Wolves' chances came in below their usual level against Portsmouth

Wolves and Portsmouth drew at Molineux, and the home side's chances were worth less than their usual level.

Portsmouth managed just eight shots at Molineux, against an average of 14.56 when they play away from home. Shots are the simplest count of attacking effort, but they do not show how good each chance was. On the numbers, this draw is less a story about volume than about quality, and quality is where the match gets interesting.

Wolves had the ball more than usual, at 58% against a home average of 52.56. Possession simply measures how long each side keeps the ball, so a higher share does not automatically mean better chances. Wolves passed the ball well, but completing passes is not the same as reaching shooting positions.

Expected goals, or xG, gives each shot a score from 0 to 1 based on how likely it was to go in, so a total of 1 is roughly the value of one goal. Wolves took 15 shots, close to their usual 14.89, but their xG came to 0.99 against a home average of 1.41. The number of shots was normal, but the quality of those shots was below what they usually produce, and that is the detail that matters here.

Jordan James gave Wolves their goal in the 62nd minute, assisted by Fer López, and the pair were the home side's best-rated players on the day. Wolves scored once, below their home average of 1.78 goals. James finished with a match rating of 7.66 and López with 7.58, both at the top of the home list.

Portsmouth's chances were worth 0.71 xG, against their away average of 1.36. Terry Devlin equalised in the 86th minute from his only shot on target, a reminder that a single chance can be enough. He was rated 7.29, the second-best rating on the visiting side.

Six of Portsmouth's eight shots came from inside the box, so most of their attempts were close to goal. Wolves took seven from inside the area and the rest from further out. On expected goals, Wolves still finished with the higher total, but both sides' figures sat below their usual level, which suggests neither team had an especially productive afternoon in front of goal.

Wolves sit eighth after ten matches with 17 points, while Portsmouth are 13th on 14. Wolves' last six results include three wins and three defeats. Portsmouth's last six away matches brought three wins and two draws, with one defeat, so the point at Molineux adds to a steady run for the visitors.

Player of the matchJ. James1 goal7.7

Fer López1 assist7.6

M. Dia1 chance created7.3

T. Devlin1 goal7.3