ANDREW BENNETT SHARES HIS THOUGHTS ON WOLVES PERFORMANCE AGAINST SAINTS IN THE FIRST WIN OF THE SEASON
Jose Sa – 7
A good performance from Sa who was rarely called on. Had a few sticky moments with his kicking but commanded his box well from a barrage of set pieces towards the end of the second half. Should give confidence to the Wolves number one.
Nelson Semedo – 6.5
Assured performance from Semedo who rarely let his man get past him, was potentially a little bit fortunate with the VAR decision and on another day could’ve been seen differently but given the poor decisions against Wolves no complaints from me! Didn’t get forward very much but stayed back and dominated defensively to protect the clean sheet.
Santi Bueno – 7
Another good performance from Santi Bueno as he gains a more important role in the team. Especially in the first half when Wolves sat so deep and the threat prominently was coming down his side. Attempted to push the ball forwards rather than consistently sideways but often with little options. Off to Uruguay on international duty with a great clean sheet.
Craig Dawson – 7
A captains performance from the veteran defended, didn’t have to do much admittedly but dominated the box and was clever to pick up some good free kicks. Had a new challenge when Saints brought on a 6ft 5+ giant and handled him with ease.
Toti – 7
A top performance from Toti with his best showing of the season especially as he didn’t have the same cover from Ait Nouri as Santi Bueno received from Semedo. Won various challenges to break up play and moved the ball with confidence.
Rayan Ait Nouri – 6
A strange performance from Ait Nouri who often came back when you would expect him to get the ball and run forwards specifically in the first half. Often needed Toti to bail him out good to be part of a defensive unit to keep a clean sheet but far from vintage Rayan.
Joao Gomes – 8
If not for his compatriot’s offensive masterclass Joao Gomes would have been clear and above the rest of the team for man of the match. Covered every blade of grass. In a passive performance often pushed the team up the pitch and was combative to win the ball back.
Mario Lemina – 6
Didn’t seem to show the usual Lemina energy and lost the ball in the middle of the park on a few occasions which saw the visitors keep their pressure up. That said you could see him being vocal in defensive set piece situations and supported to maintain the shape.
Pablo Sarabia – 6
Scored a well taken goal early on and for the rest of the half was very passive lost the ball on numerous occasions and didn’t press as well as others. Was substituted with a calf injury at half time.
Matheus Cunha – 9 (MoTM)
Can’t ask for much more than a goal and an assist in a must win game. Ran through the middle of the park to play a beautiful pass to Sarabia for the first goal and provided the final punch with a delightful finish from outside the box into the far corner. A superstar amongst an overall poor offensive performance, for a side with minimal possession.
Jorgen Strand Larsen – 6
Looked to me to be playing through an injury picked up early in the first half as didn’t get close to his man when pressing and didn’t offer much to the team had one shot which wasn’t challenging Ramsdale.
The Subs:
Bellegarde – 6
Came on at half time and offered more than Sarabia in terms of performance but didn’t score when he probably should’ve towards the end of the game as a ball was fizzed across from Ait Nouri. Otherwise supported the team to get up the pitch and offered a better pressing presence.
Guedes – 6.5
Was brought in for Strand Larsen and didn’t offer much in terms of chance creation but added much needed energy and pressed across the front line.
R. Gomes – N/A
A rare sighting of Rodrigo Gomes who came on for a few minutes at the end of the game
Matt Doherty – N/A
Played even less than Gomes playing maybe 20 seconds.
Gary O’Neil – Still time to go?
A very unconvincing performance against arguably the worst team in the Premier League in Wolves Premier League years. Especially in the first half where we were lucky to go into half time one up with the fortunate VAR call. Much improved in the second half as the team pressed higher up the pitch and minimised Southampton to practically zero opportunities. He still doesn’t seem to know the best side or have a clear style of play could this win be papering over the cracks?
A notable mention and rating of 10 for a Wolves legend in my lifetime (29 years old) as Ruben Neves was in the crowd and came to the pitch at half time to say some wonderful words about his time for the old gold.
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.