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The verdict: A point gained or two lost after Wolves miss chance to go top?

The Championship summit was within touching distance, but Wolves were left to settle for a point.

A point gained or two lost? The league table will suggest the former, but it felt rather more like the latter.

Wolves’ unbeaten run now stretches to six matches, but the opportunity to move top of the Championship was there for the taking - and one they ultimately failed to grasp.

In the space of 120 seconds, Wolves had taken the lead, celebrated, climbed to the summit and watched their advantage disappear. It was a dizzying turnaround that summed up the fine margins between success and frustration in the promotion race.

Andre at full-time after Wolves were forced to settle for a point
Andre at full-time after Wolves were forced to settle for a point | PA

But context is important. This was hardly a vintage Wolves performance. They struggled to find their attacking rhythm and lacked the cutting edge to turn possession into a winning goal.

Yet there is plenty of perspective. Wolves head into the international break unbeaten in six league matches, four of which have ended in victory. They sit just a point behind the three sides above them and have collected half of their 28 points during that run.

That represents a significant turnaround after a difficult return from the previous international break. Wolves will be desperate to avoid a repeat when the Championship resumes, with two favourable home fixtures awaiting them.

On Saturday, though, they faced a Wrexham side buoyed by victory over fellow promotion hopefuls Middlesbrough.

Watched on by Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, Phil Parkinson’s side were effective in frustrating Wolves.

Movie stars and Wrexham co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney Were at the game
Movie stars and Wrexham co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney Were at the game | Getty Images

Sean Neave had been the hero against Bristol City just days earlier, but there was no place for him in the starting XI at Wrexham.

Peixoto made five changes, four of them in the wide areas, but the reshuffle was unable to deliver the desired impact.

Toti was deployed at left-back but endured a difficult afternoon against Issa Kabore, who got the better of him on several occasions. Rodrigo Gomes, meanwhile, made his first start since returning from injury but struggled to really impose himself, offering little threat in the final third.

Issa Kabore looks to cause problems for Wolves captain Toti
Issa Kabore looks to cause problems for Wolves captain Toti | PA

Mateus Mane was similarly quiet before the break, although he grew into the contest afterwards. He carried a greater threat and caused Wrexham problems, but lacked the decisive contribution Wolves needed.

Adam Armstrong, meanwhile, cannot seem to stop finding the net. After a difficult start to the season, during which his goalscoring return came under the spotlight, the striker is now making up for that.

Adam Armstrong celebrates after giving Wolves the lead at Wrexham
Adam Armstrong celebrates after giving Wolves the lead at Wrexham | Getty Images

Having passed up a good opportunity in the 20th minute, he made no mistake five minutes later, producing a superb finish to open the scoring.

Nasser Djiga picked out his intelligent run in behind and Armstrong produced an acrobatic volley to send the ball flying into the net.

Adam Armstrong puts Wolves ahead at Wrexham
Adam Armstrong puts Wolves ahead at Wrexham | Getty Images

That made it three goals in four games - an impressive return and justification for Peixoto’s continued faith in him as Wolves’ leading man.

Beyond that moment of quality, though, clear-cut opportunities were sparse. Wolves had found their breakthrough but were unable to build on it.

Their advantage lasted just two minutes as Wrexham responded almost immediately, preventing the visitors from building any momentum.

Lewis O’Brien heads Wrexham level against Wolves
Lewis O’Brien heads Wrexham level against Wolves | PA

Kabore found space down the right and delivered a cross for O’Brien to head the hosts level. Jose Sa initially came off his line before retreating, managing only to get a hand to the ball, while Ladislav Krejci and Djiga were unable to clear their lines.

Lewis O’Brien celebrates scoring for Wrexham against Wolves
Lewis O’Brien celebrates scoring for Wrexham against Wolves | PA

The central defensive duo otherwise enjoyed another impressive afternoon. Krejci and Djiga were largely resolute, standing firm against Wrexham’s attacking threat.

Their importance in Peixoto’s style is also clear, with both encouraged to play out from the back, particularly Krejci, who looks to help launch attacks and set moves in motion.

Wrexham rallied before the break and threatened again shortly after the restart, with Kieffer Moore going close. But beyond that, the second half largely belonged to Wolves.

A gutted Kieffer Moore after missing a good chance for Wrexham against Wolves
A gutted Kieffer Moore after missing a good chance for Wrexham against Wolves | PA

Fer Lopez became more influential and saw a header brilliantly saved, while Mane fired off target on several occasions. Tommy Doyle also tested the goalkeeper from distance as Peixoto turned to his bench in search of a winner.

Ultimately, though, Wolves could not find a way through. They had the territory and the opportunities, but Wrexham’s defensive wall held firm.

Wolves boss Cesar Peixoto shouts orders from the dugout at Wrexham
Wolves boss Cesar Peixoto shouts orders from the dugout at Wrexham | PA

And so, a point gained or two dropped? You can argue any point away from home is a good one, but given Wolves’ dominance after the break, this feels more like the latter.

They just could not land the decisive blow. Only time will tell whether this proves a missed opportunity in their promotion quest. That said, seven points from a possible nine in a week is a strong return and hardly something to be overly critical of.

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