---
title: "Wolves: Tim Spiers provides grim reality as to where Nuno’s problems lie"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wolves-tim-spiers-provides-grim-reality-as-to-where-nunos-problems-lie/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Nathan Linley"
section: "Premier League"
published: "2020-12-12T20:35:46Z"
modified: "2020-12-12T20:35:46Z"
---

# Wolves: Tim Spiers provides grim reality as to where Nuno’s problems lie

**Wolverhampton Wanderers fell to a last-gasp penalty in a [1-0](https://www.fotmob.com/livescores/3411468/matchfacts/wolverhampton-wanderers-vs-aston-villa?date=20201213) defeat to Aston Villa, and The Athletic’s Tim Spiers has painted a grim picture on their reality.**

### Spiers worried for Wolves

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side were edged out by their local rivals in what was an ill-tempered affair from the first whistle. Referee Mike Dean issued a total of 13 yellow cards in the match, including two to both Joao Moutinho and Villa’s Douglas Luiz who were both sent off ([Fotmob](https://www.fotmob.com/livescores/3411468/matchfacts/wolverhampton-wanderers-vs-aston-villa?date=20201213)).

\[freshpress-quiz id=”287793″\]

Despite being [statistically](https://www.fotmob.com/livescores/3411468/stats/wolverhampton-wanderers-vs-aston-villa?date=20201213) the better side on the day, Wolves struggled to break Dean Smith’s team down and shot-stopper Emiliano Martinez made seven saves and even earned the [highest match rating](https://www.fotmob.com/livescores/3411468/lineup/wolverhampton-wanderers-vs-aston-villa?date=20201213) out of any player from both teams.

Their lack of cutting edge is starting to concern Spiers, who made his feelings clear on [social media](https://www.fotmob.com/livescores/3411468/stats/wolverhampton-wanderers-vs-aston-villa?date=20201213) after the full-time whistle, after covering the game from the stands.

> Forget Dean, problem is up front. For all their promising moments Wolves couldn’t find the net, that’s 11 goals in 12 games with a team of players who historically haven’t scored many goals in their careers.
>
> Worrying. And 10-man Villa were pushing for the winner not Wolves.
>
> — Tim Spiers (@TimSpiers) [December 12, 2020](https://twitter.com/TimSpiers/status/1337766769394659328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

Spiers added that while the loss of Jimenez is “unfortunate”, a signing in the attacking department is required with the January transfer window due to open its doors.

### Transfer Tavern take

It is a worrying time for the West Midlands outfit. Having failed to score a goal since Jimenez suffered his devastating injury, the problems are clear for all to see.

Spiers is right. Wolves really have to invest in a striker in January to fill the void that their Mexican star has left.

Having recently turned down Hulk, who is a free agent, the question remains as to who Nuno may bring in.

*In other news, **[On-loan Wolves striker wants to change clubs in January with future in doubt](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wolves-transfer-rumours/wolves-patrick-cutrone-wants-to-leave-fiorentina-in-january/)**.*