Goals from Joao Gomes and Rodrigo Gomes gave Wolves the win against rivals Aston Villa at Molineux. A really impressive performance from everyone on the pitch, as well as Rob Edwards in the dugout, made sure Wolves don’t go down as the worst side in Premier League history.
In the West Midlands derby, Wolves showed more fight than Villa to claim all three points on the night and dent Villa’s Champions League hopes at Molineux. The passion at full time was fantastic to see as the fans who turn up week in, week out were rewarded with an amazing performance on derby day and were reminded what football was all about.
With dopamine flowing through my veins here are my player ratings:
Jose Sa: 7/10
Made some good reaction saves to keep our clean sheet intact. Our captain on the night claimed Wolves’ fourth Premier League clean sheet of the campaign and has fully cemented his spot since he came back into the side.
Yerson Mosquera: 8/10
Our best defender on the night in my opinion, a proper derby day player. Mosquera was spectacular in the back three and kept the Villa attack quiet, as well as producing some typical Mosquera antics throughout the game. Even though he was unfairly booked, he was still immense. A huge goal line clearance in additional time capped off his all round exceptional performance.
Santiago Bueno: 7/10
Santi was very composed in the middle of the back three. He did nothing wrong tonight and carried on his impressive run of form since his return to the side.
Toti Gomes: 7/10
I was worried about how Toti would cope in his first start since the 13th of December, but I thought he was very good defensively and still had the confidence to push the team up the pitch, an excellent return to the pitch from our club captain.
Jackson Tchatchoua: 7/10
The difference between the first half and second half performances from Tchatchoua was unbelievable to watch. From spoiling two dangerous Wolves attacks with two misplaced passes within the first five minutes to a brilliant Cafu-esque second half. I was surprised Tchatchoua wasn’t taken off at half-time as it looked as if players were avoiding him, but I’m very happy for him, and us fans finally got to see what “the fastest player in Serie A” is made of.
Hugo Bueno: 8/10
Really impressed with Hugo tonight, his link up play down the left hand side with Joao Gomes and Mateus Mane was a joy to watch. A really disciplined performance from the wing-back.
Andre: 8/10
Most of the plaudits will go to his midfield partners but I thought Andre was an unsung hero tonight. A really impressive performance from our Brazilian, breaking up play and really composed, bringing the ball out of the defence.
Joao Gomes: 9/10
Wow. Unbelievable performance from the Pitbull. It felt like he was everywhere and a welcome return to the starting lineup. A real well-rounded performance and a brilliant goal to finish the attack he started. A reward for his hard work tonight turning defence into attack topped off with the man of the match accolade.
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde: 7/10
A proper disciplined performance from Bellegarde. He did the simple things right and was majestic to watch.
Mateus Mane: 8/10
Another splendid performance from the 18 year old. His hold up play in the first half was impressive to watch as well as his link up play with Hugo Bueno. In the second half, he took it up a level and was spectacular, driving the team up the pitch and not afraid to run at anyone a real breath of fresh air in this Wolves team.
Adam Armstrong: 7/10
Although frustrated early on with a lack of service. Armstrong’s movement upfront was excellent, allowing the midfield to create chances. Who knows if he meant it, but the touch down to Joao Gomes was excellent and I’m thrilled he is growing into the team.
Substitutes:
Tolu Arokodare: 6/10
A good cameo from Tolu, after a lot of stick last week he came on and threw himself about, keeping pressure on the Villa defence.
Angel Gomes: N/A
Came on in the 90th. 3/3 accurate passes. Didn’t concede. Happy days!
Rodrigo Gomes: 7/10
Introduced late on to inject some energy into the defending Wolf pack and ended up securing the win. Buzzing for Rodrigo.
