On their fourth trip to the capital this month, Wolves finally came home with a point after a more encouraging display against Brentford. Ben Mee’s acrobatic finish early in the second half was soon cancelled out by a trademark long range strike from Ruben Neves. Wolves fans should be somewhat encouraged by the team’s effort and fight following the previous weekend’s humiliation, and in particular by some much needed defensive stability. However, injury to Matheus Nunes and a late red card for Diego Costa will have created new concerns.
Jose Sa
The Wolves goalkeeper did not have a great deal to do, although he had a couple of erratic moments coming off of his line for crosses. However, he redeemed himself by showing fantastic awareness by going down injured while Kilman was off the pitch receiving treatment for a cut to the head.
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Nelson Semedo
Considering the implications of a booking in the first minute – which looked unfortunate on his part – it was an extremely disciplined and composed display from the right-back, whose defensive work and positioning was much better than it has been. He also assisted the equaliser, however he does appear to be slightly lacking in confidence going forward, rarely overlapping Adama Traore.
7
Max Kilman
After a horror show last week, Kilman was more like his normal self aside from giving the ball a way a few times. He generally dealt with long balls with ease, and won several headers even after his injury. A late charge forward with the ball caused particular excitement.
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Nathan Collins
An impressive display from the summer signing, who was imperious in the air and provided some crucial clearances and blocks in the second half. Like last week, Collins spent far more time than any of his teammates applauding the fans after game.
7.5
Hugo Bueno
The youngster put in another promising display in the capital. He illustrated impressive defensive nous, while his crossing ability might be the best in the team. His overall confidence and skill has certainly improved the team, and he has made the position his own for now.
7.5
Ruben Neves
There is very little to say about the captain that has not been said already. Throughout the game he reminded fans that both in and out of possession, Wolves would be lost without him.
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Boubacar Traore
The Malian midfielder certainly adds a different dimension to Wolves’ midfield, displaying physicality and athleticism that Neves and Moutinho are less renowned for. His commitment to constantly fly into tackles is both admirable and disconcerting, and he was very fortunate not to receive a yellow card. His first touch let him down a few times, however. There are certainly similarities between Traore and Leander Dendoncker.
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Matheus Nunes
The club’s record signing had not had any significant impact on the game before picking up a shoulder injury.
5.5
Adama Traore
It was a fairly standard Adama performance in that he was the largest threat to Brentford’s defence, but without much to show for it – perhaps through little fault of his own today. He also provided more help with defensive duties than last week.
6.5
Daniel Podence
Like most of Podence’s recent performances, today’s showed glimmers of exceptional skill and talent but provided plenty of frustration. He tried several cute flicks with limited success, and wasted a very promising attack early in the second half by dribbling out of play before he had made his up mind regarding who to pass to.
5.5
Diego Costa
After struggling to get involved in the first half, Costa showed a lot more promise and danger in the second half, and had a couple of shots saved by David Raya. However, the red card was completely reckless and entirely unnecessary, and a moment of madness now means that Wolves fans will not see him again this side of the world cup.
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Substitutes:
Joao Moutinho
The veteran midfielder influenced the game far more than Nunes, and Wolves were better off for his experience and passing range. His set pieces were largely underwhelming, however.
6.5
Goncalo Guedes
The Portuguese international did well to get so involved despite only having a short cameo. However, his decision not to shoot when given a sight of goal late on was deeply frustrating. Like others, he is clearly lacking in confidence in the final third.
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