Wolves picked up a vital 4-1 victory away to Fulham to ease their relegation fears as Matheus Cunha produced a sensational performance.
Optimism was low going to Craven Cottage. Injuries had taken a toll on Wolves, with both Craig Dawson and Santiago Bueno out for the clash.
It looked like it was going to be a tough afternoon for the visitors when Alex Iwobi picked up his traditional goal against Wolves in the second half.
However, the visitors hit back in style as Cunha beautifully chipped the ‘keeper to an equaliser before half-time. Joao Gomes then put Gary O’Neil’s side ahead in the second period with a cool finish.
The two Brazilians then linked up late in the game as Cunha fired a rocket into the far corner to cap off his display.
Substitute Goncalo Guedes rounded off the victory with a well-placed finish in the bottom corner to complete a near-perfect display.
Now, after a phenomenal performance, Molineux News has rated each of the Wolves squad after they pulled the club out of the relegation zone.
GK – Jose Sa – 7/10
Could do little about the opener as it was a rocket from Iwobi that flew straight into the top corner.
Apart from that, Jose Sa had little to do, with the major highlight being his sweeper keeper work which prevented the hosts from creating a few good chances.
RB – Nelson Semedo – 8/10
Another disciplined display by Nelson Semedo who rarely puts in a bad performance for Wolves.
The full-back had the right side completly locked down in the second period when Fulham were really ramping up the pressure.
The unusal backline set-up clearly didn’t effect the Portuguese international in another impressive display.
CB – Mario Lemina – 8/10
Out of position, Mario Lemina did surprisingly well at the back. The captain played the ball of the season to Cunha when he found the Brazilian running into the box who took the chance in style.
Defensively, he gave Fulham little with the hosts rarely breaking down the backline throughout the match.
This allowed Wolves to break multiple times with ease with ultimatley led to the victory.
CB – Toti Gomes – 8/10
Alongside Lemina, Toti Gomes rarely put a foot wrong as he looked to keep Wolves’ unconventional backline secure.
Even under Fulham’s immense pressure before the third, the defender looked unfazed as he helped see out the result.
LB – Rayan Ait-Nouri – 6/10
He was far too passive for Fulham’s opener as he lost the ball in a dangerous position which eventually led to Iwobi finding the net.
However, Rayan Ait-Nouri made up for his previous mistake as he made an excellent clearance at the far post early in the second half to prevent a tap-in for the on-running Fulham attacker.
The Algerian almost created a tap-in for Jorgen Strand Larsen mid-way through the second half, but he could not get the vital connection needed.
CM – Andre – 7/10
Came back into the starting XI after a few matches on the bench and once again showed his quality.
From the off, the Brazilian was playing some fantastic balls around the pitch as he once again looked calm and collected in possession.
CM – Joao Gomes – 9/10
The Brazilian was at the heart of the Wolves midfield and while his usual partner Lemina was not next to him, he did not disappoint.
Joao Gomes cut out plenty of threatening Fulham attacks and rarely gave possession away. The Brazilian arguably had his most important game in a Wolves shirt this season given the side’s defensive fragilities.
However, he more than stepped up to the challenge and even joined in with some of the visitor’s attacks.
This eventually paid off as the Brazilian linked with his fellow countryman to find the net with a calm finish to put Wolves 2-1 up.
The pair once again found each other late on as he provided the assist for Cunha’s second to finish the game off.
RW – Jean-Ricner Bellegarde – 6/10
Many Wolves fans will be forgiven for not realising Jean-Ricner Bellegarde was not on the pitch in the first half as he barely had any impact on the game.
However, at the start of the second period, he came to life, a vital played a part in Joao Gomes’ goal.
Moments after, the Frenchman went on a great run as he almost provided provided an assist for Wolves’ third.
CAM – Matheus Cunha – 10/10
Once again, Cunha bailed Wolves out in the first half. While the opener was made by Lemina’s pass, the Brazilian made sure he took the chance with a wonderful touch before he beautifully chipped the Fulham’s keeper.
The gifted attacker wasn’t done there. Early in the second half, he calmly found Joao Gomes who placed the ball into the back of the net to pick up another assist.
However, Cunha still wasn’t done, as he saved the best for last. The attacker linked up with Joao Gomes once again and fired the ball into the top corner. A wondergoal.
One thing is clear, Cunha is in the form of his life.
LW – Rodrigo Gomes – 6/10
Played a part in Fulham’s opener when he lost the ball when Wolves were attempting to clear their lines.
In attack, Rodrigo Gomes put the ball into some great positions, but they rarely found a Wolves man.
Throughout the second period, he appeared to find more confidence in his performance, especially when Wolves went ahead.
ST – Jorgen Strand Larsen – 7/10
The big striker was isolated for much of the game as Wolves went for a counter-attacking approach in London.
However, the positioning of the attacker, especially in the second half, was excellent and he was just one good ball away from a tap-in multiple times.
Then, at the end, helped pick out Guedes to add the icing to the cake and finish off a incredible team performance.
Sub – Matt Doherty – 6/10
Helped see out the result.
Sub – Goncalo Guedes – 7/10
Came on and took his goal well to see out the result in style.
Sub – Hwang Hee-Chan – 6/10
Helped see out the result.
Sub – Tommy Doyle – 6/10
Helped see out the result.
Sub – Alfie Pond – 6/10
Helped see out the result.