Wolves 0–2 Crystal Palace: Player Ratings & Reaction from Rob Edwards’ Debut

The first team of Rob Edwards tenure, see’s some changes and possibly shows where we need to be in terms of personnel in the right positions. The question is, did it show us enough, fight, hardwork and determination?

Johnstone – 6.5 

Sam had a solid game today, alert, safe handling, managing crosses as they came in high, using punches and clean catches. Not much he could do about the goals.

Tchatchoua – 5 

Some good runs but poor touches from him got us back tracking too much. He didn’t take people on enough for me, the one time he did, I felt he got hauled down in the box, nothing was given. Defensively he lacked some strength and got caught out for both goals.

Agbadou – 6.5 

Assured, relaxed, no stray passes in the first half, he looked strong again, simple play and no heart stopping moments. He seems to be more comfortable on the right side of a back three.

Krejci – 6 

Quietly went about his business, did look like he lost Mateta a few times during balls over the top. He was unlucky with an effort after Gomes had free kick saved, it came to him too quickly to sort his feet out. Replaced on 71 mins.

Toti – 6 

Looked like his old self, always looking to go forward, passes were straightforward and another one who seems to look comfortable in the back three.

Moller Wolfe – 6.5 

A solid game on the left, had to track the right winger alot and stuck to his task well. He has brought some experience to the left side, works well with Toti,  he broke forward at times and managed to get a shot off in the latter stages but it was blocked. Replaced on 89 mins.

Joao Gomes – 7.5 – Man of the Match

Another bulldog spirited display, buzzing around and showing his quality, tackles, sublime touches, he showed it all in the first half. A low, curling free kick forced a save from Henderson, led to a Krejci chance. I think he worked so hard for 75 mins, that he faded in the last 15 mins. If we lose this guy, which is inevitably going to happen in January or the Summer, he will be a massive loss.

Andre – 7 

The other Brazilian of our midfield, quietly went about his business, strong and seemed comfortable. Tackled well and hustled Palace with the ball. He seems to have got some confidence back and took some tasty challenges. I do feel he will also leave us this season.

Munetsi – 5 

Marshall struggled to hold up play today, tried his hardest to get things moving but made some wrong decisions. A 2nd half effort was volleyed over. He tries hard but his quality is one area that for me isn’t up to Premier League quality. A big heart and engine but that’s not enough. Replaced on 66 mins

Tolu AROKODARE- 6 

Worked hard, took a few hits in the back but won some headers in a tough battle with Lacroix. He had one glorious opportunity to chop back inside early in the second half and unleash a shot but chose to pass instead. Those types of decisions are a feature of our forwards at present. Replaced on 66 mins.

Strand Larsen – 6 

Early chance on his left foot fired just over. Very unlucky to not score after he broke away from the defender but the referee, Anthony Taylor (😡) adjudged that he had fouled him. Why he couldn’t be allowed to play on, possibly score and then see if VAR adjudged it as a foul was ridiculous. He is showing signs of good hold up play but we need him to score goals.

Subs:

Sa – N/A

Hwang – 5 – One of his first touches was to give the ball away which led to the Palace 2nd goal. He had one shot blocked after some great work. I really feel for him at the moment, maybe he’s trying too hard. It wasn’t too long ago he’d got 11 goals…lack of confidence is evident at the moment

Santi Bueno – N/A

Hugo Bueno – Not on long enough to judge, brought on in the 87th minute

Bellegarde – 4 – He didn’t really impact the game, lots of possession but nothing really came from him as a threat from the 66th minute.

Jhon Arias – 4 – His 2nd touch should have been a goal, he couldn’t tap in a low cross to finish a good move by Hwang and Wolfe, a few boos to his arrival.

Fer Lopez – N/A

Hoever – N/A

Overall a better all-round performance, until the goals. There are signs there that they are improving but all we see is a defeat and no points. Let’s hope this full, uninterrupted week with Rob Edwards improves even more. It’s going to be a long Winter, Spring and Summer as it stands…