CRAIG HICKEY SHARES HIS PLAYER RATINGS FOR WOLVES WIN AGAINST BURNLEY
We knew it wouldn’t be easy but these are the games we need to perform in to get points that solidify our position in the top half.
DAN BENTLEY 7
Performed well, distribution was good but the short goal kicks nearly caught us out. One led to a double save from him which could have seen us behind. Always encouraging and talking to the defence. A good solid game and looked composed.
NELSON SEMEDO 8
Started the game well and caused some problems on the right with his probing runs. His delivery was a lot better today and just needs bodies on the end of the crosses. He looked after his defensive duties well with Koleosho looking dangerous, he didn’t get turned tonight. A good solid performance.
MAX KILMAN 9
A man mountain in the defence, strong tackles, heading duels, some excellent runs from the back. One run saw him chopped down by Brownhill who got a yellow card for his trouble. Max is definitely back to his solid best and was a key player tonight, led by example and that shows why he is a quiet captain. A yellow towards the end the only blot on his copy book, a harsh one for me.
CRAIG DAWSON 8.5
Craig does the simple things right, short passes, winning headers and intelligence shown with his position and distribution. Great back post cut back from a Sarabia cross begged to be put away. A composed and assured defensive display.
TOTI GOMES 8.5
He has really cemented his place in the defence, always aware of his opponent and used the ball well to break out of the back line. Strong tackles, winning his battle on the left side. He has really benefited from being alongside Kilman and Dawson, his decision making has improved so much.
HUGO BUENO 8
After being out for a few weeks, he has come in and kept steady tonight. There was incident that led to him shielding the ball to then lose it which led to two shots on goal. He looks dangerous when breaking down the left side, thank goodness he is fit again as Rayan Ait-Nouri is out for sometime. Went off on the 89 minute mark to we hope it’s cramp, ran his socks off.
Mario lemina 7.5
Super Mario came back into the team and gave a steady showing, always a willing runner, closing down the midfield and hassling the back four of Burnley into long balls or mistakes. He is a massive character in that midfield and his presence relaxes the team. A yellow card for a dubious looking challenge but his bite and determination is infectious on our midfield.
JOAO GOMES 7.5
Strong in the tackle, short passing and slowed the game down when needed. This seems to frustrate some fans near to me in the Steve Bull but it allows us to regroup and draw the opposition out to look for the ball. Along with Lemina, he gives our midfield some bite, he does the ugly jobs and he should get more recognition.
HWANG HEE-CHAN 7.5
Hee Chan was not at his best at times but remained cool for his goal with a simple finish. He runs for the team and battles which last year he was left wanting. I think he can go down too easily at times to try to get a foul when he could stand his ground. You can’t take away the fact that he is in good goalscoring form and with his partner, Cunha, caused Burnley panic at the back at times.
MATHEUS CUNHA 7.5
He had a fairly quiet game today but he was always running, hassling and making defenders panic around the box. He got an assist today after Sarabia was gifted the ball, a simple pass to Hwang leading to the goal. Cynical fouls by Burnley, stopped him running forward during our breaks forward, another player in good form. Subbed on 86 minutes.
PABLO SARABIA 7.5
Frustrating in the first half by not producing the quality he has on the ball. Perhaps we don’t see the game as he does at times, passes looking like they are misplaced but the ideas were there. The second half he looked so different, turning defenders with his skilful close control, drawing fouls and his dead ball delivery improved in the 2nd half. One sublime cross to the far post allowed Dawson to volley back into the area but there was no willing gambler to score. Involved in the goal by stealing the ball and cooly passing to Cunha. Replaced on 77 minutes.
SUBSTITUTES
Bellegarde – 77 minutes, came on and did show his pace and skills at times but unable to really grab hold of the ball in the final 13 minutes – 6
Traore – 86 minutes, no real impact but did have a chance to shoot but played it square when he could have had a go.
Doherty – 89 minutes, again no real impact but did things simple.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Kilman, solid and produced a winning captain’s performance 9/10
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.
3 Comments
by Larry Warren
I must say, this write up is a much more accurate view of the match, compared to some. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I know we weren’t at our best but we fought hard and we’re worthy of the 3 points.