CRAIG HICKEY SHARES HIS THOUGHTS ON WOLVES PERFORMANCE V NEWCASTLE AND HIS PLAYER RATINGS
Today’s game was always going to be tough against a side who have some depth and quality. I’d have been very happy with a point before the game, so to get it was a good result for me.
JOSE SA 7
Started quietly but on 22 mins, failed to hold onto the ball which caused us to concede. A punch away would have been a better option. He got a hand to Wilson’s penalty and generally didn’t have much to do apart from those two moments. His distribution is still an area of concern but overall today he was pretty quiet.
NELSON SEMEDO 6.5
A decent game, didn’t give Gordon and Burn much space down the flanks. He made some good runs forward on the wings but his final cross or pass into the danger area needs work. A ball towards the gap between the penalty spot and 6 yard area would cause problems to any defence and could have given us at least 2 opportunities on goal.
RAYAN AIT-NOURI 7
Started well, some great driving runs, silky skills and coped well with Trippier, had to do more defending in midfield than breaking forward towards the end/start of the halves. Some really good surges forward and used the ball well, finished the game well, where normally he tires and looks dangerous in the left midfield role.
CRAIG DAWSON 8.5 MAN OF THE MATCH
Strong, physical and no nonsense tackling, in open play he kept Wilson quite in the first half, the two goals were not down to him. He made some fabulous challenges and showed some pace against quick forwards. He really put a shift in today and for me shaded a man of the match performance over Neto and Lemina due to being a big character in the game.
MAX KILMAN 7.5
He looked composed and switched on and didn’t do too much wrong. His distribution was simple and varied in the game. He did the simple things right when defending and also came up with some key tackles. Max is getting back to his best at last after a few indifferent games.
Toti Gomes 7
Had alot of work to do with Trippier and Almiron, he did lose his man a few times but there was cover there to spare his blushes. The second half he improved his performance and he got the assist for Hwang’s goal with a driving skilful run and a slide rule pass into Hwang to score.
MARIO LEMINA 8
Strong in midfield and battled well after the initial first 15 minutes where he was caught out of position a few times. This allowed the Newcastle midfield to play freely. A positional change soon stopped this. His bullet header at the far post was a joy to see, holding off his marker to power home. An assured and aggressive second half performance was typical Super Mario. Hopefully his substitution was down to cramp rather than an injury. (86 mins)
BOUBACAR TRAORE 5.5
Did his fair share of running to try to break play up, wasn’t able to play as much as he has done in previous games. One particular point in the game he had acres of space and time to spread it wide but bizarrely chose to shoot from 25 yards, an embarrassing effort that trickled into the penalty area. He needs to really step up his quality and choose his passes better (54 mins)
PEDRO NETO 8
Another assist for him as his corner was superbly met by Lemina at the far post. He caused problems all game and his relentless running and skills caused Newcastle issues. One jinking run ended with a rising shot that Pope had to tip over the bar. It all ended in disaster though on 71 minutes, a typical surge inside to the edge of the box ended with him pulling up which looked like a hamstring pull at first. He was stretchered off which isn’t a good sign and I hope it was to prevent a more serious issue. We all hope this injury will not have a massive impact on our season and it will be minimal. He is our talisman along with Hwang, that is a major worry, hopefully it’s a short term issue and Bellegarde may be able to step in (77 mins)
MATHEUS CUNHA 7
Started quietly and gradually started to get more of the ball. One superb drive forward ended in a super left foot drive that needed a save from Pope. Another effort similar to last week could have ended in a goal for him but it was straight at the keeper. Always willing to run and work hard, he gives everything to the cause just lately and certainly is a fans favourite.
HWANG HEE-CHAN 7
Not a good first half for him, gave away a debatable penalty or did he? Looking back, he didn’t make contact with the Newcastle player and 3/4 minutes passed before VAR gave the decision. He lacked his usual composure on the ball and gave it away too much. The second half was a different matter, and he made a much more familiar impact as he latched onto Toti’s pass, he sat the defender down and finished into the bottom corner. He then ensured he did things right when defending, he is a talisman along with Neto.
TOMMY DOYLE 7 (SUB 54MINS)
Have to say this lad is such a good player, hardly gives the ball away, picks the right pass and his dead ball delivery is spot on. He shored up our midfield and made us tick. I’d start Tommy in front of Traore at the minute.
JOAO GOMES 6 (SUB 86 MINS)
He was unlucky to miss out on a start today but I’m presuming Gary O’Neil wanted a driving midfielder to push Newcastle back to allow us to play wide. Did his job when he came on and broke up play, not enough time to really impact the game.
SASA KALAJDZIC 6 (SUB 77 MINS)
Sasa put himself about and used his height well to provide knock ons in the game and hold up the ball. I thought he was dragged down in the box towards the end of the game, nothing doing though.
ARTICLE BY CRAIG HICKEY
A 53 year old season ticket holder in the Steve Bull stand. Go along with my two young lads who love the Wolves and so far, the positive times. Long may it continue.
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