The Tim Spiers debrief – Wolves 0 Crystal Palace 2

Late goals from Jordan Ayew and Luka Milivojevic earned Roy Hodgson's side all three points.

Predictable

And in a way it was all a bit predictable.

Wolves have played Fulham, Spurs and Crystal Palace this side of Christmas and only played to their potential (and then some) against the team that currently sits in second place.

The atmosphere was flat, the air cold, Wolves made a slow start and you could see the result coming a mile off.

What was perhaps most disappointing that was Nuno's team couldn't keep a clean sheet, see out a dire 0-0 and move on with what would have been a run of one defeat in seven matches.

The Wolves boss believes it's a 'cliché' that Wolves are struggling against teams lower than them in the table.

The stats sort of back him up – Wolves have won 13 points against teams in the bottom seven (which looks like being the relegation pack at the moment) and nine against the top seven – but it surely cannot be argued with that Wolves aren't as good to watch against side who try and stop them playing.

Against Spurs, Chelsea, Arsenal, etc, Wolves are given more freedom to play in the final third. They take that freedom and embrace it.

Against Palace last night the canny visitors packed the midfield and rarely let Wolves' wing-backs or forwards isolate the Palace defenders.

That's happened on enough occasions (against Brighton, Watford, Huddersfield, Cardiff etc) for it to be recurring theme. Teams that set out to stifle them invariably manage to do so and even in games of this manner that they've won (Newcastle, Southampton), they've laboured to victory.

Burnley at home in September was the last time they truly dominated a team they were expected to.

Wolves were lethargic and lacking ideas last night. They were too slow, too ponderous and, yes, too predictable.

Context

Not that they had any divine right to beat Palace, a team who just a couple of weeks ago won 3-2 at the Etihad.

This is their sixth consecutive season in the top flight. Roy Hodgson has taken charge of almost 700 matches in his career. Palace had eight internationals in their XI (the same number as Wolves) including players who've represented England, France and the Netherlands.

So yes, they know how to play a bit.

And of course anyone genuinely horrified at Wolves losing their second match out of seven should remember that they're still ninth in the Premier League and five years ago today were losing 1-0 at Gillingham in League One.

Plus this was arguably the first time Wolves have produced a poor 90 minute performance since November 30 at Cardiff.

Issues

There are issues to address, though, for a team whose target is to finish in the top half of the table.

The home form (five defeats in seven) is a concern, especially versus teams who are going to deny them space in midfield.

Nuno endlessly talks of finding solutions to problems but he hasn't cracked this one yet.

And the inconsistent displays of individual players continue. Just when you think Helder Costa's cracked it after his goal at Wembley, the Portuguese winger produces arguably his worst performance of the season. Nothing went right for him.

Ivan Cavaleiro was anonymous, Joao Moutinho was ineffective, Matt Doherty and Willy Boly made a couple of errors, Jonny Castro Otto offered nothing going forward and there was a dearth of creativity with no link between midfield and attack.

Wolves can sign Tammy Abraham or any prolific striker if they like, but it wouldn't have made a difference last night as they barely created a chance of note.

They also aren't winning enough second balls

And the first half situation is getting a bit daft now. Wolves are 17th in the 'first half' table this season – and sixth in the second half.

They made a wonderful habit of taking early leads and killing off games in the Championship last year. The Premier League is clearly a massive step up in quality, but Wolves often look a better team when they're not chasing the game.

There are many, many more reasons to be cheerful than fearful as they head into 2019, on the back of the best calendar year for the club in living memory.

It's been a fantastic season so far and a top half finish, or better, is well within their capability.

There are just a couple of warning signs, particularly against teams they're facing for the second time, about them struggling to break sides down.

The first half situation is even worse at home – they've scored only two goals all season and led just once at the break. Only Cardiff have a worse record.

Basically, don't be too worried if you turn up late next Monday.

Up for the cup?

Talking of which, the next two games look daunting on paper, but in reality Wolves may end up enjoying them far more than facing Palace at home.

Their next league fixtures is at Manchester City (either a week on Monday or a week on Sunday...no worries Sky Sports, we don't need to know in advance or anything) and it's a challenge they'll relish and approach with confidence and no fear.

Before that it's Liverpool at home in the FA Cup.

While two or three players would benefit from a mini break (Moutinho and Jimenez spring to mind), wouldn't it be great if Nuno selected a really strong XI?

Despite last night's defeat they remain in ninth place, comfortably ahead of the struggling relegation-threatened pack (nine points ahead of Palace in 14th).

The league is of course the priority, but in being able to compete with the biggest teams in the land Wolves have the pedigree to embark on a substantial cup run should they be able to overcome the sizeable challenge of facing what will surely be a weakened Liverpool team?

Final word

Star man: Ryan Bennett

The boss: Needs better bench options

Fans: Quiet

Magic moment: Erm...the fireworks?

In a word: Frustrating

Picture perfect: