Wolves are through to the fifth round of the FA Cup after beating Blackburn Rovers 2-0 at Ewood Park today.
Vitor Pereira’s men didn’t start particularly well in Lancashire, and struggled to get the ball down and play in blustery conditions.
It was a physical battle, and Blackburn showed more intensity in the opening exchanges.
But it was Wolves who broke the deadlock, with Joao Gomes squeezing his effort under Balázs Tóth. Just seconds later, Matheus Cunha doubled Wolves’ lead.
In the second-half, the two teams rather cancelled each other out, but Wolves saw the contest out well in the final 20 minutes or so and were much better possession. They now await their opponents, whom they’ll discover tomorrow.
Wolves player ratings vs Blackburn – Rodrigo Gomes stars in 2-0 win at Ewood Park
Sam Johnstone – 7/10
Let off the hook by the linesman after flapping at the cross for Blackburn’s disallowed goal in the first-half. Made a good stop at his post from Emmanuel Dennis in the first-half, and was then solid in everything he did in the second-half, making a few confident saves.
Santiago Bueno – 4/10
Looked pretty uncomfortable at times on the right of the back three. His lack of pace and mobility is a worry. Was replaced by Matt Doherty at half-time having been poor. Bueno did, however, win the ball back for Wolves on the opening goal by Joao Gomes. Booked.
Emmanuel Agbadou – 8/10
Continues to look a brilliant signing for Wolves. A real rock in the middle. He played some really good passes forward today. His ball to Hwang led to Wolves’ second.
Toti Gomes – 8/10
Solid once more on that left side and has really nailed down that position. Him marauding forward from defence is a sight to behold.
Nelson Semedo 8/10
A great display from the captain and his little through ball for Matheus Cunha to score was sumptuous.
Rodrigo Gomes – 9/10
A simply excellent display from the livewire that is Rodrigo Gomes, who looks a lot better defensively than Rayan Ait-Nouri. Snuffed out a dangerous Blackburn counter in the first-half when he looked second favourite, and provided a brilliant outlet as the left wing-back. He got forward a lot more in the second-half and was a constant threat, and should now be starting week in, week out.
Joao Gomes – 8/10
A game that rather suited Gomes, especially in the first-half when it was more of a battle. A great surge into the box to score, which showed he’s not just about ball-winning. He was everywhere as usual.
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde – 7/10
Battled hard alongside Gomes and looked really comfortable in the middle once more. It may be hard for Andre to get back in alongside his fellow Brazilian for the next game against Liverpool. Bellegarde would certainly not deserve to be dropped.
Matheus Cunha – 8/10
A regular threat for Wolves and also worked hard defensively. It was a clinical finish from the talisman to put his side 2-0 up.
Goncalo Guedes – 6/10
A few good ball carries but overall a quiet afternoon for Guedes who’ll be keen to get back amongst the goals soon.
Hwang Hee-chan – 6/10
Has had his fair share of criticism this season, but Hwang was involved in Wolves’ first two goals. Assisted Gomes directly, and then collected a long pass from Agbadou and retained the ball, with Cunha eventually scoring. Sadly went off injured just before half-time.
Substitutes
Matt Doherty – 7/10
Pablo Sarabia – 7/10
Marshall Munetsi – 7/10
Given around half an hour on his Wolves debut and slotted in really well. Provided steel and energy and had two chances to score and seemed to be getting up to support the front line a lot, in a possible hint about his role moving forward. Mario who?