Wolves player ratings as Gary O’Neil’s injury-riddled side suffered a 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa with many of the starters being below par.
Wolves were unable to recover from their quarter-final FA Cup defeat to Coventry as Villa got the better of the visitors on Saturday night.
Despite a bright start from the O’Neil’s side, Wolves failed to take advantage with Rayan Air-Nouri missing a golden chance early on.
The hosts then went ahead just before half-time as Moussa Diary fired home after a well-worked free-kick. The game was then finished off just after the hour mark as Ezri Konsa doubled Villa’s lead.
Wolves’ slim European hopes have now taken a blow with many of the first-team underperforming on the night. You can read how we rated the players at Villa Park below.
GK – Jose Sa – 6/10
Couldn’t have done anything about the opener with it being a real blockbuster shot from Diary. Saved a few tame efforts beforehand when Villa turned up the heat. The second again was unfortunate for the ‘keeper as Konsa’s cross chipped Sa. Made a good save to keep Wolves in it just after the second.
RWB – Nelson Semedo – 6/10
Pushed forward well in the early exchanges as he looked to give Wolves the lead. Like the Newcastle game, Semedo was a bright spark for the visitors despite the loss. His pressing in the second period almost led to an equaliser from Mario Lemina.
CB – Santiago Bueno – 5/10
Struggled massively in the first half with Ollie Watkins consistently finding the space to break away which should have led to a goal. A similar trend continued in the second period despite Watkins coming off with Wolves looking very fragile at the back.
CB – Max Kilman – 5/10
Could have stopped the opener if he jumped with the captain standing on the goal line. Often found himself behind the other two Wolves centre-backs when he could have arguably caught the Villa attackers offside.
CB – Toti Gomes – 6/10
Probably the best of Wolves’ back three. Did nothing too wrong throughout the game and looked one of the stronger players in the first-half.
LWB – Rayan Ait-Nouri – 5/10
Had a golden chance to give Wolves an early lead when the ball fell to him from a cross. It was a perfect chance but his shot was too tame, giving Emi Martinez the opportunity to make the save. While he tried to get forward throughout, the Algerian often did too much before losing the ball.
CM – Tommy Doyle – 6/10
Dictated the game early on as Wolves dominated the early exchanges. Along with his passing ability, his defensive work was also on show partnered alongside Joao Gomes. However, his influence diminished and was at the centre for the two goals Wolves conceded.
CM – Joao Gomes – 7/10
Wolves’ best player on the pitch. While the defence may have been all over the shop, the Brazilian made sure the scoreline wasn’t any worse. In the middle, Joao Gomes made multiple challenges to break up Villa’s tempo and stop multiple attacks.
On the forward front, the midfielder also did his bit and made a sensational run in the second half and could only be stopped through a foul.
RW – Pablo Sarabia – 6/10
Should have had an assist early on after the winger sent a fantastic ball into the box only for Ait-Nouri to fumble the chance. Made some odd decisions in the second half, especially the free-kick where he ballooned the ball over the bar.
ST – Leon Chiwome – 5/10
Couldn’t get into the game in the first half as the youngster tried to find his feet on his first start for Wolves. This continued into the second period and wasn’t really the striker’s fault with him receiving little service throughout.
LW- Mario Lemina – 5/10
Struggled to have the same effect he normally has out on the wing. Had a half-chance in the second half with a header but was well-marked by the Villa backline.
Sub – Hugo Bueno – 5/10
Didn’t make an impact on the game.
Sub – Tawanda Chirewa – 6/10
Another cameo from the youngster. Hopefully, he will continue to develop.
Sub – Boubacar Traore – 6/10
Came on too late to make an impact
Sub – Nathan Fraser – 6/10
Came on too late to make an impact.
Sub – Matt Doherty – 6/10
Almost scored a classic Doherty header late on to get Wolves back in the game.