Wolves player ratings with multiple stars shining as they did enough to see out a 1-0 win over Brighton to progress into the FA Cup quarter-finals.
In a highly tense game, Mario Lemina’s strike after 90 seconds proved to be the difference between the two Premier League outfits at Molineux.
Both Gary O’Neil and Roberto De Zerbi were forced to make changes for the tie due to injuries. However, it was Wolves who took immediate control of the fixture.
Brighton pushed back and controlled the majority of the second half but a stubborn defence led by the superb Max Kilman gave the visitors few opportunities to net an equaliser.
Kilman was the pick of the players, with the captain subduing a Brighton side that had netted 10 goals in their last three visits to the Molineux.
Now, with Wolves set to host Coventry in the FA Cup quarter-finals, we rate each player for their performance on Wednesday night.
GK – Jose Sa – 7/10
Didn’t really have a save to make with the defence holding strong. Came out to claim some vital balls to relieve pressure.
RWB – Matt Doherty – 8/10
Won everything in the air as Brighton aimed to switch wings a lot. Kept their winger exceptionally quiet. A fantastic performance to replace the in-form Nelson Semedo
CB – Max Kilman – 9/10
An absolute brick wall at the back. Kilman didn’t let anything get past him and made some vital tackles and interceptions throughout the night. His second-half performance was fantastic as he won everything in the air as the visitors whipped in multiple crosses. The captain really did lead by example to take Wolves to the quarter-finals.
CB – Santiago Bueno – 7/10
Made a strange decision to try and square the ball instead of shooting at 1-0 in the first half. However, was excellent at the back throughout and picked up a fully deserved clean sheet.
CB – Toti Gomes – 7/10
Another player part of Wolves’ resilient backline, Toti Gomes kept it simple and assured there was no way through the defence. Almost confirmed the result late on but he couldn’t find Pedro Neto.
LWB – Rayan Ait-Nouri – 7/10
Really stepped up in the second half and had a bit of swagger about him. Produced an amazing run just after the hour mark but couldn’t match it with the finish.
CM – Mario Lemina – 8/10
It was a fantastic finish from the midfielder to get Wolves off to the perfect start. Taking advantage of poor ‘keeping Lemina still had a lot to do. However, he would perform a stunning challenge to gain possession of the ball before lazering it into the net two minutes in.
CM – Joao Gomes – 7/10
A tackling machine once again. As Brighton stepped up to dominate the middle, Joao Gomes did everything in his power to win the ball back quickly and set up Wolves for a breakaway.
CM – Tommy Doyle – 8/10
Another stunning performance by Doyle in the FA Cup. The midfielder has certainly been Wolves’ man of the tournament so far. His passing range and defensive ability were vital to a victory and Doyle once again delivered in a magnificent display.
ST – Hwang Hee-Chan – 5/10
Wasn’t the South Korean’s night. He really struggled to get into the game before he was unfortunately forced off with an injury at the start of the second half.
ST – Jean-Ricner Bellegarde – 7/10
The Frenchman did excellently for the opener. He beat the man on the halfway line before running down the line. Bellegarde certainly got fortunate with the cross being fumbled by the ‘keeper but without the cross, the opener wouldn’t have happened. Was unlucky not to make it 2-0 when the ‘keeper ran out to make a perfect challenge when he looked to round him.
Sub – Pedro Neto – 6/10
Almost had an immediate impact after he sprinted through. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to produce the finish required.
Sub – Pablo Sarabia – 6/10
Came on and got Wolves into the game a little bit more after a period of Brighton domination.
Sub – Boubacar Traore – 7/10
Added some more steel in the middle and helped win some vital balls to stop Brighton’s tempo.
Sub – Craig Dawson – 6/10
Saw out the tie.
Sub – Nelson Semedo – 6/10
Saw out the tie.