Wolves' 'still have a functioning heart'published at 12:02 GMT 1 January
12:02 GMT 1 January
Mike Taylor BBC Radio WM reporter
Image source, Getty Images
From his earliest days as a young player at Aston Villa, Rob Edwards has always been good at finding the right tone in interviews.
He did so again at Old Trafford on Tuesday, looking slightly bashful when being congratulated for his team earning their first point since he took charge, even though they were entirely worthy of it.
"We've got to keep our feet on the ground," he said. "It feels nice that we've taken something from the game, but it is only a point. We've got to remember where we're at as well, so it's progress."
It was indeed progress, a first tangible step towards whatever changed state Wolves are going to be in by next summer.
It did also demonstrate again that a squad being ridiculed for its dismal points total still has a functioning heart. Away fans are rarely fooled, and their full-throated support all evening was a clear contrast to singing laments about old players a few weeks ago.
The two Christmas games at Anfield and Old Trafford have offered the first distinct signs of change under Rob Edwards, and not only in the use of different personnel, with more opportunities for Tolu Arokodare and Mateus Mane.
All over, Wolves were more physical and aggressive. This was most obvious in the performance of Jhon Arias, who appeared to relish filling in for the suspended Andre, crashing around midfield and earning himself room to play.
Edwards hopes his players now understand that they have set themselves a new standard: "I just said [to them] that's what it requires to get a point in the Premier League, not even three, that's the effort required."
This is all fine, and the faithful away support has seen efforts to be proud of, but the performances at home under Edwards so far have been of an entirely different character.
Even if salvation this season is beyond them, there is honour to win back in front of their home fans. On Saturday they face a deeply troubled West Ham at Molineux.
"We've seen four really good performances away from home, against four top teams - the challenge is we've got to perform like that at home," said Edwards. "There's more expectation, the atmosphere is difficult at times but we've got to blank that out and we've got to perform as we have away from home, at home. We've got to."
The home support has made it quite clear in recent weeks that it has heard enough excuses.
Who had the best 2025?published at 10:22 GMT 1 January
10:22 GMT 1 January
Nicola Pearson BBC Sport journalist
A normal Premier League season may run from August to May, but what happens if we stop the table now? What if it was only what happened in 2025 that counted?
With the calendar flicking over to 2026, this is the ideal time to check back on which teams have had an enjoyable 12 months and see who had a year to forget.
The top five is an accurate reflection of this season's top five (although it should be noted not all teams have played the same number of games).
Arsenal have led the way this campaign and, after coming up short last season, they will be striving to go one better to finally secure an elusive first Premier League trophy since 2004.
If looking just at the past 12 months, the title would be theirs, despite a number of draws early in 2025.
Having gone through their worst run of form under Pep Guardiola late in 2024 and early into 2025, alongside their initial poor start to this season, it may be surprising to find Manchester City so close at the top.
But a feature of this City side under Guardiola is their ability to recover from less than impressive starts and go on winning streaks - they are currently on a run of six wins in the league.
Aston Villa fans can look also back fondly on 2025, having experienced the return of Champions League football, secured more European football again this term and found themselves in a battle for the Premier League trophy.
They may have had a slow start this season but their general consistency in 2025 and a club record-equalling run of 11 straight wins in the final weeks catapults them into the top three.
Having won the title with ease last season, Liverpool fans can still revel in that achievement. But a drop-off at the end of 2024-25 and a poor run this time around leaves them fourth for the year.
Meanwhile, Chelsea made progress in 2025 under Enzo Maresca, with Champions League football and two bits of silverware, but a lack of consistency in a young team prevents them ascending higher than fifth.
When looking at the next five, there are perhaps some surprises.
With their FA Cup win, 2025 will go down in Crystal Palace's history, and their Premier League form has not been too shabby either as they compete with the teams that have occupied Champions League spots in recent seasons.
No Thomas Frank, Bryan Mbeumo or Yoane Wissa? No problem for Brentford. They may have had a summer of upheaval but that has not stopped the Bees buzzing as they continue to perform above expectations.
After a few years of struggles on and off the pitch, 2025 seems to be the one Everton fans can finally start to look up rather than down with the new stadium and return of David Moyes bringing much-needed stability.
Newcastle may have had a few ups and downs, but they have come good when needed and hold their own in the top six, while Brighton continue to establish themselves firmly in the top 10.
Find out how the bottom half of the table shapes up on the post below
Who struggled in 2025?published at 10:21 GMT 1 January
10:21 GMT 1 January
Now, what about those who may have had a less enjoyable 2025?
Manchester United continue to try to find their feet under Ruben Amorim. And while there have been glimmers of progress in recent weeks, a torrid first half of the year has left them with much room for improvement (and a draw with Wolves to end 2025 only added to the questions).
Bournemouth and Fulham both seem to have found consistency in their ability to be inconsistent.
There have been bursts of form from both, but also bouts of disappointment they might rather forget.
As for Nottingham Forest, 2025 may have been the year they returned to Europe for the first time in nearly three decades, but when it came to results in the league, particularly this season, it has been more of one to forget.
Under their third head coach of the season, they will hope 2026 does not bring the return of Championship football.
Like Forest, Tottenham's 12 months has been memorable for both the good and the bad.
A first trophy in 17 years was secured in the Europa League, but it has been far from impressive in the Premier League, managing just 11 wins from 37 matches and some pressure already building on boss Thomas Frank.
One of the most notable things about the bottom end of the calendar year table is the presence of all three promoted teams, despite two of the three having played a game less than the relegated clubs of last season.
With Leeds nine points better off and Sunderland 17, it highlights the disparity in how well this year's promoted sides have done in comparison to the previous three.
For the Black Cats, it has been a dream return to the top flight, including a recent win over Tyne-Wear rivals Newcastle, and in this season's table they find themselves just two points off fifth.
After overcoming a difficult patch, Leeds are also enjoying their return to the top table, slowly pulling themselves away from the danger spots.
It has been more of a struggle for Scott Parker's Burnley, but they will not lose hope with still half a campaign to go.
After recent successes with European football, domestically things have become a harder watch for West Ham supporters as they struggle to find the balance between good football and much-needed results
Then there is Wolves - and fans may want to look away.
Despite playing 20 Premier League games more, the West Midlands side accumulated only one point more than Sunderland across the year.
A win this term still eludes them and safety in 2026 appears a distant dream.
Check out how the top half of the table looked in the post above
'Haven't had one worst moment - had a season of them!' 2025 reviewpublished at 15:38 GMT 31 December 2025
15:38 GMT 31 December 2025
Dazzling Dave Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Best memory and why?
My best memory of 2025 feels like it happened a lifetime ago: the six-game winning run in April. We won every match that month, including big victories over Spurs and Manchester United. For a few weeks, it felt like momentum, belief and pride were back. That winning feeling has since disappeared, which is why that run stands out even more.
If I am picking a highlight from the more difficult months, it has to be Mateus Mane. He has been a breath of fresh air and it is starting to look like a real partnership is building with Tolu Arokodare.
Worst moment and why?
We have not had one worst moment, we have had an entire season of them. The struggle has not shocked Wolves fans, because the signs were there in pre-season. The warning lights were flashing early and sadly the season has followed that pattern. The summer transfer window was key to the problems.
If I could drink a New Year's brew with one member of our squad/management it would be…
Nathan Shi, the new executive director. I would want a frank, honest conversation about what he thinks has gone wrong on and off the pitch. I would ask what the plan is to steady the club, put us back on an even keel and take us forward. Most of all, I would want clarity on Fosun's true intentions as owners. Are we trying to compete again or simply trying to survive on the cheapest possible terms?
The thing that's infuriated me in 2025 is…
The mentality. The moments where we have switched off, conceded soft goals and handed away points. Too many games have turned on a lack of focus, and we have paid for it again and again.
My gut tells me 2026 will bring…
The Championship. Relegation is almost a certainty now and a hard reset in the summer feels inevitable. The only hope is that we use it to rebuild with purpose, with players who want the shirt, and a clear plan the fans can actually believe in.
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Rob: Absolute rubbish AGAIN! How much longer do we have to put up with this second-rate manager? He seems utterly clueless.
Carl: Poor performance and yet another backwards step. The build-up was too slow and we allowed Wolves far too much time on the ball. Lack of squad depth is going to cost us and needs to be addressed. Ruben Amorim is saying all the right things but can he back them up with positive action? Life is a rollercoaster for us long-suffering United fans but there are chinks of light so we need to stay behind our team.
Clark: No urgency, no purpose and no real surprise with this United squad. So disappointed that they can't show up every week and put in a decent performance.
Christine: It is simply not good enough and that includes both the players and the manager. United had plenty of chances with Benjamin Sesko having most of them but the team formation was again strange. Back to a 3-4-3 and you could see how very confusing it is for the players who were also in changed positions. Amorim needs to move away from worrying about what pundits and the media think and play a consistent way that makes sense with the players he has at his disposal.
Wolves fans
Eric: Fantastic result at Old Trafford. Wolves should never be in the position they are in the Premier League. We are only at the halfway point so still possible to get out of relegation zone but it is going to take a lot more of games like this and hopefully with a few wins as well. Come on Wolves, you can do this.
Josh: We've got a point lads - the performance doesn't matter. Genuinely feels great to see us compete.
Jon: A much better display and something to work on. Fairly obvious where we need to recruit in January and we'll see where Fosun's ambitions really lie. A special mention for Mateus Mane - a light in the dark
Simon: Our best chance to win a game and not enough conviction in attack. Hwang Hee-chan, Santiago Bueno and to some extent Mane went missing second half and Tolu Arokodare who held the ball up well was replaced by Jorgen Strand Larson who kept falling over his own shadow. Sell as many as we can in January, play the kids to give them Premier League minutes and then sell them in the summer for a rebuilding war chest.
Man Utd 1-1 Wolves: What Edwards saidpublished at 22:46 GMT 30 December 2025
22:46 GMT 30 December 2025
Media caption,
A point the least Wolves deserved - Edwards
Wolves boss Rob Edwards speaking to BBC's Match of the Day: "Least we deserved. Good performance, progress. That's been slow in terms of results. But our performances, especially away from home, have been good and we deserved more.
"We wanted to win the game. The away games we've had we should've taken more but we haven't. We can take belief and confidence. The challenge now is to to that at home.
"We've got three points all season, it's been really difficult so far. We've showed character, got one back against Arsenal and Liverpool and tonight again showed good character and quality. Good chances in the first half and we could've taken more. When I watch it back maybe I'll be frustrated we've not taken more but the lads are working hard you can see that.
"You need results for the belief and buy-in. The lads are with us and on board but there's nothing like results to get everyone on board. They are fighting - we don't look like a team with only three points but the reality is that's where we are. Keep continuing to build, we're doing the right things."
Did you know?
Wolves are the first Premier League side to go 23 matches without a victory since Derby County in the 2007-08 campaign (32). The Rams ended the season with an all-time low 11 points but had four more points after 19 games (7) than Wolves do currently (3).
Wolves are only the second side in top-flight history to go 19 matches from the start of a season without winning, along with Bolton in 1902-03. They are the first in any of England's top four divisions since Macclesfield Town in League Two in 2006-07.
