There was no “new manager bounce” at Molineux, as Rob Edwards’ Wolves fell 2-0 to Crystal Palace, leaving them just the eighth team in Premier League history to be winless after 12 games.

Wolves needed a fast start but were lucky not to concede early. In the 11th minute, Marshall Munetsi fouled Ismaila Sarr on the edge of the box, leading to a VAR review that came close to awarding a penalty. Palace then threatened again as Jean-Philippe Mateta’s effort went just wide of the post, heightening the home fans’ anxiety.

Former Palace goalkeeper Sam Johnstone faced his first real test soon after, producing a superb diving save to deny Daichi Kamada’s first-time strike. Wolves’ best first-half chance fell to Joao Gomes, whose low shot was blocked by Dean Henderson, before Ladislav Krejci’s rebound narrowly went over.

After surviving a goalless first half, Wolves paid the price in the second. Palace struck twice in quick succession after the hour mark. Adam Wharton’s initial effort was blocked, but Daniel Munoz followed up to score his first goal since early October, with VAR confirming the strike after a prolonged check.

Palace extended their lead in the 69th minute, again with Wharton involved, setting up Yeremy Pino, who calmly fired into the roof of the net.

Wolves tried to respond, with Hwang Hee-Chan seeing a shot cleared off the line, but Palace efficiently managed their energy to secure their third win in five away league games under Oliver Glasner.

As Wolves struggle to find form despite the promise of a new era, fans face a grim reality. No team with fewer than five points after 12 games has ever survived a 38-game Premier League season, leaving the Midlands side in urgent need of a minor miracle.