Liam Keen debrief: Wolves success is breeding togetherness at Molineux

But Gary O’Neil and his players are answering all of those questions with the highest quality as they continue to look up the table.

Festive success

With a 3-0 win over Everton, Wolves made it three consecutive Premier League wins within a hectic week of festive fixtures.

Considering the opposition, the size and depth of Wolves’ squad and the scheduling constraints, to take nine points is a truly remarkable return.

But to take nine points, in the fashion Wolves did, was superb. Dominant, classy and entertaining – O’Neil’s side are a joy to watch. Some of the attacking phases of play were so intricate, intelligent and at a ferocious pace. Matheus Cunha, Hwang Hee-chan and Pablo Sarabia all shone – but the same could also be said for every team-mate on the field.

Family feel

Following the sad news of the passing of Mario Lemina’s father, and the midfielder’s subsequent absence at Molineux, it would have been easy for emotion to take over.

Instead, Wolves dealt with not having an influential player with a professional performance, in which they were able to honour Lemina and his family within goal celebrations.

This shows the togetherness within this squad and O’Neil deserves huge credit for bringing them together after Julen Lopetegui threw in the towel.

But Wolves’ hierarchy also deserves credit. Since Matt Hobbs became sporting director just over a year ago, a major factor in Wolves’ overhaul has been moving away from an over-reliance on agent Jorge Mendes and focusing on bringing in players that want to be at Wolves, while moving those on that do not. Although the squad may be light and needs some additions, it is absolutely true that they have a group of players that are playing for O’Neil, the club and the supporters.

Nuno Espirito Santo created that same environment and had huge success. It remains to be seen if O’Neil can replicate that success, but he certainly has restored some of that same feeling.

Stepping up

One of the criticisms of this Wolves side in recent months has been the impact of players off the bench or coming into the side.

The starting XI has, by and large, picked itself when players are fit.

But with Lemina missing Wolves needed players to step up and Tommy Doyle did very well with a big chance handed to him.

That challenge will now be handed down to other members of the squad.

Hwang Hee-chan is now flying off to the Asia Cup with South Korea, while Rayan Ait-Nouri and Boubacar Traore are both heading off to the Africa Cup of Nations with Algeria and Mali.

With an FA Cup clash with Brentford coming up before a winter break and an eventual trip to Brighton in the league, their absences offer an opportunity for other members of the squad.

Wolves will need some out-of-favour players to step up in this period if they are to continue their upwards momentum.