Gary O’Neil Addresses Wolves’ Draw and His Job Security

Wolves manager Gary O’Neil provided his post-match analysis to BBC Radio 5 Live following today’s draw, expressing disappointment that his team “didn’t come out on top.” He described the game as “sort of slow” and noted that the opposition scored “at a moment where we were the better side.” O’Neil characterized the goal as “a soft goal from a defensive error” and stated that his team “did not really look like conceding in that moment.” He further explained that “When you then go 1-0 down in a Premier League game you need a response and we definitely got that.” O’Neil highlighted the significant contribution of “The three substitutes,” stating that “The game looked like it could drift away from us at that moment but it didn’t thanks to the impact of those players.” Despite the turnaround, he reiterated, “I’m disappointed because I thought we could have gone on and won it.” Regarding the decision to make a triple substitution, O’Neil commented, “I thought it helped us. We have a squad and we need to use it.” He elaborated on the tactical reasoning, noting that “Crystal Palace are a physical side and play long a lot, so there wasn’t much time on the ball.” Specifically, he mentioned, “We thought the physicality of Mario [Lemina] in that moment was what we needed. He changed how the game flowed.” Addressing the disallowed late goal by Palace, O’Neil stated, “I haven’t really watched it back in any great detail.” He described what he observed, saying, “I saw an image of Sa with two hands on the ball, and then the Crystal Palace boy has influenced him enough to make him drop it. I would have to watch it back.” He added that while “There were a few little decisions in the game but nothing really,” his impression was that “It looked to me that Jose had control of the ball with two hands on it.” When questioned about the team’s continued winless streak, O’Neil asserted, “Zero concern for my position.” He expressed satisfaction with the evening, stating, “I enjoyed tonight and helping the lads, they are giving absolutely everything.” Looking ahead, he acknowledged, “it is going to be a tough season for us, it was the same last year. We are going to have to fight and scrap. Everyone is giving everything so we have to keep fighting.”