Wolves got the César Peixoto era off to the perfect start with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Port Vale in the Carabao Cup. However, the second half did briefly remind us that being a Wolves fan is supposed to involve some suffering. First-half goals from Adam Armstrong, André and Fer López were enough to send Wolves safely into the second round, with the new boss able to enjoy a largely stress-free opening night at Molineux.
Well, apart from that penalty. Mo Faal had the chance to give Port Vale a route back into the game after Yerson Mosquera was penalised for bringing him down, but Daniel Bentley produced an excellent save with his feet. Because apparently even when you’re 3-0 up against a League Two side, Wolves have decided that keeping the heart rate elevated is important. Here are our Wolves player ratings.
Dan Bentley – 8/10
While most fans aren’t thrilled at the prospect of Bentley starting the season between the sticks, he didn’t do much wrong tonight. (Maybe League Two is his level). A relatively quiet evening became considerably more interesting when Port Vale were awarded a penalty.
Bentley stood up brilliantly, getting down to deny Faal and preserve his clean sheet. He also had to be alert early on to deny George Hall, a very solid start.
Kieran Trippier – 7/10
The only summer signing to start the game and, unsurprisingly, looked like someone who has played a few football matches before. Trippier offered composure, experience and quality from the right, while his delivery remained a threat throughout.
He wasn’t spectacular, but he didn’t need to be. Against a Port Vale side who were always going to spend periods defending deep, his experience was valuable. The fact Wolves have signed a player of his experience to play Championship football is either excellent planning or evidence that the club have finally realised what an experienced footballer is. Either way we’ll take it.
Yerson Mosquera – 6.5/10
Captain dangerous strikes again. Couldn’t possibly have gone a single match without getting a card or giving away a penalty. Overall a mixed evening for Mosquera. He played an important role in the second goal, nodding the ball on for André to finish from the set-piece. Unfortunately, he then gifted Port Vale their best opportunity of the night by giving away the penalty; thankfully, Bentley had other ideas.
There were some moments where Mosquera looked exactly like the aggressive, athletic defender Wolves know he can be. There were also moments where you could practically hear every Wolves fan muttering “please don’t” at the telly.
Toti Gomes – 6/10
Most fans were scratching their heads at seeing Toti with the captain’s armband this evening, but he had a fairly comfortable evening in the end before being replaced by Nasser Djiga in the second half.
He helped Wolves keep Port Vale at arm’s length for large periods, although the visitors did manage to create opportunities before the break. Not a night that will live particularly long in the memory, but importantly, no defensive disaster. That’s a win in itself.
Hugo Bueno – 7/10
Bueno looked comfortable throughout and provided plenty of energy down the left. He was particularly involved late on, feeding Jiménez for what could have been the perfect fairytale return for the Mexican. Unfortunately, Jackson Smith had clearly not read the script. Still, a good night’s work from Bueno.
André – 8.5/10
One of Wolves’ best players. André got himself on the scoresheet with his second goal for the club, arriving in the right place to head home following a clever set piece. He also played a major role in the third, producing the diagonal pass that released Rodrigo Gomes before López finished brilliantly. This was much closer to the sort of influential performance Wolves fans have been waiting to see from him.
Maybe playing further forward really is the answer. Or maybe we’ve just beaten Port Vale and should probably calm down. Let’s give it another week.
Marshall Munetsi – 7/10
A solid performance in the middle of the pitch before being replaced by Tommy Doyle.
Munetsi provided the physical presence Wolves needed and helped keep the midfield ticking over during a first half where the hosts gradually took complete control. Not flashy, but effective. Which, after some of the football Wolves fans had to endure last season, is practically poetry.
Fer López – 9/10
Take a bow, Fer.
López produced arguably the moment of the night with a superb first touch before calmly rolling the ball into the bottom corner for his first Wolves goal. The goal itself was excellent, but the build-up was arguably even better. André’s pass found Rodrigo Gomes, who quickly picked out López. The Spaniard’s first touch was exquisite and his second finished the job.
That is exactly the sort of quality Wolves will need from him this season. It’s one goal against Port Vale, obviously. But we’re Wolves fans. Let us have this.
Rodrigo Gomes – 8/10
A lively performance from Gomes. He was involved in the build-up for López’s goal and consistently looked to cause problems from the right.
His pace and willingness to attack space gave Wolves another dimension, while his quick pass into López for the third showed good awareness. A promising performance to start the season.
Mateus Mané – 7.5/10
Mané’s cross played a major role in opening the scoring. His delivery was deflected into the path of Armstrong, who made no mistake, and the youngster continued to look dangerous before being replaced by Raúl Jiménez.
He may not have got on the scoresheet himself, but he played his part in getting Wolves up and running.
Adam Armstrong – 8.5/10
Exactly what Wolves signed him for. Armstrong showed good anticipation to react first after Mané’s cross was only partially cleared, before calmly slotting home after 14 minutes. He then came agonisingly close to a second when his effort struck the post. His movement caused problems throughout the first half, and he looked sharp leading the line.
If Armstrong can carry this sort of form into the Championship, Wolves may have found themselves a very useful goalscorer. And considering they paid around £7m for him, we’d quite like him to be useful.
Subs
Tommy Doyle – 7/10
Came on for Munetsi and helped Wolves see the game out. With the hard work already done, Doyle didn’t need to do anything spectacular and kept things ticking over.
Nasser Djiga – 6.5/10
Came on for Toti with Wolves already three goals ahead. Had little to do as Wolves comfortably protected their advantage despite some late pressure from Port Vale.
Raúl Jiménez – 8/10
Forget the rating. This was about the moment.
The Mexican’s return to Molineux was always going to dominate the second-half narrative and the reception he received showed just how much affection remains for him. He nearly completed the fairytale when Hugo Bueno found him late on, but Smith denied his effort.
No goal. No problem.
The sight of Jiménez back in gold was enough for most of us.
Ladislav Krejčí- N/A
A late cameo with little opportunity to make an impact.
Jackson Tchatchoua – N/A
Also introduced late as Wolves comfortably saw the game out.
Three goals before half-time, a clean sheet, progression in the Carabao Cup and plenty of encouraging attacking football. The first half in particular offered glimpses of a Wolves side with a clear idea of how they wanted to attack. There were still defensive concerns, particularly with Port Vale creating opportunities and earning a penalty, but ultimately Peixoto’s first competitive game ended exactly how he would have wanted.
Now comes the slightly harder bit. Blackburn Rovers. Because Wolves fans have been here before: win one game comfortably, start wondering if we’re winning the league, then reality arrives approximately 90 minutes later.
For tonight, though, let’s enjoy it.
