PLAYER RATINGS BY NICK PARKES
JOSE SA - 6
A fairly quiet game considering he conceded two. Couldn’t do anything about both goals. Distribution looked shaky at times
HUGO BUENO - 8 & MAN OF THE MATCH
Fantastic performance on his first Premier League start. Didn’t look out of place at all. Confident going forward and a great cross for the assist. Very controlled and decisive at the back. Probably the biggest positive of the night
MAX KILMAN - 6
Overall not a bad performance, got dragged out of position at times as Palace play a lot of balls to feet. Continued to play long balls to Costa which were ineffective.
NATHAN COLLINS - 5
Although Wolves looked more assured with him back, he didn’t have his best game. Got caught out of position several times and struggled with Palace’s ball to feet approach.
NELSON SEMEDO - 4
Had a very mixed game as overall he dealt with Palace’s attack very well, Zaha didn’t really have the better of him. But at fault for both goals. Lazy marking at the back post allowed them to equalize and then again, jogging to keep up to Zaha in the box allowed him time and space to score
BOUBACAR TRAORE - 5
Albeit his first league start, he was another player who really struggled with Palace’s tactics, slow to react to balls into midfield and continued to give away fouls.
RUBEN NEVES - 8
Mr consistency strikes again. Another powerful performance from the fans- favourite. Defended well against a good Palace attack and was very unlucky not to score from the free kick right on half time.
MATHEUS NUNES - 4
Apart from a clever 1-2 in the first half, which led to a good cross, Nunes looked lost and very unsure of how or where he’s playing. Far too slow on the ball and easily robbed of the ball
ADAMA TRAORE - 8
Looked threatening whenever given the ball and great header to put us one nill up. Another great run at the end of the first half which set up Neves’s free-kick which hit the post. Was subbed off fairly early on in the second half which came as a surprise and Wolves lacked an attacking sense without him
DANIEL PODENCE - 5
A decent performance in the first half but trailed off quickly in the second. Great through ball which led to Costa’s great chance early on. Left Semedo exposed defensively with his lack of tracking back and marking. Continues to attempt pointless tricks and backheels which led to Wolves losing the ball often
DIEGO COSTA - 5
Worked the space well in the opening minutes to create a great opportunity to score his first Wolves goal, even though the keeper saved it, he could have done better. In the second half he seemed more interested in trying to get a reaction out of the Palace centre backs. Really should have been stronger and won the ball in the build up to Palace’s first goal. Frustratingly, Wolves seemed to put in more crosses when he was off the pitch than when he was on. He would have been a threat from several of Guedes’s crosses.
subs
Moutinho – Looked very sharp after first coming on, picked up an attacking position and fed through Guedes for a cross but after that he faded into the background and picked up his normal defensively minded positions. 5
Guedes – Put in some very tempting crosses but with no real striker on the pitch, they caused Palace little problems. When the ball is at his feet and he tries to run, he looks completely void of confidence. Called for the ball often when he was in impossible positions. 5
Hodge – Put himself about again and isn’t afraid to put his foot in. Nice to see the young lads get an opportunity. 5
Hwang – Made little impact when he came on. 5
ARTICLE BY NICK PARKES
Hi, I’m Nick! Born in Wolverhampton and currently living in Barcelona. I’ve been a Wolves fan since birth (dad’s choice) and was a north bank season ticket holder in my younger days. My favourite all-time player, Bully! And favourite player is Coady!
I’m an English teacher by trade and when I’m not scolding teenagers in the class, I’m either running, gardening or watching cricket!