Replicating the 6-0 thrashing at the Amex Stadium under Julen Lopetegui in 2023 would have taken some doing. In the opening five minutes however, Wolves did their very best to match it in what was a truly pathetic start.
A goal inside a minute followed by a carbon copy of the corner conceded last weekend against Sunderland is almost unforgivable at Premier League level. Thankfully, Brighton took their foot off the gas in the second half and Rob Edwards was saved from the same level of embarrassment as Julen in this fixture three years ago.
Had I not been writing this piece, I would have found a far better way to spend my Saturday afternoon than watching such a painstakingly dull performance. Without any further ado – here are the ratings for the superstars of today’s match.
Dan Bentley – 4
Jose Sa-esque instances of poor distribution in the first half did Wolves no favours when weathering the early Brighton storm.
The Englishman is left pretty helpless by his defenders for the opening two, while the third is one he won’t be too happy watching back, despite the power and close proximity of the strike.
Pedro Lima – 4
I have some sympathy for Lima today, facing up against such a talented winger like Kaoru Mitoma. The Japanese had the beating of the young Brazilian, often too easily.
With all of Jackson Tchatchoua’s limitations, of which there are thousands, 1v1 defending is not one of them so there is an argument to say this could have been one of the very few games he should’ve started.
Yerson Mosquera – 4
There was the odd moment of good defending or well-timed tackle but a sub-par performance from Mosquera today, along with the rest of the backline. The 25-year-old didn’t cover himself in glory for the third goal either, winning the ball back before letting Minteh take over and finish.
Santi Bueno – 5
While Santiago Bueno has been one of a few shining lights for Wolves this season, this was a slight drop off from recent matches.
His mistake on the ball could have gifted Brighton a third inside 15 minutes – a disappointing performance without being overly poor.
Toti Gomes – 5
The first goal seemed to take the entire team by surprise, especially Toti Gomes who was beaten in the air for the opener.
A few good defensive interventions will boost his rating but a similar story to his central defensive partners for Toti today.
Hugo Bueno – 5
The left wingback is usually a consistent seven-out-of-ten performer but did not stand out in such a way for Wolves today. Another below average player in a poor Wolves side overall.
Andre – 4
It doesn’t get much worse than giving away possession with a sloppy pass in the opening 30 seconds, start as you mean to go on, Andre.
It was this mistake that sent Brighton on their way to scoring the opening goal. The remaining 89 minutes were nothing inspiring from the Brazilian.
Joao Gomes – 4
With news of a potential deal in place for Joao Gomes to move to Atletico Madrid this summer – it is a shame his time at Wolves is ending with a fairly poor three or four month spell.
However, he does get a plus one for a delightful flick over a Brighton head in midfield during the second half – just a reminder he is in fact a talented Brazilian football player.
This was another performance which looked a shadow of his former self but perhaps he has just been drained playing for a comically bad team.
Mateus Mane – 6
Mane struggled in the first half with a few sloppy touches and moments of poor ball retention.
The second half was definitely an improvement – the teenager clipped a great cross into the box for Mosquera to attack before also fashioning himself a shooting opportunity through a strong desire to hold onto the ball.
By no means was this a great performance from Mateus Mane but he comes out slightly better than the rest of his teammates.
Hwang Hee-chan – 5
A difficult day for the Wolves front line but they did themselves no favours. Hwang struggled today.
The inside of the post denied the South Korean in the second half which would have been a tidy finish to give Wolves a lifeline.
Adam Armstrong – 5
Similar to Hwang, Armstrong was ineffective today as part of a poor attack. There was a moment in the second half where the ball fell kindly inside the box for the striker but rather than a quick shot, there was hesitation and the chance went begging.
A clinical, confident striker grabs a goal in that situation.
David Moller Wolfe – 5
A decent enough cameo from Wolfe by doing the basics right for the side. Willing running off the ball at least gave an option in wide areas for teammates to find.
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde – 5
One thing you can count on Bellegarde to do is look forward for passes, unlike other midfielders in the team. While this did not come off at times for him, it is at least a half-positive.
Rodrigo Gomes – 4
I am a big fan of Rodrigo’s, largely down to his work ethic and non-stop running but he struggled to get involved off the bench today.
He can often be physically dominated when in the middle of the pitch which is why I feel he is better off hugging the touchline as a fullback option for us.
