Crystal Palace 2-0 Wolves: Munoz and Pino goals send Eagles to fourth as Wolves remain winless

Two second-half goals from Daniel Munoz and Yeremy Pino shattered Wolverhampton Wanderers's fragile hopes on a cold Saturday night at Molineux Stadium. The 2-0 defeat, delivered by Crystal Palace on November 22, 2025, wasn't just another loss—it was the 16th straight Premier League game without a win for Wolves, a streak that now stretches back to April 2025. For Palace, it was their first victory since the international break, lifting them to fourth in the table with exactly 20 points—their highest league position since 2022-23. And for Wolves? It’s a season unraveling in real time.

A Manager’s First Test Ends in Heartbreak

Rob Edwards’ debut as Wolves manager was never going to be easy. The 42-year-old, fresh off leading Middlesbrough to promotion in the Championship, inherited a team that had lost its way entirely. Four changes to the lineup—including the pairing of Tolu Arokodare and Jorgen Strand Larsen up front—felt like a desperate gamble. But the problem wasn’t tactics. It was execution. Wolves created three clear chances: Jhon Arias missed an open net from six yards, Ladislav Krejci’s curler flew wide, and Joao Gomes fired straight at Dean Henderson. Meanwhile, Palace’s defense, marshaled by captain Marc Guéhi, held firm. They didn’t need to dominate. They just needed to wait.

The Goals That Changed Everything

The breakthrough came in the 63rd minute. Adam Wharton, the 21-year-old Palace midfielder, drove into the box and fired a low shot that deflected off a Wolves defender—right into the path of Munoz, who didn’t hesitate. One touch. One finish. 1-0. "It was a lucky bounce," Wharton said afterward, "but we’d been working on those situations all week. You’ve got to be ready when the ball comes to you."

Then, in the 78th minute, it was Pino’s turn. A quick counter, a slide-rule pass from Wharton, and the 22-year-old Spanish winger cut inside from the left, leaving two defenders in his wake before smashing it low into the far corner. His first Premier League goal. The Molineux crowd fell silent. Even the Wolves subs stood up, stunned.

"He’s got that kind of magic," said Palace manager Oliver Glasner. "Not flashy, but lethal. That’s the kind of player you build around. We knew he could do it. We just needed him to believe it."

Wolves’ Crisis Runs Deeper Than Goals

Statistically, Wolves had the better chances. Three big opportunities. Zero goals. That’s not bad luck—it’s a systemic collapse. They’ve conceded 37 goals in 12 matches this season. That’s the worst defensive record in the league. Three or more goals conceded in each of their last four games. And yet, the most alarming number? Zero wins. Not one. Not since March.

The controversy didn’t help. Ismaila Sarr appeared to be brought down on the edge of the box—referee Paul Tierney waved play on. Jean-Philippe Mateta, clean through on goal, skied his shot over the bar. And still, Edwards’ side couldn’t find a spark. The midfield looked disjointed. The full-backs were caught out repeatedly. And Matty Craig, the goalkeeper, had little to do until the final goals—and by then, it was too late.

Palace’s Rise and the Road Ahead

For Crystal Palace, this win is more than just three points. It’s momentum. It’s belief. They’ve now won their first game after the international break since 2021. And with Guéhi’s leadership, Henderson’s clean sheet, and Pino’s breakthrough, the team feels different. Glasner confirmed they’ll now travel to Strasbourg on Thursday for a crucial Europa League clash—a rare chance to compete on two fronts.

"We’re not satisfied," Glasner said. "But this is a step. We’ve got to keep going. We’re not just here to survive. We’re here to climb."

The Fallout at Molineux

Wolves’ owners are reportedly preparing for a January overhaul. With 37 goals conceded and only 3 points from 12 matches, the club’s hierarchy is facing pressure from fans and sponsors alike. The defensive unit—once a strength under Bruno Lage—is now a liability. Arokodare and Larsen looked out of sync. The midfield lacked control. And the absence of a clinical striker? Devastating.

"It’s not one person’s fault," said a source close to the club. "It’s everything. The recruitment, the training, the mentality. We need to fix it all. And fast. Otherwise, relegation isn’t a fear—it’s a probability."

Meanwhile, Molineux Stadium—once a fortress—has become a graveyard for Premier League aspirations. No home win since April. No goals in their last three home games. And now, with the January window looming, the question isn’t whether Wolves will make changes—it’s whether it’s too late.