Andrew bennett shares his player ratings for wolves v villa
Jose Sa - 8
Good performance from the Portuguese keeper, pulling off a great save at the start of the second half to deny Watkins and commanded his box well during the game as chaos continued with set piece after set piece. Kicking also improved on recent weeks.
Rayan Ait Nouri - 6
An efficient half from the North African who likely came off as a result from a heavy challenge from Matty Cash just before the half. Wolves best chance of the first half fell to Ait Nouri who probably should’ve done better to put the chance on target. Defensively was solid didn’t give much away.
Toti Gomes - 8 (Man of the Match)
A great display from the big defender, marked Diaby off the pitch who was substituted early in the second half and similarly marked Zaniolo his replacement out the game. The most progressive of the three centre half’s attempting to move the ball forwards to Ait Nouri, Doherty and Hwang multiple times throughout the match.
Craig Dawson - 7.5
Brilliant display from the veteran defender back in the middle of a back three. Barely gave Watkins any time and often nodded the ball onto Toti or Kilman away from danger as Villa targetted wolves in behind.
Max Kilman - 7.5
Similarly to Dawson controlled Watkins and did a good job at the back. Made a few mistakes towards the end of the game but every time rectified himself winning the ball back. All in all a good performance from all of those in the back three.
Nelson Semedo - 6
A decent performance from Semedo but nothing flashy, sadly received a yellow card meaning he will be suspended for our next game. Showed himself to link up with Neto down the right well enough, just wish could happen more often.
Joao Gomes - 6
Similar to the wingbacks who started the game, a game with nothing spectacular but did the job getting in the faces of Douglas Luiz and Kamara and broke Villa down often. Probably didn’t offer enough going forwards and was replaced midway through the second half by Traore.
Mario Lemina - 6
Would’ve had a higher rating if not for picking up a second yellow card in the fourth minute of stoppage time. Got around the pitch well and often did well on the ball but similarly to Joao Gomes didn’t provide enough forward output.
Pedro Neto - 7
Provided a world class cross into Hwang to score wolves only goal of the game. Consistently was dangerous against Pau Torres but needs to do better in front of goal himself had the best chance that fell Wolves way after the score had become 1-1, probably just needed to find the target and would’ve scored.
Hwang Hee Chan - 7.5
The golden Korean at Molineux scoring a great goal to get to the front post and put in Neto’s cross. Otherwise he was alway on it and trying to get Wolves up the pitch a great performance by Hwang and his work off the ball should not go unnoticed too.
Matheus Cunha - 7
A good performance from Cunha without really showing off his true talents, took the ball into his stride well but often couldn’t find the right pass. Didn’t get any chance of note during the game for the striker. Personally I believe he is much better when playing off the number 9, will be interesting to see his performances if we persist with the 5-2-3 formation.
the subs
Matt Doherty – 6
Played all of the second half at left wing back and will likely play a full 90 in our next game with Semedo suspended due to 5 yellow cards. Put in a more attacking performance than either Semedo or Ait Nouri and did well to deal with Cash/ Bailey but as with the other wing backs didn’t do much of note doing well to support the side.
Boubacar Traoré – 7
The best of the wolves central midfielders during his second half cameo, got in the faces of the Villa midfield and often managed to turn the ball over to create opportunities during Wolves most dominant part of the game in the second half. Most likely to start away at Bournemouth next time out as Lemina is suspended.
Fabio Silva and Sasa Kalajdzic
Neither Fabio or Sasa were on the pitch long enough to warrant ratings but both did good jobs especially Fabio as wolves went down to 10 in covering ground defensively. Hwang linked up with Kalajdzic who put in a great cross for Pedro Neto to create one of Wolves best chances of the second half. Both players would’ve likely been involved totally differently if Wolves were to not go down to 10 men.
All in all a point which is probably about fair with no crazy stand out performances but a great team effort.
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.