Wolves have gone nine points clear of the relegation zone after a huge 2-0 win over Crystal Palace this evening – and Ruben Neves was absolutely outstanding for the hosts..
Julen Lopetegui’s side were not quite at the same level as against Chelsea and Brentford recently.
But it was never really about how Wolves played tonight. The only thing that was ever going to matter was the result.
Wolves got off to the perfect start, with Neves swinging in a corner that was turned in by Joachim Andersen.
Wolves were then really slick for about 30 minutes after.
But Palace came into the game leading up to half-time, and in the second-half it was mostly Palace attacking.
But there were some outstanding defensive performances.
And there was perhaps no better player on the pitch tonight than Neves.
The captain was back in the starting XI after being named on the bench against Leicester City.
He came into the side at the expense of Joao Gomes, who would have had reason to be a bit disappointed being dropped.
But Lopetegui wanted to bring his skipper back in – and his decision was fully vindicated.
There has been a bit of a debate on social media recently about whether Wolves play more freely without Neves, and whether the team is actually better without him.
Tonight, he well and truly silenced a lot of people. This was a battle, and he led from the front.
According to Sofascore, he won 8/10 duels, made four tackles and four interceptions. With 76 touches, no Wolves player was more involved. He also executed two key passes.
Ruben Neves silenced his doubters tonight with a captain’s performance against Crystal Palace
Wolves were not at their best collectively. But Neves was absolutely outstanding in the middle of the park.
The 26-year-old seemed to play like he had actually been reading the narrative leading up to the game.
It was a captain’s display from him, and of course he played a part in both of Wolves’ goals on the night.
It is difficult to see Lopetegui leaving his main man on the bench again after such an influential showing.