It was a bitter-sweet night for Wolves as an impressive performance brought about their first victory away at Arsenal since 1979. First half goals from Pedro Neto and Daniel Podence either side of a Gabriel equaliser ensured Nuno’s men came back to the Black Country with all three points. However, the game was overshadowed by a serious Collison between David Luiz and Raul Jimenez. The Mexican striker received lengthy treatment on the pitch before going straight to a London hospital for tests where he was conscious and responding to treatment. Wolves have since announced that Raul has suffered a fractured skull. He is now comfortable following an operation in hospital. We send our very best wishes and a speedy recovery to Raul.
Rui Patricio
A relatively quiet afternoon for the Portuguese shot stopper as Arsenal rarely threatened the Wolves goal. Patricio’s only real action in the first half was to pick the ball out of the net following Gabriel’s equaliser, and went on to deal with any tame efforts that came his way afterwards. One momentary lapse in concentration saw him lose possession to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang mid-way through the second half which immediately put Wolves on the back foot and could have been disastrous for Wolves had Arsenal made the most of the opportunity. 6/10
Nelson Semedo
After a disappointing outing against the Saints on Monday night Semedo had a lot to prove to some sections of fans who were beginning to doubt the 27-year-old. And he did just that at the Emirates, dealing with Saka in wide areas well, while also aiming to set Adama Traore off down the right flank. Towards the end of the game, Semedo’s game management was impressive, with his experience clearly coming to the fore. There is little doubt in the Portuguese internationals ability, and he will only improve as time goes on. 7/10
Conor Coady
His absence was certainly felt during parts of the Southampton game from both a defensive and a leadership point of view. Many assumed Nuno would revert to the 3 at the back system so familiar with this Wolves side, but instead he continued with the back 4 and Conor Coady slotted in superbly. Many have doubted Coady’s ability to play in a centre back pairing but there were no signs of weakness on show at the Emirates as Arsenal created very few chances and the Wolves back line, led by Coady, dealt with everything thrown at them. 9/10
Wily Boly
After a fairly poor showing during the game against the Saints, and what has been an overall inconsistent start to the season, Willy Boly was back to his former self in the win on Sunday afternoon. Dominant in the air and confident when stepping out of defence, this was the Boly Wolves fans have come to know and love. Like Coady, Boly seemed very comfortable in the centre back pairing against Arsenal dealing with Aubameyang throughout. This could certainly be a way forward for Wolves. 8/10
Marcal
A superb defensive performance from the summer signing from Lyon. After an impressive debut against Sheffield United on the opening day it has been a frustrating start to his Wolves career, hampered by minor injuries and setbacks. And this display showed that perhaps Wolves have missed him in certain games this season. Known predominantly for playing as a centre back or a left wing back, Marcal slotted in at left back and it worked perfectly. He was ambitious in his play, looking to get forward and support Pedro Neto whenever possible, and solid in his no nonsense defending. Marcal may yet play a very important part this season. 8/10
Leander Dendoncker
A solid display from the Belgium international in the middle of the park but Dendoncker will be frustrated not to have been on the scoresheet. His close-range header from Adama Traore’s cross came back of the crossbar before Pedro Neto fired home the rebound, and he could have scored shortly after as he failed to get any pace behind header from a corner that was straight at Leno. A very solid performance and he looks to be developing a good partnership with Moutinho in this new formation. 7/10
Joao Moutinho
Looked back to his old self at Molineux on Monday evening and that continued here as he put in a fantastic performance helping Wolves on their way. Moutinho dominated the midfield and looked comfortable in possession, creating space allowing the front four players to take the game forwards. Moutinho was also impressive at winning the ball back to start a counterattack, a route Wolves found to be extremely fruitful with the extra forward player on the pitch. Moutinho, like so many others, seems to be thriving in the increased freedom of this new formation and this could well be a sign of things to come. 8/10
Adama Traore
Adama Traore just makes things happen, it really is as simple as that. Had an important part to play in both goals, setting up Dendoncker for the first before Neto fired home, and breaking away from inside his own half taking two Arsenal midfielders out of the game to play Neto through to create the second. Traore was also unfortunate to be booked for simulation in the second half when replays showed there was contact inside the penalty area. There were also some frustrating moments for Traore going forward where the final ball or the decision making wasn’t quite right, but overall an excellent display from the wide man. 8/10
Pedro Neto
Yet another Man of the Match performance from Pedro Neto who is slowly but surely turning into the latest Portuguese superstar. Scorer of the first and creator of the second Neto played a vital role in the win at the Emirates. Neto’s endless running and constant energy proved to be a nightmare for the Arsenal defence, keeping them on the back foot. Neto’s effort in the closing stage of the game was superb as Wolves found themselves out of possession for long periods and Neto appeared to be running on empty, but that didn’t stop the youngster putting pressure on the ball and often forcing mistakes. Wolves’ final position this season could well depend on Neto keeping his early season form up! 9/10
Daniel Podence
Another impressive display from the ever-improving Daniel Podence who managed to get himself on the scoresheet against someone other than Crystal Palace for the first time in the Premier League. The technique to lift the ball over the on-rushing Gabriel was mesmerising and Podence then had the composure to slot the ball past Leno to give Wolves the lead, a wonderful piece of skill and a wonderful goal. Podence played a vital role in linking defence to attack, something that went from the side when he was substituted for Ruben Neves. 9/10
Raul Jimenez
Played a matter of minutes before his horrific collision with David Luiz. N/A
Subs:
Fabio Silva
This was Wolves fans first chance to see Fabio Silva for a prolonged period of time in the league, albeit under extremely unfortunate circumstances. He certainly had big boots to fill but Silva did just that. An incredibly impressive display, linking with all three other forward players extremely well. His movement in the box showed intelligence and on another day he could have scored a goal or two. He will now become an integral part of the Wolves team in the coming weeks and months, and the promise is there for all to see. 8/10
Ruben Neves
Sent on with 15 minutes remaining to ‘sure things up’ and Neves did just that. He sat in front of the back four which soon became a back three and provided an extra line of defence as the Arsenal onslaught began. This substitution did seem to invite pressure from the home side, meaning it was a nervy end to what had been a relatively comfortable game, but Neves did exactly what he was told to do as Wolves saw out the win. 6/10
Max Kilman
Came on during a period of sustained Arsenal pressure as Wolves reverted to the back three in order to see out the game. Didn’t put a foot wrong and dealt with anything that came his way. 7/10
Ciaran Barker is part of the Talking Wolves editorial team – you can follow him on Twitter here.