Nine goals in three Championship matches, six different scorers, and a 4-1 demolition of Stoke City at the weekend. On the surface, Wolverhampton Wanderers' early-season attacking numbers look very healthy indeed. The more important detail, though, is the spread.

Goals shared around the squad

Raúl Jiménez remains the focal point of César Peixoto's attack, and his experience, movement and penalty-taking give Wolves something reliable to build around. However, the former Mexico international has contributed only two goals so far, both from the spot. The rest of the scoring has come from elsewhere: Rodrigo Gomes and Fer López with two apiece, and one each for Jordan James, Adam Armstrong and Marshall Munetsi.

That distribution matters enormously at this level. The Championship is a long, grinding competition, and clubs that lean too heavily on a single forward tend to find themselves vulnerable the moment that player picks up a knock or a dip in form. Peixoto will be well aware of that. As fan writer Dazzling Dave noted on BBC Sport, Wolves "cannot build a promotion campaign around Jiménez alone, even if his experience is a valuable asset."

The Stoke win in numbers

Against Stoke, Wolves were tested early. Sam Gallagher put the visitors ahead inside two minutes, and it would have been easy for a side still finding its feet to let anxiety creep in. Instead, Gomes scored twice in three minutes to flip the contest, and Wolves ultimately finished with 18 shots, eight on target, 53 per cent possession and an expected-goals figure of 2.64 against Stoke's 0.88. The underlying numbers justified the scoreline.

Jiménez added a penalty for 3-1 before James, on his home debut, completed the scoring. Fer López was involved in the build-up play that created several of the goals, a reminder that his contribution does not always show up directly on the scoresheet.

Seven points from three matches, and Wolves remain unbeaten. It is a solid platform, but it is only three matches.

Reasons for caution

For all the encouragement, there are caveats worth noting. Wolves have conceded early in more than one game, which suggests their defensive organisation at the start of matches needs attention. The Stoke scoreline also flatters how comfortable Wolves were at certain points; the visitors found space during spells that Peixoto will want tidied up.

The other issue is squad depth. Peixoto is, according to the source, still keen to add another attacking option before the transfer window closes. That desire is understandable. Gomes, López, James, Armstrong and Sadibou Mane have all shown they can contribute, but those players are largely unproven over a full Championship campaign. A long run of fixtures, combined with international breaks, cup commitments and the inevitable injury list, will test whether the current options hold up.

What a promotion push needs

Wolves' promotion credentials will ultimately be judged over 46 league matches, not three. But the early evidence that goals can arrive from multiple sources is genuinely significant. Sides that challenge for automatic promotion almost always have contributions spread across the squad, because the division simply does not allow one player to carry the burden from August to May.

Peixoto's task now is to maintain that variety as the fixtures pile up, sharpen Wolves' defensive shape at the start of games, and, if the right player becomes available before the window shuts, add the further depth the manager himself acknowledges is still missing. The foundation looks promising. Whether it holds is a question for October, November and beyond.

Frequently asked

How many goals have Wolves scored in the Championship this season?
Wolves have scored nine goals across their opening three Championship matches, with six different players getting on the scoresheet.
Who scored in Wolves' 4-1 win over Stoke City?
Rodrigo Gomes scored twice, Raúl Jiménez added a penalty, and Jordan James completed the scoring on his home debut.
Are Wolves still looking to sign players before the transfer window closes?
According to reports, manager César Peixoto is keen to add at least one more attacking option before the window shuts, to give Wolves greater depth for their promotion push.