A powerful Daniel Podence strike early in the second half helped Wolves climb out of the bottom three for the first time since October. In a significant six-pointer, Lopetegui’s men fully deserved their win and looked as unified as a team as they have done for quite some time.
Jose Sá
Aside from one or two shaky moments on the ball, it was a confident, convincing display from the Wolves shot stopper. He has been back to his best since the restart.
7/10
Nelson Semedo
After a challenging season in which he has received plenty of criticism, Semedo produced what was undoubtedly his best performance this season. He showed much better discipline defensively and he was constantly bombing forward on the right flank. Semedo also started the move for the goal.
8/10
Nathan Collins
Overall the Irish international put in a commanding display. However, a couple of sloppy moments on the ball could have undone all of the team’s hard work, showing he is far from the finished article.
7/10
Max Kilman
Kilman was utterly imperious all afternoon. He produced several key blocks in the second half and also handled Antonio with ease. Hopefully he is back to his best.
8/10
Hugo Bueno
It is hard to believe that Bueno is just 20 years old. While continuing to offer threat going forward, Bueno has also shown increasingly impressive defensive nous, and he illustrated this more than ever against West Ham. A goal line clearance in the first half was a particular highlight, and he made multiple interceptions throughout the second half.
8/10
Ruben Neves
It was not necessarily the skipper’s most eye catching display, but Neves made an important contribution to the victory nonetheless. His leadership was clear throughout and he was consistently in the thick of the action at both ends of the pitch. He was unlucky not to score when a curling effort crashed off the bar.
7/10
Matheus Nunes
With some stray passes here and there and several fouls committed, this was a slight climb down from his recent set of immense performances. However, like Neves he was constantly involved in the action and Wolves were undoubtedly better off for his presence.
6/10
Joao Moutinho
It was a fine display from the veteran who was integral to the team’s successful link up play throughout the first half. He probably lacks the pace to fully prosper in this more advanced role, but Moutinho more than played his part in the result today.
7/10
Hwang Hee-Chan
Hwang’s work rate can never be questioned, and he continuously caused Creswell problems with his energy on and off the ball. His willingness to track back is also admirable. Like many of his teammates he is improving with each game.
6/10
Daniel Podence
Quite simply, Wolves would not be able to stay up without Daniel Podence. He has scored in three of the club’s four one-goal wins this season, and on this occasion produced a fantastic drilled finish to beat Fabianski.
8/10
Matheus Cunha
After just one start, it is clear that the Brazilian has improved Wolves’ forward line immeasurably. He exhibited speed, skill and tenacity, all of which have been missing.
7/10
SUBSTITUTES
Raul Jimenez (Cunha 64’)
The Mexican looks to have regained some confidence following his goal against Forest. His hold up play was commendable, and he was unlucky to have a goal marginally ruled offside.
6/10
Rayan Ait-Nouri (Podence 64’)
With the team showing understandable levels of fatigue in the second half after a busy schedule, Ait-Nouri’s introduction proved to be pivotal. He became Wolves’ primary attacking outlet operating in a free roam behind Jimenez. He caused problems throughout while also working hard defensively.
7/10
Adama Traore (Moutinho 73’)
Adama did not have a major impact, but his speed was integral to Wolves’ ability to launch counter attacks in the later stages of the match.
6/10
Mario Lemina (Hwang 73’)
The new signing was handed his debut to add fresh legs to the midfield and he certainly did just that. He showed no shortage of commitment in chasing and harrying the opposition as Wolves looked to close out the game.
6/10
Toti Gomes (Bueno 83’)
The young defender was brought on to shore up the defence in the final few minutes. A couple of vital defensive interventions justified Lopetegui’s trust in him.
7/10