Has Wolves boss Nuno Santo lost faith in Patrick Cutrone already?

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Patrick Cutrone was an unused substitute in Wolverhampton Wanderers’ 1-1 draw against Newcastle United on Sunday.

Wolves were widely expected to have a slow start in the Premier League this season due to their involvement in the qualifying stages of the Europa League. Burnley suffered the same last season and finished the campaign in 15th place, just six points above relegated Cardiff City.

Wolves have the quality to do a lot better than the Clarets did last season despite the European burden but their summer signings are yet to turn up to the party. Patrick Cutrone, signed from AC Milan, has started just three games in the league so far this season and has managed just one goal.

The young Italian was brought in to ease the pressure on Raul Jimenez but he can’t do that while sitting on the bench. At 1-1 on Sunday, the game was well poised for a grandstand finish and Sean Longstaff’s 82nd-minute red card opened the door for the visitors to have a proper go for the last few minutes of the game.

Wolves had made just two substitutions at the time and bringing on Cutrone was the logical option against the 10 men of Newcastle. However, Santo chose to not make another change which either showed a lot of faith in the players on the pitch or a lack of it in Cutrone, who would have been a smart option.

Jimenez was always going to be the first choice after an incredible debut season in the Premier League last term but the addition of Cutrone, either from the start or off the bench, is sure to benefit him and the team. Santo surely has his reasons to have not brought on the Italian but could his introduction have gotten them a valuable win?

Wolves have won just two games in the league so far this season but there have been signs of improvement since the 5-2 defeat at the hands of Chelsea after September’s international break. Santo will be looking to get back to winning ways soon but could he got the three points on Sunday through Cutrone? One can only imagine.