Wolves’ defeat to Aston Villa was one of their better performances of the season despite the result, and that has unearthed both some winners and losers.
Rob Edwards was left frustrated with a refereeing decision against Aston Villa, and it was that moment that led to the game’s only goal.
Jorgen Strand Larsen believes that Wolves were the better team, and it is not a crazy suggestion from the Norwegian.
The Old Gold blunted Villa’s attacking threat, and other than the goal, it was Rob Edwards’ side that had the better chances.
There are plenty of positives to take for Wolves, but also there are some negative things to talk about too. With that in mind, here are our winners and losers.
It took a screamer for Aston Villa to break down a resilient Wolves defence 🚀
Winners from Wolves’ game against Aston Villa
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde
The Haitian midfielder was exceptional against Aston Villa, and he could perhaps have been Wolves’ best player.
He offered a tenacity and drive about him going forward, and his ability to pick up the ball and bring it up the pitch was a huge part of what made the Old Gold look more dangerous than usual.
Bellegarde is quickly making a case to become a regular feature in the starting XI, and for now, he should be one of the first on the teamsheet.
Fans were left puzzled when Edwards took him off, but with a game coming on Wednesday, it might have been wise to give him some added rest.
He has to start against Nottingham Forest.
Who do you think was Wolves’ best performer in the 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa?
Mateus Mane
Mateus Mane did not have much impact coming off the bench, but the sheer fact he was one of the first substitutes to come onto the pitch over the likes of Hwang Hee-chan and Tolu Arokodare is a huge win for the youngster.
Fans have been clamouring for the talented attacker to feature more, and he was likely one of the main players excited about the arrival of Rob Edwards.
The 18-year-old did manage to force a stop out of Emiliano Martinez from range, but with the form the Argentinian was in, it was never going to trouble him.
Hopefully this match was a sign of things to come, and we see him wearing the Old Gold more often.
Losers from Wolves’ game against Aston Villa
Marshall Munetsi
Marshall Munetsi would have been sitting on the bench watching Jean-Ricner Bellegarde impress in his position, and that does not bode well for him.
After a poor performance against Crystal Palace, it was not a surprise to see the midfielder dropped.
He has long been a favourite of Vitor Pereira’s, but against Aston Villa, he did not even make an appearance from the bench.
It could now be tough for him to continue as a regular starter in this Wolves side.
Tawanda Chirewa
In contrast to Mateus Mane, while Tawanda Chirewa was the first player to enter from the bench, it felt like the occasion was too big for him.
The Zimbabwean was given 21 minutes and added time to make a case for himself in Rob Edwards’ plans, but he did not make one at all.
After coming on, he seemed to hide from the action, making just five touches in that time.
Additionally, he made three fouls, and it felt like he was off the pace of what is required at the Premier League level.
He may just need more time to adapt after having limited chances at the top level, but it was not a promising showing.
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