Two second-half goals turned a tense stalemate into a crushing defeat for Wolverhampton Wanderers as Crystal Palace secured a 2-0 win at Molineux Stadium on Saturday, November 22, 2025. The result wasn’t just another loss — it was a historic low. Under new manager Rob Edwards, Wolves fell to 0 wins in 12 Premier League games, collecting just two points and sitting nine points from safety. Meanwhile, Palace climbed to fourth place with 20 points, their best start since the 2013-14 season. For Wolves fans, this wasn’t disappointment — it was dread.

A Debut to Forget

Rob Edwards walked into one of the most broken squads in modern Premier League history. His first task? Stop the bleeding. But the damage was already deep. Wolves had gone six months without a win — their last victory came on May 19, 2024. They’d conceded 27 goals in 12 games. Their defense looked like a sieve. Their attack? A whisper. Against Palace, they barely mustered a threat until the 63rd minute, when the dam broke.

It started with a short corner. Adam Wharton slipped the ball to Maxence Lacroix, whose low cross took a deflection off Wolves’ backline. Daniel Muñoz, the Colombian right-back who’d barely been a name on the bench two weeks ago, was left with an open net. No pressure. No save. Just a tap-in. The stadium went silent. Then, six minutes later, Yeremy Pino did the unthinkable. A curling left-footed strike from 20 yards, kissed by the post and nestled into the top corner. It wasn’t just a goal — it was a statement. Palace didn’t just win. They exposed.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

Wolves’ record after 12 games: 0 wins, 2 draws, 10 losses. 7 goals scored. 27 conceded. Goal difference: -20. Only two teams in English top-flight history have started worse: Manchester United in 1930-31 (0 points) and Sheffield United in 2020-21 (1 point). This is the third-worst start ever. And Wolves are the first team since Newcastle United in 2021-22 to go 12 games without a win.

Sam Johnstone, the 32-year-old Wolves keeper, has been the only consistent performer. He made six saves on Saturday — but even he couldn’t stop the collapse. Palace’s attack, meanwhile, was clinical. Yeremy Pino now has four goals in his last five games. Daniel Muñoz, signed from Ligue 2 in the summer, has three goals in six appearances. And Adam Wharton, the 21-year-old English midfielder, orchestrated play with calm precision — until he was subbed off in the 92nd minute, replaced by Will Hughes, as Palace ran down the clock.

Palace’s Rise, Wolves’ Fall

It’s easy to forget how far Palace have come. Last season, they scraped to 13th place. This year? They’re fourth. Five wins, five draws, two losses. +7 goal difference. They’re not just surviving — they’re thriving. Manager Oliver Glasner, though unnamed in the match report, has quietly built a team that plays with structure, pace, and purpose. Their midfield — Wharton, Kamada, and Lacroix — controls games without flashy names. And their attack? Efficient. Clinical. Unstoppable.

Wolves, by contrast, look lost. Their best player, Mateta, was isolated. Their fullbacks were overrun. Their midfield had no rhythm. Even their most promising youngster, Strand Larsen, couldn’t find the target. The only bright spot? A penalty appeal in the 12th minute when Ismaïla Sarr went down in the box. VAR ruled it outside. The decision felt symbolic. Wolves don’t even get the benefit of the doubt anymore.

What’s Next? The January Lifeline

Rob Edwards has one shot: the January transfer window. He needs at least two center-backs, a creative midfielder, and a striker who can score from nothing. But with Wolves’ financial situation unclear and the Premier League’s financial fair play rules tightening, big-money signings are unlikely. He’ll have to find bargains — players released by bigger clubs, or those with injury histories. The clock is ticking. Relegation isn’t just possible anymore. It’s probable.

Palace, meanwhile, are eyeing a Europa League spot. They’ve got momentum. A home game against Brighton next week could push them into the top three. Their fans are dreaming. Wolves’ fans? They’re just trying to make it to Christmas.

Why This Matters Beyond the Table

This isn’t just about points. It’s about identity. Wolves were once a top-four club, a European contender. Now, they’re a cautionary tale. The club’s hierarchy has been criticized for failing to rebuild after Nuno Espírito Santo’s departure. Ownership changes? A revolving door of managers? A lack of long-term vision? The signs were there. But now, the consequences are undeniable.

For Edwards, this isn’t a job. It’s a rescue mission. And he’s got less than three months.