Wolves did not lose at Crystal Palace because of being outclassed. We lost because we failed in the moments that decide Premier League games. That is why Wolves need to stop talking about "fine margins" and start fixing them.
For 40 minutes, Wolves looked like a team with a plan. The press was organised, we carried the ball well and we created enough to make Selhurst Park nervous.
Then the match handed us a lifeline. A penalty just before half-time. This is the point where bottom clubs have to be ruthless. Instead, we made it easy. Dean Henderson saved, and the momentum swung.
People will say "it is just one kick", but it is not. It is a pattern. Wolves can do a lot right, then one action turns a decent performance into another defeat. If you are bottom of the table, you do not get to waste gifts.
Then came the red card. Two quick yellows and suddenly we were trying to manage the game with ten men. That is not bad luck. That is discipline, and discipline is a choice.
That said, the officiating discussion will not go away. Will Hughes looked fortunate to still be on the pitch after a couple of challenges that, on another day, could have brought a second yellow. In comparison, Ladislav Krejci's second booking felt harsh. But the honest truth is you cannot give referees an excuse to make a decision. It is a silly mistake, even if the standard felt inconsistent.
After the red, Wolves actually defended the box fairly well. The job became simple: stay compact, slow the game and get out with a point. But the margins shrink with 10 men. We nearly did it. Nearly is not enough.
The late winner at the near post was the final punishment for dropping a yard and switching off for a second. Late goals happen when focus drops, legs tire and belief is fragile.
The frustrating part is this: there is a team here. Wolves played well enough to get something, yet confidence and composure are missing.
Find more from Emma Milton at Always Wolves