Rock bottom: Wolves' 10th straight loss equals worst Premier League Christmas

Wolves fans hold 'Our Club' signs during their team's defeat to Brentford, expressing frustration with ownership (Symbolic image) (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) Getty Images

Wolverhampton Wanderers suffered their tenth consecutive Premier League defeat on Saturday, losing 2-0 at home to Brentford in a result that cements their position at the bottom of the table with just two points from 17 matches. The loss equals the lowest Christmas points tally in Premier League history and comes amid significant upheaval at Molineux, with executive chairman Jeff Shi stepping down on Friday night.

Keane Lewis-Potter scored twice for Brentford in the second half, finding the net in the 63rd and 83rd minutes to condemn Wolves to their worst losing streak in club history. The home side had a late chance to salvage something when they were awarded a penalty, but Jorgen Strand-Larsen's spot-kick was saved by Brentford goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.

Wolves matched the paltry tally Sheffield United managed at this stage in the 2020/21 season, though Sheffield United had only played 14 matches at that point. The team's dismal start has left them 14 points adrift of safety, putting them on course to potentially break Derby County's record of 11 points for a full Premier League season set in 2007-08.

Fans turn on club owners

The Molineux crowd made their feelings clear throughout the match. Supporters chanted «you're not fit to wear the shirt» after Strand-Larsen's missed penalty and Lewis-Potter's second goal, while loud boos rang out at the final whistle.

In the 18th minute, fans held up 'Our Club' signs and chanted «Fosun out», demanding that the Chinese conglomerate sell the club. Many supporters headed for the exits before the final whistle, with the ground half-empty by full-time.

Leadership change brings uncertainty

Nathan Shi has been appointed as interim executive chairman following Jeff Shi's departure. The early-thirties executive, who serves as assistant to Fosun chairman Guo Guangchang and previously held a senior role at Club Med, has no football background.

Nathan Shi met with senior staff and addressed the players on Saturday morning before watching his first match from the stands. Fosun insists it is not looking to "cut and run" and is actively seeking a permanent replacement, though Nathan Shi may remain in post for most or all of the season.

Jeff Shi's departure came after nearly a decade at Wolves, where he had been the sole link between the club and parent group Fosun. His removal followed a shambolic summer transfer window that left the squad weak and fan protests that became a regular occurrence at matches.

Manager's position secure for now

Wolves manager Rob Edwards made four changes to his team but watched another dismal performance. The side registered their first shot on target in the 32nd minute, marking the longest wait for an attempt in a Premier League match in six years.

Edwards' future remains secure despite the team's disastrous start. Fosun has no appetite for appointing a third head coach this season, meaning the recently appointed manager will be given time to turn things around.

Tribute to academy product

Before kick-off, Molineux fell silent in memory of 21-year-old academy product Ethan McLeod, who died in a car accident on Tuesday while returning from Macclesfield's match at Bedford. His family, including his brother Conor who plays for Wolves' Under-21 side, stood pitchside during the tribute.

Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).