Wolves player ratings after the 2-0 defeat against Arsenal at Molineux with one man standing out with an 8/10.
It was always going to be a difficult game at Molineux. Gary O’Neil’s side were suffering from multiple injuries to the first team going into the tie.
Matheus Cunha and Pedro Neto were the biggest misses while Rayan Ait-Nouri and Hwang Hee-Chan could not make the full 90 minutes.
However, it was a solid performance given the circumstances. Wolves could have gone ahead early on as Joao Gomes hit the post.
Leandro Trossard then opened the scoreline when his shot flew into the top corner. Wolves searched for an equaliser in the second half at Molineux. However, Arsenal had the last say in the math when Martin Ødegaard netted in added time.
Below we rated the players after their defeat to title-chasers Arsenal.
GK – Jose Sa – 7/10
Another solid performance from Wolves’ number one. Jose Sa made multiple saves he was expected to make and he did with ease. The goalkeeper could do little about the opener with the ball right in the top corner.
RB – Matt Doherty – 5/10
Doherty was poor defensively for the opener. He should have taken the ball off Gabriel Jesus but he couldn’t prevent the Brazilian from playing it to Trossard to score. From here, he did little to impress before he was taken off.
CB – Santiago Bueno – 7/10
Santiago Bueno impressed again at the back as he saw off plenty of Arsenal’s threats. The Uruguayan is seemingly improving week after week and could become a vital player next season.
CB – Max Kilman – 7/10
The captain put in a solid performance at the back and was unlucky not to keep a clean sheet. Arsenal rarely found a way through the backline and much of that was thanks to his discipline.
LB – Toti Gomes – 5/10
Back in the left-back position that he locked down at the end of last season, Toti Gomes struggled. Bukaya Saka found a way through numerous times in the first half and the cross for the opener came from his side.
RM – Joao Gomes – 6/10
Did brilliantly to win the ball high up the field before unleashing a shot at David Raya which he saved onto the post. It was Wolves’ only real chance throughout and was once again highly unlucky not to find the net for the second week in a row. Otherwise, on the right, he put in a solid performance as he was given a more attacking role.
CM – Boubacar Traore – 8/10
Traore came back into the starting XI and was fantastic for Wolves. Deployed in Joao Gomes’ usual role, the Mali international broke up Arsenal’s play consistently. His passing was also spot-on throughout and he did everything in his power to try and get the hosts the results.
CM – Tommy Doyle – 6/10
Didn’t have his best game in Old Gold mainly due to Wolves’ game plan. Due to its defensive nature, Doyle was not allowed to dictate the play as he usually does with the match playing against his strengths.
LM – Hugo Bueno – 6/10
He had a huge opportunity to get the opening goal when the ball fell to him just outside the box. Instead of laying it off to Hwang, he opted to shoot which saw the ball fly high and wide. Attempted to push the hosts forward throughout.
ST – Hwang Hee-Chan – 6/10
Hwang is clearly still returning to match sharpness which explains his less-than-influential performance. The South Korean did make some good runs throughout the game before he was hooked off at the start of the second half.
ST – Tawanda Chirewa – 6/10
The youngster looked lively in his first Premier League start. Playing up top instead of his usual midfield role, he made plenty of promising runs and could have got the opener if his shot wasn’t blocked.
Sub – Mario Lemina – 5/10
Didn’t have the same amount of influence on the game as he was deployed up top. When he eventually found a way through he opted to shoot instead of sending the cross – a poor decision.
Sub – Pablo Sarabia – 6/10
Didn’t make an impact.
Sub – Rayan Ait-Nouri – 7/10
The Algerian made an instant impact off the bench as he carried the ball with pace and conviction. It was a shame that he couldn’t start the match.