Liam Keen comment: What we learned from Wolves' defeat to Man City

Competitive

Wolves' mini resurgence of late has restored some pride in the club, fan base and players, while also making Wolves competitive again.

The points they have picked up in recent games have come in matches they would have lost earlier this season, as Edwards continues to make Wolves more competitive in the top flight.

Despite losing at the weekend, that was clearly evident against City.

The hosts may not have been at their best, but Wolves recovered from a frustrating first half to put City under some pressure in the second 45, in a display that probably deserved a goal.

There is a general level of consistency to Wolves now that we never saw previously this campaign and although it will be too late for survival, it can play a part in helping forge Wolves' long-term trajectory.

"We kept the game where we wanted it to be," Edwards said.

"Even when they've got the ball in the main, we kept it away from our box and limited a lot of chances and felt in control even when we were without the ball. 

"Then we were able to start turning up the heat and being a bit more aggressive and open up as the second half went on as well. I definitely think we can take a lot from it, even in defeat.

"I suppose, people will look at it and go, 'a routine victory for City', and I understand that 2-0 sort of looks that way, but I don't really feel it was routine.

"I feel like we were good, but they're better."

Star man

Edwards got it wrong by not playing one of the big strikers, but perhaps a bigger mistake was playing Mane further forward and on the right.

The 18-year-old has enjoyed a tremendous rise with some superb performances, by playing slightly deeper as a number eight midfielder in Wolves' 5-3-2 formation.

Mane made his name in Wolves' academy as a winger, number 10 or striker, but his current position in the first team is suiting him perfectly and also allowing him to drift into the left channel and make an impact offensively.

Against City he was isolated in the first half and unable to impact the match, but once Edwards introduced Jorgen Strand Larsen at half-time, Mane was dropped back into his midfield position.

The teenager had an excellent impact on the game and played without fear against some of the best players in the game.

He turned neatly to confidently take on star names and was involved in creating several chances.

Some of those chances came from Mane taking a lot of responsibility on his young shoulders by taking corners and other set pieces - as the youngster continues to show a remarkably mature approach.

Mane may play further forward later in his Wolves career, but for now he is comfortable as an advanced midfielder and is quickly becoming Wolves' star man.

Changes needed

The other half-time change from Edwards was the introduction of Rodrigo Gomes for Jackson Tchatchoua.

The latter had struggled for any impact and R.Gomes replaced him at right-wing-back, before immediately having a much more positive approach.

R.Gomes made intelligent attacking runs, showed excellent aggression and energy down the right flank and was a constant attacking threat.

He continued that when Wolves changed to a back four and R.Gomes moved to the left wing - highlighting his useful versatility.

Tchatchoua has been a frustrating watch this season and many fans are disillusioned with his inclusion, but they may not have to wait long for R.Gomes to make that position his own.

A change is needed at right-wing-back and R.Gomes is seemingly Wolves' best answer to what has been an infuriating question.