Wolves player ratings after their European hopes took a blow in a 3-0 defeat against Newcastle at St. James’ Park.
Wolves’ winning run came to an abrupt end on Saturday evening after a poor performance saw them defeated up north.
It was three poor goals to concede for Gary O’Neil’s side as they struggled to down both ends of the pitch throughout.
Injuries seemingly caught up with the side after missing multiple key members of their first-team squad. Fatigue was certainly another factor as Wolves played their third game in six games after their 1-0 win in the FA Cup against Brighton at Molineux.
Below is how we rated the Wolves side after their first defeat in four games.
GK – Jose Sa – 5/10
He couldn’t have done anything for the first goal after the deflection. However, the second goal is extremely poor. Sa cannot come out and not get the ball as it was always going to result in a tap-in for Antony Gordan. The ‘keeper was then subbed off at half-time.
RWB – Nelson Semedo – 7/10
Wolves’ best player on the field. Semedo looked good both defensively and in attack as he continued his good run of form. The wing-back sent multiple good balls into the box in the second half and was unlucky not to pick up an assist. No doubt the rest against Brighton helped with his performance.
CB – Max Kilman – 5/10
Didn’t cover himself in glory for Newcastle’s second as he got in a mix-up with Jose Sa. Made a few good challenges but looked a little shakey every time Newcastle attacked.
CB – Craig Dawson – 5/10
He was unfortunate with the opener as his block deflected straight into the path of Alexander Isak for an easy finish. Despite the opener, he looked the most comfortable at taking on the Newcastle attack. However, he should have done far better for Newcastle’s third.
CB – Toti Gomes – 5/10
Should have netted an equaliser in the first half from a corner. Didn’t have the best of games with the defender having no answers to Newcastle’s counter-attacks in the first half before coming off just before the hour mark.
LWB – Rayan Ait-Nouri – 4/10
Lost the ball high up which directly led to Newcastle’s counter-attack for the opener. Didn’t have his usual attacking prowess against Newcastle. Should have prevented the third with a terrible challenge.
CM – Tommy Doyle – 6/10
Sprayed some good balls around the pitch but didn’t have control of the midfield in the first half which ultimately cost Wolves the game.
CM – Mario Lemina – 6/10
A decent appearance from Lemina who tried to take up Joao Gomes’ usual role in midfield. Made some good challenges but didn’t have the same impact as the Brazilian.
RW – Pedro Neto – 6/10
Made a fantastic run early on which almost resulted in an early goal if it wasn’t for a fantastic last-ditch challenge from a Newcastle defender. Unfortunately, he was subbed off at half-time after picking up a knock.
ST – Jean-Ricner Bellegarde – 6/10
Like many, struggled in the first half but had a more positive impact in the second. Came close to scoring a couple of times but never truly tested Newcastle’s keeper. The Frenchman will be hoping to go back to the midfield position sooner rather than later with him never looking comfortable as a striker.
LW – Pablo Sarabia – 5/10
Struggled to make an impact in the first half but certainly should have found the net in the second. The attacker had no one around him but couldn’t get the power in his volley to beat the ‘keeper.
Sub – Dan Bentley – 6/10
Didn’t have to do much until the final 10 minutes when he made a good save. However, it was poor goalkeeping to let in the third goal.
Sub – Nathan Fraser – 7/10
It was a great appearance off the bench for the striker. Almost got a goal back with a good strike that was matched by the ‘keeper.
Sub – Hugo Bueno – 6/10
Added a bit more stability to the Wolves backline.
Sub – Boubacar Traore – 6/10
Didn’t have time to make an impact.
Sub – Tawanda Chirewa – 6/10
Didn’t have time to make an impact.