Wolves player ratings after Gary O’Neil’s side stepped up in the second half to beat Fulham 2-1 and keep their European hopes alive.
Wolves brilliantly returned to winning way on Saturday as they saw off an in-form Fulham side to reclaim eight place in the Premier League.
A troubled first-half saw both Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Pedro Neto forced off at Molineux as the visitors came close to an opener multiple times.
However, O’Neil’s side really stepped up in the second period with Rayan Ait-Nouri and Nelson Semedo both finding the net. Alex Iwobi got his traditional goal against Wolves late on but it changed nothing as the hosts claimed three points.
Multiple players really stepped up after their humbling against Newcastle with Ait-Nouri, Jose Sa and Joao Gomes being the standouts.
Below we rated the side as Molineux saw yet another victory.
GK – Jose Sa – 8/10
One of Wolves most important players in the first half. After a disastrous display against Newcastle, Sa made a superb stop to prevent Fulham from getting an early opener. Then he did well to put Harry Wilson off when he burst through one on one.
In the second half, the ‘keeper produced a stunning double save late on before performing an acrobatic diving stop to prevent the game from becoming a grand-stand finish at Molineux. Unfortunate not to pick up a clean sheet at the end.
RB – Nelson Semedo – 8/10
Was his usual attacking self down the right. Semedo has arguably become Wolves most consistent player throughout the campaign, stepping up when the club really needs him.
Then, against Fulham, he got a bit of luck he deserves this season as his effort deflected past the ‘keeper and into the net for the host’s second of the day.
CB – Santiago Bueno – 6/10
Very poor defending to lose Tosun Adarabiyo midway through the first half who then hit the bar. Looked a tad more shaky throughout with Fulham producing some good opportunities.
CB – Max Kilman – 6/10
Lost Harry Wilson too easily in the first half that should have resulted in a Fulham opener. Made it up with a good clearance off the line late on.
LB – Rayan Ait-Nouri – 8/10
A massive improvement from last week’s performances against Newcastle. With Wolves seemingly limping to towards the finish line in the attacking areas up stepped Air-Nouri. The fullback was consistently threatening throughout, producing a great set a skill to get past his opponents.
Then, when Pedro Neto and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde was forced off, up stepped Ait-Nouri to slam the ball into the net at the start of the second half to give the hosts the lead.
RM – Pablo Sarabia – 6/10
Played a comfortable game and delivered some good balls into the box throughout. Wasn’t as affect as usual but did the job Wolves expected off him.
CM – Joao Gomes – 9/10
Joao Gomes was a big miss against Newcastle and you could tell why in the Fulham game. The midfielder dominated the midfield in the second half and gave Wolves the win with his performance.
After a sub-par first half topped with two injuries, the Brazilian alongside Lemina really stepped up and controlled the game against a good Fulham side. Joao Gomes was central to Wolves in multiple key moments and performed a brilliant back-heel to Semedo for the second.
CM – Mario Lemina – 8/10
Was everywhere on the field at Molineux. The midfielder made a series of excellent challenges throughout which could have easily led to a Wolves goal earlier in the game. Slid in a wonderful ball to Nathan Fraser who could have netted a second.
LM – Pedro Neto – 6/10
Was arguably Wolves most attacking player in the first half and almost snuck in the opener with a distanced effort on the edge of the box. However, his game was ended early as he pulled up with a hamstring injury before half-time, a disaster for Wolves.
CAM – Jean-Ricner Bellegarde – 6/10
Unfortunately, was forced off the pitch around the 10 minute mark with an injury.
ST – Nathan Fraser – 6/10
Arguably should have netted Wolves’ second in the second half and Mario Lemina played a wonderful ball through. However, replays showed that the striker was offside. Clearly grew tired as the game went on before he was subbed off.
Sub – Tommy Doyle – 7/10
Put a good shift in throughout. His passing was once again spot on and with the injuries racking up, he may well get another run in the starting XI.
Sub – Toti Gomes – 7/10
Came on for Pedro Neto and did a brilliant job. Picked up on a great second ball from a set piece to play the ball to Rayan Air-Nouri to give Wolves a deserved lead in the second half.
Sub – Matt Doherty – 6/10
Saw the game out.