JOHN TARAS SHARES HIS PLAYER RATINGS FOR WOLVES 3-0 WIN AGAINST LEICESTER
Manager: Vitor Pereira 9
Superb start for Vitor with Wolves recording a 3-0 away win and a clean sheet.
Tactics were perfect.
Substitutions were made at the right time in the second half.
He instilled discipline in every player; no one reacted to the constant late tackles from Leicester!
There was continual encouragement from the touchline throughout the game.
Notepad and no iPad!
JOSE Sa 7
Reinstated today and didn’t let the side down.
Two brilliant interceptions when Leicester attacked, outside his area.
Safe handling and commanded his box.
Gave his defenders confidence with his performance.
Didn’t look like conceding a goal all game.
MATT Doherty 8
Found a new lease of life since his return to the side.
Accomplished in the air and positional play was excellent.
Great crossfield pass that deceived the Leicester full-back, allowing Rodrigo Gomes to score.
Able to move into the back three when Semedo attacked on the wing.
SANTI Bueno 8
Formed a solid partnership with Toti Gomes.
Dealt with every Leicester attack.
When Vardy did escape, he was mopped up by Gomes and Sa.
Quick into the tackle and pressed well with Gomes.
Toti Gomes 8
Settled into a strong pairing with Bueno.
Like his partner, he dealt with Leicester’s attack comfortably.
In the second half, he and his teammates controlled the game, and the clean sheet was never threatened.
Strong in the tackle and good distribution.
Nelson Semedo 7
Played his part in a solid defensive display.
Quick in the tackle.
Attacked down the wing repeatedly, giving support to Guedes.
Dealt with the wing threat from Leicester.
Joao Gomes 8
Gave his usual energetic performance.
Constantly pressed and broke up Leicester’s moves.
Pressed in numbers, making it more effective.
Back to his productive self alongside Andre.
Didn’t get booked today.
Andre 7
Paired with Joao Gomes today and was effective in disrupting Leicester.
Went about his role without frills but was effective.
High energy.
Rodrigo Gomes 8
In today in place of Ait-Nouri.
Had a great game, full of energy and enterprise.
Loads of energy allowed him to attack and defend.
Ait-Nouri might not get his place back easily.
Scored an opportunistic goal from Doherty’s great pass.
Goncalo Guedes 8
Played in a front three and boosted the attack.
Intelligent running with tricks to boot.
Scored the first goal from Wolves’ first real attack.
A constant threat going forward.
Took some stick from several heavy late challenges from Leicester players that went unpunished.
Good link-up play with midfield and Semedo.
JORGEN Strand Larsen 7
Led the line with his usual energy and skill.
Linked up with both Cunha and Guedes.
Tactically replaced by Doyle after 84 minutes to see out the game.
Matheus Cunha 8
Given licence to play where he felt a threat.
Scored from his one chance from an acute angle.
Helped control play in the second half.
Like Guedes, took some heavy late challenges from the Leicester players.
No discipline issues this week. Unblemished.
Subs:
Hwang Hee-Chang 5
Came on for the battered Guedes after 74 minutes but didn’t have any real impact.
Dawson, Bellegarde, Forbs and Doyle
All late substitutions, with no real impact on the game apart from Doyle keeping Vardy under wraps.
Fantastic team performance compared to recent weeks. Played like a team. Covered for each other.
No mishaps or threats from set pieces or corners.
Great early Christmas present today.
Man United at home on Boxing Day. Bring it on!
ARTICLE BY JOHN TARAS
Wolves Member for several years but follower since the 70’s. Now retired and looking forward to being involved in discussions.