With 8 matches of the 2018/19 Premier League season complete, Wolverhampton Wanderers fans can be forgiven for getting carried away with their start to the campaign.
Wolves sit 7th in the Premier League, with 15 points to their name and that leaves them only 3 points off the Champions League qualifying places.
However, arguably the best statistic for Wolves this season is their number of defeats, which sits at just one. That loss came at Leicester City in their second game of the season, when Wolves were still finding their feet in the Premier League.
Since the 2-0 loss at the King Power Stadium, Wolves have won four and drawn two of their six Premier Leagues games. While home wins over Burnley and Southampton are not going to make the headlines in the sports news, it is the ability to pick up maximum points against these teams which will make all the difference at the end of the season.
The big results, which have gained the attention of the media have come at home to Manchester City and away to Manchester United. Both games ended in 1-1 draws against the teams which finished first and second in the Premier League last season.
However, while picking up a point against Manchester City and Manchester United shows Wolves can compete with the best in the Premier League, the away wins at West Ham United and Crystal Palace have been huge.
The one aspect of both results which will have pleased Nuno Espirito Santo more than any other is the clean sheet. Wolves won both games 1-0 and while they have not been setting the Premier League alight with their goal scoring, their defending and tactical set-up has been superb.
The clean sheets and the fact Wolves have conceded only 6 goals this season is very impressive. Only the top three teams in the Premier League, Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool have conceded fewer goals this season but that does not tell the whole story.
Wolves have an ability to soak up pressure and take control of matches and that was clearly evident in their latest win at Selhurst Park against Crystal Palace.
As soon as Wolves get on the ball in games, they have the quality and ability to dominate. Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho are both top central midfield players. The latter has huge experience having played for some top clubs in the Champions League plus Portugal in major tournaments. Neves is a talented young player who has show he has what it takes to shine at the highest level.
Despite not being prolific in-front of goal, Raul Jimenez has proved a great addition to the attack. Holding up the ball and brining others into play has been crucial for Wolves this season and the Mexican has 3 assists and 2 goals to his name.
If one statistic highlights Wolves’ style of play more than any other it’s the fact the last 9 matches (up to 8th October) involving the club have seen under 2.5 goals. This shows Wolves can keep games tight and if you can remain in the match you always have a chance to pick up points, as they have shown this season.