CRAIG HICKEY RATES WOLVES PERFORMANCE AGAINST CRYSTAL PALACE
So, for the final home game of the season the ratings are my personal view, we may not agree but that’s what makes our views on here so unique.
DAN BENTLEY 7
He had a good game in the main, not sure what happened to Sa but he deputised well. Good distribution, a couple of good saves and stopped the short goal kicks after the first two goals. He was let down by the defence and suicide passes in front of him, grew into the game.
NELSON SEMEDO 6.5
Started the game well, linked up with Doherty on the right to create some good opportunities down the byline. Constantly one on one with Olise and in the main dealt with the threat but he wasn’t helped by the midfield for the third goal. Deserved his player of the season award from his teammates, perhaps he needs some help next season so he can relax.
MATT DOHERTY 6.5
Worked well with Semedo and together they created some good space and crosses. Hit the bar with one header and showed his ability in the air all game as he was the target for Bentley’s long kicks. He hasn’t got the legs from 4 years ago but he worked hard today. He may not be a regular next season but he does have qualities that help the team, defensively a better game today from him.
MAX KILMAN 5
Max has not been the same player since January, maybe the links to European teams have clouded his judgement. He is quite slow with his thoughts and passing. Today, I have to lay the blame for some of the goals at his feet, short passes and out muscled in the lead up to the first 2. He couldn’t cope with the big Palace forward, bullied off the ball, turned too quickly and lacked pace. I really can’t work out why Mr Consistent has dropped right off after being touted for England, that’s a far distant memory, today just proved it.
TOTI GOMES 6
Won his battles today in the main and worked hard but he got exposed too often on his side, the first two goals did come from that side but he had cover from Kilman which wasn’t effective enough. That was due to mistakes from passing out from the back, he seems less confident in a back 4, today he put his body on the line but it wasn’t enough, he needs support on that side and fits better into a back 3.
RAYAN AIT-NOURI 6
One cracking run ended with a right foot shot that deflected into the keepers hands. Combined well with Toti, Gomes and Cunha but didn’t get the space he needed to run at the defenders. This may be the last time we see him at Molineux, I hope not, when he is on it, it’s a joy to watch. Today he was average in an average team.
MARIO LEMINA 7.5
Hustled and bustled, won tackles, played in various roles but couldn’t get the team to tick as much as in previous games. Very unlucky not to score in the second half with a bullet volley that was superbly tipped over. He is a leader in my opinion and showed this with his attitude. There were some misplaced passes from Mario, that’s to be expected when he gets so much of the ball. Deserved his Supporters Player of the Season award.
BOUBACAR TRAORE 6
I call him Spiderman, purely and simply because he is a gangly midfielder who seems to get his legs into tackles that look too far out of reach. He got stuck in today with tackles and got a booking to boot. His distribution could have been better as there were too many short balls from him and to him, replaced at half time.
JOAO GOMES 8 & MAN OF THE MATCH
Joao has been excellent this season and he showed why he will be tracked by the big clubs over the next 1 – 2 years. He put in another man of the match performance for me today, blocks, tackles, silky skills and simple passing. If you looked at his stats, he must get in some miles during a game. Some of the delighted turns, close control and flicks are sublime, we have a player here and I hope the board have the ambition to keep him and build around him and a few others.
Matheus cunha 7
Matheus didn’t see much of the ball for the first 30 minutes, he was a spectator due to the pressure we put on ourselves at the back. He made some driving runs and caused some problems with those, he took his goal well with a crisp sweeping finish. A booking for him today after taking some hefty challenges, frustration at the referee for not being strong enough was evident for all to see.
JEAN-RICNER BELLEGARD (45MINS) 6
A second half appearance from Jean started brightly with some surging runs on the right. He had to help in defence during the game and this stopped him from getting up field. Still looks like he needs to sharpen up and get up to speed, the summer will allow him that time to get back to full fitness.
JEAN-RICNER BELLEGARD (45MINS) 6
A second half appearance from Jean started brightly with some surging runs on the right. He had to help in defence during the game and this stopped him from getting up field. Still looks like he needs to sharpen up and get up to speed, the summer will allow him that time to get back to full fitness.
PABLO SARABIA (61MINS) 6
Pablo has some fantastic skill and passing which he showed again today, had a great effort saved. I got frustrated with him as a few passes went astray and caused us problems, holding up your hands and moaning at others doesn’t get the ball back, he should track back more. Won the Goal of the Season award for his goal against Chelsea.
TOMMY DOYLE (79MINS) 6
Tommy came off the bench and straight away it made a difference to us putting pressure on Palace. Quick passing that allowed us to get up the pitch quickly. I think he should be starting in the midfield as he has the football mind and skill to make things happen.
ENSO GONZALEZ (90MINS) 6
A debut for the young lad and in the 10 minutes or so that he was on, he didn’t look out of place, simple passing and got stuck in.
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.