Wolverhampton Wanderers Player Ratings v Man City:
Sa 8 – Made numerous good saves and had no chance with the first goal. Could he have done better with the second that went through him albeit at pace and from close range. Was fouled prior to the goal and Silva was close by, but didn’t ever think it would be disallowed.
If he had gone over from the shove and the ball had gone into the net with him on the floor would the foul have been given? Haven’t checked on TV but it looked like a foul on Guedes at the other end 1 minute earlier but also didn’t expect that to be given as the ref had given very little to Wolves all game.
In my view, he should keep the shirt making the purchase of Johnstone even more stupid – spending £10m on a player we didn’t need when there were fires burning all over the squad!
Semedo 8 – Major beneficiary of the tactical switch to 5 at the back. Excellent one-on-one defence against Doku and Grealish and good going forward with an assist and if Cunha’s ball had been one yard in front not behind him would surely have had a goal as well.
Bueno 8 – Very solid at back and brave on ball to make pass to Semedo for goal
Dawson 8 – Outplayed Haaland. As with all the 3 CBs made countless blocks and clearances – right up to last corner when for once we failed to get a head on a ball!
Toti 7 – Weakest of the 3 CBs but his best game by far this year as clearly helped by having less space between him and his partner(s).
Ran 8 – Solid at back, very creative going forward a real talent albeit sometimes a little over ambitious given the need to retain the ball on occasions.
Andre 6 – Our mid was under huge pressure defensively and we struggled to keep the ball under Manchester City’s press – the ref however allowed City to make tackles / challenges that we were punished for and J. Gomes in particular looked upset by this injustice and was perhaps lucky not to be sent off as he clearly was unhappy with the ref who as a breed tend not to react well to players showing displeasure!
Lemina 7 – Worked very hard but same comment as above.
Gomes 7 – Incredibly unlucky to be booked when he was – fouled by Kovacic and then the most blatant obstruction against him you will see all season which the ref, despite it being pointed out, was not interested in! But black mark against GON as not only was Gomes out on his feet but also clearly in refs bad books and in real danger of getting a second card!
Cunha 7 – Playing on scraps on the break but needs to be more clinical . The ball to Semedo had to be better and we desperately needed him to keep the ball better – big ask mind!
Larsen 7 – Very good finish and is ok around pitch – see comment on Cunha re ball retention / involvement.
Subs:
Doyle 7 – Looks like we have 4 (5 when Traore is fit) competent DMs – shame about the CBs! Did well, but hard to see him playing much given quality of the other 3.
Bellegarde 6 – Had very little time to get involved.
Guedes 6 – Could he have held the ball better? Not sure we can ask more and it did look like a foul on that last play?
Forbs 6 – Is quick and quite skilful but not sure we can carry a player who is sadly not involved enough – maybe not his fault in system and especially against City where we have very little possession.
GON 6 – Praise for having courage to revert to 5 – clearly suits the squad better and particularly against the better sides is our best / only chance to keep in the games. But left subs late – players were out on feet – fitness issues plus lots of stress due to the pressure from the quality of opponents.
Also left Gomes on when in real danger of a second card. Acknowledge however we are v short on talent and totally bereft of balance in the squad – no senior CB outside of the 3 on the pitch!
Referee 5 – Nothing major – don’t think the goal incident is ever being given our way but gave every 50 50 to them plus lots of 40 60s in our favour went their way. Doku fouled Gomes 4 or 5 times and only 1 given!. A very weak ref who struggled with the occasion- disappointing!
Written by Thefutureisoldgold October 23 2024 23:03:10
