PLAYER RATINGS: NOTTINGHAM FOREST V WOLVES

Sam Johnstone: 7

Came in for his debut in place of Jose Sa. He had issues with Elanga blocking his line of sight at the corner and could not stop the ball from going into the back of the net off Wood, who likes scoring against us. Showed why he was bought by Wolves with his saves, keeping us in the game without conceding any further goals.

Nelson Semedo: 6.5

This was Nelson’s first game of the season. He showed glimpses of what we have been used to from last season but looked tired as the game went on. He needs these minutes to build up fitness, and we hope to see more of what we saw last season.

Yerson Mosquera: 7

Played alongside a new partner in the centre-back position. He looked comfortable, and hopefully, his experienced teammate in the side will help improve his gameplay and make him a better defender.

Craig Dawson: 7.5 (Player of the match)

What we missed with Dawson coming back into the side was what we needed after his performance in the cup game in midweek. He showed his qualities in the game with control and defending, helping the team avoid conceding more than one goal.

Toti Gomes: 6.5

He played in the left-back role after being moved by Gary to find balance in the side, having been in the centre-half position for the opening games of the season. He looked okay but needs to be much sharper in his play.

Rayan Ait Nouri: 6

Played in place of Hwang and looked lost at times, losing concentration. We missed his runs from the back into the frontline to cause problems for the opposition. Gary will need to find a solution to bring that back.

Joao Gomes: 6.5

Got his customary yellow card in a game where he played well alongside Lemina, but there was not much else to note about him.

Mario Lemina: 7

The captain did what he does best. He played well, chasing everything and putting his body on the line with some challenges. We thought we might lose him to injury, but he came back and completed the game, showing he wants to do the job from start to finish.

Jean Ricner Bellegarde: 7

Took his goal well from 25 yards out, becoming the first player to score from outside the box since Tommy Doyle in the FA Cup. He recovered quickly from his yellow card, and we hope to see more performances like this from him this season.

Matheus Cunha: 7

Had chances in the game with shots very close to hitting the post. He was a constant menace, trying everything to get a goal like he did last season.

Jorgen Strand Larsen: 6.5

He did not have much to do in this game. Was it because he marked well, or was he just not given the supply he needed? He will improve once he gets more league games under his belt.

Substitutes:

Tommy Doyle: 6.5

Came on for Joao Gomes and had a 30-yard shot which was cruelly deflected by the Forest backline for a corner. It would have been a great goal. He is still a great free-kick taker and a solid passer, providing something different in the games he plays. Long may that continue.

Hwang Hee Chan: 5.5

Came on for Rayan Ait Nouri. He looked the same standard he showed when he started games for the team, appearing slow at times. Was this a fitness issue? We don’t know.

Gonçalo Guedes: 6

Came on for Jean Ricner Bellegarde after his two cup goals in midweek against Burnley. He is now back with the group after his loan moves and has plenty to show. He needs more game time to get fit and showcase his skills. Today he had a cameo performance, showing what he can do but needing improvement.

Matt Doherty: 6

Came on for Nelson Semedo, who was tiring after two opening starts. Matt has the experience in this Wolves side and looked okay in the game as a backup player who can change games.

Andre: N/A

Came on for Jorgen Strand Larsen for his debut after his move in the summer transfer window. He didn’t have time to show what he can do, but we hope to see more of him soon as he builds up his fitness.

Gary O’Neil Manager: 7

Made changes to the side after the Chelsea defeat to stop the flow of goals conceded. The debut of Johnstone in goal made a difference, and bringing in an experienced defender helped the cause. However, the formation is still a work in progress, and there are weaknesses to address. We hope he can find solutions soon.