Wolves did just enough at Molineux to oversee a 1-0 victory against Sheffield United to move up to eighth in the Premier League.
Pablo Sarabia’s header was enough to separate the two sides at Molineux in a nervy display. Despite dominating the majority of the first half, Gary O’Neil’s side performed below standards but managed to see the result out.
After victories against Chelsea and Spurs, Wolves have now moved up to eighth in the Premier League which could prove to be enough to secure European football at the end of the season.
Now, looking back on the game, we rate the Wolves players after doing just enough to return to winnings ways at Molineux.
GK – Jose Sa – 7/10
Kept out Rhian Brewster and James McAtee with good stops in the first half. Made another decent stop in the second from Brewster when Sheffield United broke away. In the end, he picked up a deserved clean sheet.
RWB – Nelson Semedo – 7/10
Put in a great cross for Mario Lemina early on which almost resulted in an opener if it weren’t for a great, last-ditch challenge. This continued throughout with the wing-back pushing Wolves forward as he tried to give the hosts some breathing room.
CB – Max Kilman – 6/10
The most calm of the centre-backs. Managed to help the side oversee a clean sheet at Molineux and secure the three points.
CB – Craig Dawson – 7/10
Had some shakey moments, especially at the start of the second half where he gave the ball away too easily. However, defensively he did well and won a lot in the air throughout.
CB – Toti Gomes – 6/10
The centre-back did extremely well to put off Brewster when he went through one-on-one in the first half. Toti was extremely nervy in the second half and while he was good defensively, his distribution was poor.
LWB – Rayan Ait-Nouri – 7/10
Produced an absolute peach of a cross for Pablo Sarbaia just when Wolves needed it when Sheffield United looked the stronger outfit. Surprisingly his first assist this season but his attacking ability was on full show again. This died in the second-half but he ultimately made the difference for Wolves.
CM – Joao Gomes – 6/10
Wasn’t able to replicate his performance against Spurs but did enough to get Wolves the win. However, his passing was poor which led to some dangerous moments.
CM – Mario Lemina – 6/10
Made two fantastic challenges at the end of the first half before sending Pedro Neto through which should have led to Wolves’ second. Didn’t have control of the midfield in the second half which almost cost Wolves.
RW – Pablo Sarabia – 7/10
A great header to get Wolves in front. It wasn’t as easy as it looked for the 5’9” attacker but his run and glance was perfect to get past the ‘keeper to get his third goal of the season. Went close to a second a few times with a ranged effort just sneaking past the post in the second half.
ST – Hwang Hee-Chan – 6/10
Wasn’t on the ball enough and didn’t have a clear opportunity throughout. However, this wasn’t Hwang’s fault with Wolves playing poorly in the creative areas and giving the attacker no service.
LW – Pedro Neto – 7/10
Looked Wolves’ most threatening player but little was coming off for him throughout. Despite his darting runs into the Sheffield United defence, the visitors dealt with it more often than not. In the second half, he wasn’t allowed to shine as much due to poor play from the hosts.
Sub – Tommy Doyle – 6/10
Should have come on earlier in a sub-par second half display from Wolves.
Sub – Jean-Ricner Bellegarde – 6/10
Didn’t have enough time to make an impact.
Sub – Matt Doherty – 6/10
Didn’t have time to make an impact.