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Wolves manager Gary O’Neil has downplayed a statistic that has been circulating regarding his team’s performance, labeling it as “irrelevant” and emphasizing the need for fairness when evaluating their matches. The comment came after a series of contentious decisions that have impacted Wolves’ season, particularly surrounding refereeing calls. O’Neil, known for his candid approach, expressed frustration over how certain metrics and statistics are often given undue weight while missing the broader context of the game.
O’Neil’s remarks were in response to a specific statistic pointing to Wolves’ low possession rates and failure to secure points against some top-tier teams. For many observers, this might paint the picture of a struggling side. However, O’Neil has urged people to look beyond the numbers. “Football isn’t just about possession or how many shots you have; it’s about the moments that decide games. If we keep getting calls going against us, these stats mean nothing,” O’Neil stated during his latest press conference.
Wolves have been on the wrong end of several controversial decisions this season, which O’Neil believes have significantly affected their results. He pointed out that refereeing decisions, in particular, have not been balanced, arguing that they have been detrimental to his team’s momentum. “I don’t want to be the guy who complains about referees every week, but it’s becoming hard to ignore. When decisions consistently go against you, it’s tough to just accept it and move on,” he said. His call for fairness highlights a broader concern that referees need to be held accountable for their decisions, especially when they have the potential to influence results.
The Wolves boss also stressed that despite these challenges, his players have shown resilience and determination. “We can’t let these external factors demoralize us. The boys are working hard, and the performances on the pitch are strong. But when the margins are this fine, fairness is all we’re asking for,” O’Neil remarked.
Critics have pointed to Wolves’ inability to capitalize on scoring chances and maintain possession, suggesting that these are the reasons for their struggles. However, O’Neil rebuffed this view, insisting that statistics alone don’t tell the full story. “Football is not a spreadsheet. You can have all the possession in the world, but if critical decisions go against you, it becomes almost impossible to get the results you deserve.”
In dismissing the statistic as irrelevant, O’Neil is signaling that he believes Wolves’ current position in the league is not a true reflection of their performances. His comments also reflect a deeper frustration shared by many managers in the Premier League who feel that refereeing inconsistencies are negatively affecting their teams.
Ultimately, O’Neil’s call for fairness is not just about officiating but also about how teams are evaluated. He believes Wolves have been judged harshly, not because of their football but because of factors outside their control. As the season progresses, O’Neil will hope that the decisions begin to balance out and that Wolves can start turning their performances into points on the table.
