Andrew Bennett giveS his player ratings for Wolves in their 2-0 win against Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup to advance to the next round.
Johnstone – 6.5
A clean sheet for Sam Johnstone who was called up on multiple occasions in each half to make routine saves. Was sensible on the ball and got rid of danger when necessary. Was in no man’s land for the goal which was incorrectly ruled out for offside, a lucky break to keep the clean sheet.
Semedo (83) – 7
A solid performance from the Wolves captain who really minimized opportunities for the hosts down their left flank. Contributed a wonderful assist with a first time pass through to Cunha who did the rest.
Bueno (45) – 4
A shocking 45 minutes against a championship side for Santi Bueno who was restored to the starting line up in place of Doherty who replaced the Uruguayan at half time. Gave away a poor foul for the free kick which Blackburn scored their disallowed goal from, lost the ball on multiple occasions and just looked lost, including when Kargbo just drifted past him to get into an excellent position only for the forward to dive and be awarded a yellow card – a lucky break. On a yellow card himself, Pereira seemingly seeing the same withdrew the Wolves defender, who one would imagine will struggle for opportunities with the arrival of unused substitute Djiga.
Agbadou (MAN OF THE MATCH) – 8
Solid performance, winning the ball back multiple times in his own box. Provided a great out ball switching play to Semedo and Rodrigo Gomes. A moment in the first half where he performed silky skill to win the ball back and move past two Blackburn attackers and get Wolves out their own box and on the attack.
Toti – 7.5
Similar to Agbadou, an assured performance from Toti Gomes. Toti who has played four times under Victor Perera has seen four Wolves clean sheets. Did a good job at left centre back and had a couple of moments in the second half where he gained over 30/40 yards of ground up the pitch running with the ball.
RODRIGO Gomes – 7
An efficient performance from Rodrigo Gomes who put in a fantastic cross in the second half for Munetsi to head wide. A positive performance from the young wingback who slotted in for Ait Nouri and played on the opposite side (right) for the last few minutes as Semedo was withdrawn.
JOAO Gomes – 7.5
Back in the starting line up after his suspension in place for his Brazilian counterpart Andre; Joao Gomes put in a brilliant performance and got himself his third goal of the season to open the account this afternoon at Ewood Park. Joao found the back of the net as he just rolled the ball under the goalkeeper’s body to squirm across the line after a quick move and assist from Hwang. Controlled the middle of the pitch for much of the second half and found himself dictating the play.
Bellegarde (66) – 7
Bellegarde didn’t manage to reach the highs of his performance against Aston Villa but he was busy around the pitch and can’t be said to put a foot wrong in the 66 minutes he had on the pitch, equally not doing anything too noteworthy an efficient performance and hopefully another opportunity to build confidence and a new partnership with Joao Gomes.
Guedes (66) – 7
Similar to Bellegarde, an efficient performance who’s effort can’t be faulted and was withdrawn on the 66th minute. His match was summed up with a moment in the second half as Guedes covered over 2/3 of the pitch with the ball only to run out of luck in the end surrounded by 4 Blackburn players with no Wolves player able to get up and assist.
Cunha – 8
Scorer of the second Wolves goal with a lovely finish into the bottom corner, potentially will be disappointed not to have scored another with a few chances in the second half saved by the Blackburn keeper. Looked a class above of the opposition and truly shared his Premier League quality
Hwang (45) – 7
Was putting in a good enough performance until he seemingly tweaked his hamstring and was withdrawn at half time. Got the assist for Joao Gomes goal moving the ball forward, had a shot just before blocked on the edge of the box and similar to Bellegarde and Guedes was not short of putting in the effort for the team.
Doherty (Bueno) – 7
A confident performance from the veteran Irish international who seems to be making right centre back his own. Did everything the second half Bueno couldn’t the first, did the basics and cleaned up multiple Blackburn attacks as they tried to find a goal to get back into the contest.
Sarabia (Hwang) 6.5
Should’ve scored as Cunha swung in a delicious ball only for Sarabia to clip over the ball, a composed performance bringing experience as Wolves closed out the second half. Often picked up in space on the right, more minutes for Sarabia under Pereira
Munetsi (Bellegarde) 6.5
Could’ve and Should’ve two words summing up the short debut for Munetsi. The debutant nearly scored a 30 minute treble but was sadly unable to find the net. Put a header just wide, smashed a dropdown from a corner just wide and hit another effort tamely into the keepers gloves. Gave the ball away a couple of times but was always looking for the positive ball forwards. On one occasion set in Sarabia down the right with a beautiful ball opening the defensive backline. Looks like a lively player and a debut for sure to build on as he gets to know the rest of the squad.
Andre (Guedes) 6.5
Didn’t particularly notice Andre, which in central defensive midfield is often a positive thing. Andre did his job as he swept in as the deeper central midfielder.
Ait Nouri (Semedo) – N/A
Was not on the field for long enough to give a rating but showed confidence on the ball as Wolves saw out the last 10 minutes without any issue. Linked up well with Joao Gomes on the left and saw out the victory as Wolves are into the next round of the 2024/25 FA Cup.
A note for the travelling fans who were heard throughout the game and singing about former Wolves captain and academy product Danny Batth in his first game against Wolves since leaving many years ago.
The final word for Victor Pereira who got everything right and was able to give minutes for multiple players as he used the full complement of five substitutions.
ARTICLE BY ANDREW BENNETT
From my first Wolves match against Chelsea in 2003 I fell in love with the team and matchday experience. I work in digital marketing and have lived in Germany and Estonia over the past few years, this doesn’t stop me following Wolves and ensuring all my international friends become invested to the Wolf pack. I enjoy football, board games, a pint and travelling always excited to try new things. You will find me in the north bank on a matchday.