Wolves continued their highly disappointing start to the season with a catastrophic 4-0 home loss to struggling Leicester. A screamer from Youri Tielemans saw the Foxes take an early lead, before further strikes from Harvey Barnes, James Maddison and Jamie Vardy saw the game become an embarrassment for the home side. The Molineux crowd eventually began to vent their frustration with the team and particularly technical director Scott Sellars.
Jose Sa
The Portuguese shot-stopper had little chance against any of Leicester’s goals but conceding four from five shots is never a great look for a goalkeeper. Sa was mostly let down by his defence today though.
6.5
Hugo Bueno
A second straight start for the Spanish youngster, and he can once again leave with his head held high. Although he wasn’t outstanding his defensive work rate was impressive, and he was a constant threat in attack. Bueno looks to have a bright career ahead of him.
6.5
Max Kilman
Since the departure of Bruno Lage, Kilman has not looked the same. Against Leicester he had another shaky defensive performance, combined with an uncharacteristic lack of composure on the ball. Gave the ball away on multiple occasions in dangerous positions, putting Wolves on the back foot – most notably passing the ball straight to Dennis Praet which led directly to Leicester’s fourth goal.
4.5
Nathan Collins
The Irishman certainly had a better game than his partner at the back, but it’s hard to justify giving a decent rating to a centre-back in a 4-0 loss. Looked more comfortable on the ball than Kilman.
5.5
Jonny Otto
The unfortunate truth is that as good as Jonny once was for Wolves, he is no longer physically or technically capable of starting at this level. Unsurprisingly, two ACL injuries have robbed him of the reliable engine and work rate that made him so beloved at his peak. The Spaniard was unable to offer any resistance to the rapid Harvey Barnes, as well as looking consistently flustered in possession. At this point, Nelson Semedo looks like the clear choice to start at right back.
3
Ruben Neves
One of the few players on the pitch who continued to put in 100% effort for the full 90 minutes. Neves’ quality in midfield helped Wolves dominate possession for large periods but couldn’t stop Leicester breaking through at crucial moments. One of the team’s better players on the day.
6.5
Joao Moutinho
Some typically nice passes from the veteran weren’t enough to unlock Leicester’s defence, but he did his utmost to get a stale attack flowing (unsuccessfully). The lack of protection he offers to the defence is unfortunately becoming a consistent issue whenever he starts.
6
Matheus Nunes
Wolves’ record signing seems to be criminally misused in Steve Davis’s system. Asking him to play as an attacking midfielder negates his most impactful skills – his ball-winning and physicality, and his ability to drive with the ball from deep. From such an advanced position, he can’t influence games in the way Wolves bought him to do. His passing could certainly be improved. He’s been underwhelming in recent weeks, but this feels just as much down to tactics as it is down to him.
5
Daniel Podence
The diminutive winger often seems to be one of the few Wolves players consistently trying to make things happen, but this quite regularly is negated by his poor decision making. Found himself leading the attack in good positions multiple times against Leicester but wasted many of these opportunities.
5
Adama Traore
Showed flashes of his dribbling ability early on but created very little and his lack of effort was a notable concern. In a game where he was Wolves’ preferred attacking outlet for most of the 90 minutes, Adama didn’t do nearly enough with the amount of possession he had.
4.5
Diego Costa
Showed an ability to win headers that Wolves have missed for much of this season and held the ball up well. His movement in the box continues to cause problems and it seems only a matter of time before he gets on the scoresheet. Lack of mobility and pressing is an issue though.
6.5
Substitutes
Nelson Semedo
Semedo should have come on a lot earlier, considering how poor Jonny was. His presence shored up the right-hand side of the defence somewhat, but it was too little too late.
6.0
Chem Campbell
Coming on at 3-0 down, the youngster couldn’t really make any impact on the game. However, his effort on and off the ball was respectable.
5.5
Boubacar Traore and Hwang Hee-chan
Coming off the bench at 4-0 down with the game completely over, neither player had enough time to make any impression.
N/A