The Black Country derby win against West Brom showed what Wolves can do. Defeat at Middlesbrough showed how much work remains before they can do it consistently.
I am not reaching for the panic button after two defeats in eight Championship games.
But both losses have come away to promotion rivals. That matters, because these are the matches that test whether Wolves’ promotion ambitions are backed by performances.
My biggest concern is not the result. It is how easily Wolves’ attacking ideas dried up.
With Raul Jimenez injured and Fer Lopez starting on the bench, this was an opportunity for others to take responsibility. Instead, Wolves looked short of both invention and a clear route to goal.
Lopez’s importance goes beyond picking a pass.
He gives Wolves composure, helping them keep possession rather than rushing towards an attack that ends almost as quickly as it begins.
His absence from the starting line-up exposed how much the team depends on those qualities.
But the answer cannot always be to wait for Lopez.
There also needs to be a more honest conversation about Adam Armstrong’s role.
He has proved he can score at this level, but that does not mean every attacking approach will bring out his best.
Sending crosses into the box is not much of a solution if the striker is being asked to win battles that do not suit him.
Wolves need to create opportunities for Armstrong’s movement, not simply expect him to replace everything Jimenez offers.
That is partly a coaching challenge and partly a consequence of recruitment.
An injury to one forward should not leave a promotion hopeful searching for a different attacking identity.
Lopez, Jordan James and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde all made a difference after coming on, helping Wolves improve in the second half.
With all three managing niggles or injuries, I understand why Cesar Peixoto did not start them. The concern is how Wolves create enough of a threat when those players cannot play from the outset.
For me, the response needs to be more than energy and effort. Wolves must show they can build attacks with purpose, get support around their striker and adapt when their preferred approach fails.
The derby brought belief. Middlesbrough brought a reminder – promotion will require solutions, not just moments.
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