Player ratings – Brentford 1 Wolves 4
Wolverhampton Wanderers claimed a second festive win against a London opponent in the space of a few days, this time it was at the expense of Thomas Frank’s Brentford.
The scoreline probably flatters Wolves a little but equally you could say it was Gary O’Neil’s side who took what chances they had and that Brentford were wasteful.
Either way, it was a fantastic result for Wolves who capitalised on multiple errors to bring home the three points.
Jose Sa
An efficient night for the Portuguese stopper, but pretty much no chance with the Brentford goal. Far more long kicks in the last two games, which doesn’t appear to have hurt Wolves at all. 7/10
Max Kilman
A good performance from the captain who defended well. His usual composed self on the ball and lead by example. 7.5/10
Santiago Bueno
Didn’t quite get up to speed with the game as quick as his colleagues, but after he did it was a decent evening for the Uruguay international. After witnessing Dawson’s heroics over the last twelve months, it’s probably unrealistic to make comparisons. 7/10
Toti Gomes
Defended well, although at times a little loose in possession. Much more comfortable with Art-Nouri next to him, but maybe missed Dawson a little. 7/10
Nelson Semedo
A solid game on the right hand side and like many of his teammates, he put a huge shift in at both ends of the pitch. Got into great positions on multiple occasions but like so often in his Wolves career his end product in the final third could have been better. 7.5/10
Rayan AIt-Nouri
Wolves look so much more balanced with him in the side and his inclusion looks like it benefits those around him as well, Particularly Toti. His football ability and talent sees him go past opponents with ease which then opens up space for others as defenders are drawn to him and pulled out of position. 7/10
Joao Gomes
The Brazilian plays huge part in the way Wolves play and just doesn’t stop throughout. Because of all of his obvious tenacity and teamwork, his footballing ability probably doesn’t get the credit it does, especially his creativity where in the last two games he’s been finding teammates runs in the opponents box. 8/10
Mario Lemina
Two enormous shifts a few days a part and no drop in performance at all, the Gabonese international is in sensational form and he added another goal to his tally, this time he headed home a beautifully weighted cross from Pablo Sarabia. Great without the ball and very good on it, whether travelling with the ball or finding a teammate, the former Marseille midfielder is flying. 9/10
Pablo Sarabia
If Wolves find themselves in a position to deliver a killer ball around the box, you want the Spanish international in possession. Sometimes wasteful when Wolves were breaking quickly and understandably faded as the game went on. Another assist with a perfect ball for Mario. 7/10
Matheus Cunha
Such an unselfish player and not for the first time this season he picked out a teammate in a better position who scored. Very unlucky not to score himself as his effort hit the post and the usual huge shift where he defended from the front. 7.5/10
Hwang Hee Chan
If wasn’t subbed as a precaution just before halftime, we could be talking about a ‘Channy’ hat-trick. Two very good goals, the first being about anticipation and hard work with the second being a thing of beauty as he delicately clipped the ball over Pinnock before calmly volleying home. 8.5/10
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Subs
Tommy Doyle – Became the extra man in midfield to help close the game out. 6/10
Hugo Bueno – N/A
Matt Doherty – A test against some speedy operators, but then settled. 6/10
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde – Great finish and busy. 7/10