Matheus Cunha’s recent performances for Wolverhampton Wanderers have come under intense scrutiny, particularly following their recent 4-1 loss to Arsenal. The Brazilian forward, who was signed for a substantial £44 million from Atlético Madrid, has been a key figure in Wolves’ attack. However, as their form continues to slide, Cunha’s performances have increasingly become a focal point of criticism. Lee Naylor, a former Wolves full-back, did not mince his words when analyzing Cunha’s contribution to the team’s struggles. Speaking on Matchday Live Extra, Naylor expressed his disappointment with Cunha’s work rate and general involvement in the game, noting that he was not living up to the expectations set for a player of his caliber.

This comes at a particularly troubling time for Wolves, who have now lost their last four matches in the Premier League. Following Leicester City’s win over Tottenham, Wolves have slipped into the relegation zone, and the pressure is mounting on manager Vitor Pereira to find answers. Wolves’ decline in form, combined with the mounting criticism of their key players, means that the club’s survival in the Premier League is very much in jeopardy. Despite the financial backing that brought Cunha to Molineux, the Brazilian’s recent performances have left fans questioning whether he is truly the solution to Wolves’ attacking woes.

The defeat to Arsenal was a particularly disappointing one, especially after Arsenal were reduced to 10 men. Many felt that this was an ideal opportunity for Cunha and the team to capitalize and grab all three points. However, Cunha, along with other players, failed to step up in the crucial moments. He struggled to pick up the ball in dangerous areas, and despite Arsenal being a man down, the Brazilian’s lack of impact was glaring. Naylor’s post-match analysis reflected the sentiment that Cunha’s failure to influence the game was deeply concerning. “I’m sorry but, he wasn’t there today,” Naylor remarked. “From that first minute, he wasn’t the player that he normally is.”

For Wolves to have any hope of turning their fortunes around, they need Cunha to be performing at a level that matches his price tag and the expectations placed upon him. Naylor emphasized that if a player is considered “top,” as Cunha is often described, then they should be demonstrating their quality in every aspect of their game. For Naylor, this means showing up on the field, working tirelessly, and making an impact when it matters most. Unfortunately, Cunha’s lack of effort and commitment during the Arsenal match was evident, and this has been a growing concern for both fans and pundits alike.

While it’s understandable that there may be external factors affecting Cunha’s mindset—such as ongoing contract negotiations and speculation surrounding his future—his lack of urgency on the pitch cannot be excused. Reports have surfaced that Cunha and his agent have been stalling on a new contract with Wolves, with several clubs, including Arsenal, reportedly interested in the Brazilian’s services. This has created an environment where Cunha’s focus seems to be split between his long-term future and his current obligations to Wolves. It’s difficult to ignore that speculation about his transfer status could be affecting his performances, but at this stage, Wolves desperately need him to put that aside and deliver for the team.

Cunha’s failure to show the desired level of influence in the Arsenal game, especially when the opposition was down to 10 men, is particularly worrying. Wolves had a golden opportunity to capitalize on Arsenal’s weakened position, but instead, they allowed the game to slip away from them. The absence of a leader or someone to grab the game by the scruff of the neck when it was there for the taking was disappointing. This is where Cunha should have stepped up—yet again, he failed to do so.

It’s clear that Wolves fans expect more from their £44 million man. When a club invests so heavily in a player, they expect him to be one of the driving forces behind the team’s success. But in recent weeks, Cunha’s performances have been far from the standard that is expected of him. The lack of influence in the game, combined with the apparent lack of effort, has left a growing sense of frustration among supporters.

The situation has now become even more critical for Cunha, as speculation surrounding his future continues to swirl. With Arsenal reportedly interested in him, and Wolves reportedly not willing to sell, the question remains: can Cunha refocus and commit to the task at hand? Wolves’ immediate priority is their survival in the Premier League, and they need their star players to lead by example. If Cunha continues to perform at the level he has shown in recent weeks, it’s hard to see how Wolves will be able to avoid relegation.

As the January transfer window approaches, the speculation about Cunha’s future will only intensify. If Wolves want to avoid further distraction, it’s crucial that they resolve his contract situation as quickly as possible. The longer the uncertainty hangs over Cunha, the more it risks affecting the team’s performances on the pitch. Wolves need to close the door on any transfer rumors and focus on getting results. But, before they do that, they need to make sure that they add quality reinforcements to the squad. A few key signings could help give the team a much-needed boost, but it’s equally important that players like Cunha rise to the occasion.

For Cunha, the next few weeks could be pivotal in determining his future at the club. If he continues to fall short of expectations, there will be serious questions raised about whether he can be the player that Wolves need him to be. The club has shown faith in him, but that faith is quickly running out as Wolves face a relegation battle. Cunha needs to prove that he’s worth the investment, not just in terms of his ability but also in terms of his attitude and commitment to the team. If he can’t do that, it may be time for both player and club to reconsider their futures together.

In the meantime, the focus must be on the present. Wolves have an uphill battle to avoid relegation, and Cunha’s contribution, or lack thereof, will have a significant impact on their chances. If he can find his form and lead by example, it could be the turning point the team desperately needs. But if he continues to drift through games without making an impact, Wolves’ struggles will only continue, and the pressure on both Cunha and Pereira will intensify. The next few matches will be crucial for Cunha to demonstrate whether he can be the player Wolves need, or whether his time at Molineux is coming to an end.