Wolves slipped to their fourth defeat of the Premier League season with a 3-1 loss at the hands of West Midlands rivals Aston Villa.
Gary O’Neil named the same starting XI that were beaten 2-1 by Newcastle last weekend, including Rayan Ait-Nouri, who was an injury doubt before the game.
Wolves settled brilliantly into this contest and knocked the hosts out of their rhythm by pressing aggressively and looking promising going forward.
The Old Gold’s early attacking intent was rewarded in the 25th minute as Matheus Cunha capitalised on a Diego Carlos error before smashing the ball emphatically past Emi Martinez.
Wolves could have doubled their lead before half-time as Jorgen Strand Larsen stung the palms of Martinez while Ait-Nouri saw his opportunity creep just wide of the post.
It was backs against the walls for the visitors in the second half as Villa unsurprisingly sent wave after wave of attack on Sam Johnstone’s goal.
Wolves managed to hold firm for most of the second period but just like in the Newcastle match, were eventually undone as Ollie Watkins found space in the box in the 73rd minute and finished his chance past Johnstone.
And then, with just two minutes of normal time left, the Wanderers surrendered yet another lead as Ezri Konsa was first to react at the back post to put Villa in front before Jhon Duran added a third.
For 60 minutes of the game, Wolves were impressive and restricted the hosts to limited opportunities however, the Villans gained encouragement and when they equalised through Watkins, there was only going to be one winner of this match, and it unfortunately wasn’t O’Neil’s side.
Here’s how the players rated…
Wolves player ratings against Aston Villa
Sam Johnstone – 6
Wasn’t tested at all in the first half as the hosts failed to register a single shot on target but that of course changed in the second half and was barraged with attempts from the hosts.
Nelson Semedo – 5
Semedo didn’t have his best game in a Wolves shirt. Lost some of his battles and was booked for a clumsy challenge early on. Needs to return to the high levels he produced at times last season.
Yerson Mosquera – 7
Continues to settle into his role superbly well alongside Dawson. A typically commanding display from the 23-year-old, who was unfortunately taken off on a stretcher late on in the game.
Craig Dawson – 8
Craig Dawson is proof that age is just a number. The 34-year-old was solid in defence and composed on the ball as usual. A standard strong performance from the Englishman, who was unfortunate to see Watkins shot go in after doing well to block the attempt.
Rayan Ait-Nouri – 7
Ait-Nouri was an injury doubt heading into this contest but luckily, he was fit enough to start and was solid down the left flank in the first half. Struggled to maintain those levels in the second as he was put under constant pressure and gave the ball away a few times.
Mario Lemina – 7
The Gabon international ran through brick walls for his team, holding his own in the engine room but just like the rest of his team, crumbled once Villa got their first goal.
Joao Gomes – 7
Was unsurprisingly shown a yellow card for an aggressive challenge in the first half but Gomes showed once again why he has the most tackles in the Premier League. He didn’t give Villa’s midfield a moment of peace and was great at cutting passes through the lines at times.
Andre – 8
Andre’s first taste of a West Midland’s derby went very well. He pulled the strings for Wolves at the base of midfield and only gave possession away once, producing a 97% pass completion.
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde – 6.5
Made a couple of bursting runs in the first half to break the lines of Villa’s midfield and proved to be a nuisance but once Wolves were forced to sit in his shape, he struggled to get on the ball and was substituted for Rodrigo Gomes 20 minutes from time.
Matheus Cunha – 8.5
Matheus Cunha was brilliant. The Brazilian drove his side forward in attack and grabbed the opening goal of the game, capitalising on a Diego Carlos error before smashing the ball past Emi Martinez.
Jorgen Strand Larsen – 7
Linked play well when the ball was sent towards him and pressed well from the front. Had a chance to score in the first half but his shot from a wide angle stung the palms of Martinez. Was substituted on the hour mark for Goncalo Guedes.