Wolves suffered a devastating 5-1 defeat to Manchester City on Saturday however, club hero Dave Edwards insists there was one positive to take from the thrashing.
It was a demolition job at the Etihad on Saturday afternoon, as Wolves were beat 5-1 by the reigning champions in the Premier League.
Gary O’Neil’s side were the firm underdogs going into the fixture, as Pep Guardiola’s treble winners are yet to lose at home this season in the league.
A first half Erling Haaland hattrick told the story of Wolves’ inability to handle the City talisman, as he went on to score his fourth before Julian Alvarez added a fifth.
There was something for the away fans to cheer as Hwang Hee-chan scored his 12th of the campaign in the second half however, the Korean’s goal when the visitors were 3-0 down was not the only high point.
Dave Edwards says Jean-Ricner Bellegarde return was a positive against Man City
Writing in his column for Express and Star in reaction to Wolves’ defeat to City, Dave Edwards pinpointed ‘one positive’ from the afternoon as being the return of Jean-Ricner Bellegarde.
‘There was one positive as Jean-Ricner Bellegarde returned from injury.
‘Although I don’t think he starts for Wolves if everyone is fit and playing well, he does add a lot of depth and versatility.
‘Wolves have lacked a lot of depth so to have him back is a positive, even if it’s for the last three games of the season.’
The Frenchman made his first appearance in seven Premier League games at the Etihad, playing the entire second half in what was a baptism of fire on his return to action.
Jean Ricner-Bellegarde return is positive for Wolves
In recent weeks, O’Neil has had to compete with limited options in his squad, particularly going forward with a host of players being concurrently sidelined due to injury.
Bellegarde was withdrawn after just 11 minutes during Wolves’ victory over Fulham back in March, seeing the manager without his talents around the squad for a handful of games.
In 20 Premier League appearances this season, the 25-year-old has scored twice and assisted once, as his best position in the manager’s set-up is yet to be identified.
While it’s not been the easiest year for the Frenchman, who arrived from Strasbourg on deadline day, the forward brings with him a much-needed energy, being a player capable of boosting O’Neil’s shortened squad.
With only two games remaining of the 2023/24 campaign, Bellegarde will be eager to end his first season in England on a high, with minutes there to play ahead of what is poised to be an interesting summer at Molineux.