After a stunning comeback at home to Chelsea in midweek, Wolves failed to build on any momentum with a lacklustre defeat at the hands of Burnley. After a bright first ten minutes, Wolves failed to bring the game to Burnley and struggled to cope with the threat the relegation-threatened side possessed. Charlie Taylor’s impressive run was unmarked, and he teed up Ashley Barnes to nod home just before half-time. It was two just after the restart as Chris Wood fired home as Wolves failed to deal with a free-kick into the box. Fabio Silva and Adama Traore were introduced but Wolves could produce nothing of note until Silva was fouled inside the box and Wolves had a penalty that would not be overturned by VAR. Silva dispatched the spot-kick to become Wolves youngest ever Premier League goalscorer, but they could not find an equaliser in stoppage time, ending with the result that the performance deserved.
Rui Patricio
The wait for a clean sheet goes in for Rui Patricio but yet again he was not helped by those protecting him. He did well to deny Chris Wood who found himself through on goal early on but let Ashley Barnes’ close-range header through his legs for Burnley to open the scoring. Patricio may also be disappointed to allow Chris Wood to get to the ball first to fire home the second, but in truth, the blame must lie at those in front of him for the poor nature of the goals conceded. 6/10
Max Kilman
Reinstated to the starting XI after a string of impressive performances early in the season but this was not Kilman’s day. While he could do little about the Burnley goals, he looked far from comfortable, particularly on the ball playing on the right-hand side of a back three being naturally left footed. 5/10
Conor Coady
Like Kilman, Coady never really looked comfortable with the physical presence that Burnley possessed, or the high press which they imposed on Wolves when the away side were in possession. He could have done little to prevent the Burnley goals, but this was certainly not the captain’s best night in a Wolves shirt. 6/10
Romain Saiss
After a superb performance in the win against Chelsea on Tuesday night, Saiss went from hero to villain as he failed to deal with Ashley Barnes. He was caught ball watching for the opening goal and should have been more alert when defending the free kick for the second. He, like his centre half companions, looked far from comfortable for the duration of the game and should have done better. 4/10
Nelson Semedo
Just when will it ‘click’ for Nelson Semedo? Despite his best efforts to get forward and make things happen, Semedo is just not cutting it for Wolves this season. Far too many times he is caught out of position and it is a rarity to see him win an aerial battle. His attempts to link with the forwards are often fruitless and he is far from justifying the price tag yet. Some of the extreme criticism that is being lauded his way is perhaps harsh, but on current viewing, the signing of Semedo was certainly not a good piece of business. 4/10
Owen Otasowie
A first Premier League start for the 19-year-old who impressed from the bench in the win over Chelsea. Otasowie was clearly asked to play in an advanced role where he would attempt to win the ball and use his height and physicality to hold the ball up and start attacks. However, this did not go to plan and it has become clear that Otasowie’s role is to sit in the midfield and use his physical traits to effect there as was so effective in the Chelsea win. He had some nice touches and moments, but it is unlikely that we will see him in this advanced role again. 6/10
Ruben Neves
It was yet another below-par performance from Ruben Neves who has not re-discovered his best form since re-starting in June. Despite this, Neves had more attempts on goal than any other player, with numerous efforts from long range, none of which troubled Nick Pope to any great extent. Neves’ lack of influence saw him withdrawn in the closing stages of the game, with calls from the fans to see him played in a more advanced role where he seems to impact the play far more effectively. 5/10
Joao Moutinho
Having missed the Chelsea game through suspension, Joao Moutinho was back in the team for the trip to Turf Moor but struggled to assert any kind of authority in the midfield. Despite winning the ball back on a number of occasions, he failed to up the intensity and start any meaningful counter-attacks, while, once again, his set-pieces provided no goal threat. 5/10
Pedro Neto
Tuesday night’s hero had little impact going forward here but it was not for the want of trying. Neto was keen to get on the ball and forced a relatively comfortable save from Nick Pope early on. At times, the final ball was not there, but on a night of poor performances, Neto once again showed a glimmer of promise. 6/10
Daniel Podence
Like Neto, Daniel Podence did his best in trying to get forward and create chances but had little support from the midfield and others around him. He misjudged Nelson Semedo’s run on the counterattack which ultimately led to Burnley winning the ball back and scoring the opening goal, but Podence could do little running at a stern defence with little support around him. 6/10
Subs:
Fabio Silva
Came off the bench with half an hour to spare and his performance justified those of fans who called for his introduction at half time. Silva was lively and keen to get on to the ball, allowing Podence and Neto a focal point in attack with which they could link. His movement which ultimately led to him being fouled for the penalty was impressive, while his confidence to convert the spot kick was even more so. Now Silva is off the mark, he must start in the coming games and build on his ever-improving influence on the team going forward. 7/10
Adama Traore
Introduced alongside Fabio Silva and was certainly not shy in terms of getting on the ball and attempting to create a way back into the game for Wolves. However, such has been Traore’s luck this season, it was certainly not his night. Many of his crosses were blocked or went behind for a goal kick, while he was devoid of ideas in terms of a different route to goal and is still far from his best. 6/10
Vitinha
After many impressive cameos since his arrival in the summer, it was yet another brief appearance from Vitinha who, in truth, had little time to make an impact. He once again looked comfortable on the ball and looked to move the ball forwards at pace whenever possible, something Wolves’ senior midfielder have been incapable of in recent games. He was certainly be calling for more game time to showcase his ability if Wolves’ poor performances continue. 6/10
Ciaran Barker is part of the Talking Wolves editorial team – you can follow him on Twitter here.