A confident 2-0 display at the London Stadium proved that although Wolves had a 100 day break from their last competitive fixture, this did not create any issues for Nuno’s men. A reserved first-half performance, with the most threatening moment coming at Wolves’ goal, however, after the break and the introduction of the substitutions, the players found themselves effortlessly wandering into the opposition’s box. Good momentum to take for this feast of football.
Rui Patricio
For a first game back, Patricio can be relatively pleased with how he commanded his area. West Ham were trying to place their big men on him for the corners and every time the ball came in, he scooped the ball into his grasps with little to no pressure. Quiet day at the office for Wolves’ man in the sticks. 6/10
Matt Doherty
Confident display from Doherty who never struggles to glide past players with ease. He showed signs of this in the first half but grew into the game in the second half and combined well with Traore to deliver the all important, perfectly lofted ball in the box for Neto’s volley. A testament to a player who has risen through the leagues with Wolves and showed his undeniable quality. 7/10
Willy Boly
Cool, calm and collected from one of the league’s top centre backs, it is no coincidence that Wolves have kept another clean sheet with Boly in the back line. The fact that Wolves purchased Boly for a fee that looks so minimal compared to the norms for players these days is something we must all be so grateful about. Confident on the ball but also disciplined enough to know when danger was in the air. 7/10
Conor Coady
The skipper, who seems to have an everlasting engine, was not given a great deal to contend with from West Ham. I believe he dealt well with the physicality of Antonio, something which he has struggled with in the past. Provided some lovely long-range passing and commanded his back line well. 7/10
Romain Saiss
I felt Saiss struggled a bit in the first half with the West Ham right side and seemed a bit leggy compared to his defensive partners, but as the game grew, so did Saiss. Close call in the second half but timed his tackle to perfection to prevent the West Ham danger. He has comfortably made the left centre back role his own and has began to become more mature in this role. 6/10
Jonny Otto
Jonny is such a solid, dependable defender and proves it consistently week in week out, going about his work quietly. Made a few good attacking runs and provided more as an outlet on the left side. Dealt well with the West Ham attack and supported Saiss where necessary. 8/10
Leander Dendoncker
Fairly quiet game from Dendoncker, a player who is known for his distance covered in a game, it was no surprise that Nuno decided to start him today. The work rate, although fairly unnoticed, does not have a minimal impact for the grand scheme of things. Could also have been played through a few times but football is a game of ifs, buts and maybes. 6/10
Ruben Neves
Easily Wolves’ best midfield performer of the day. Another mature performance from a man still so young. 89% pass accuracy which also includes pinpoint forward passes, it’s just a joy to watch this man progress and become one of the best in the league. A highlight moment showcasing his defensive and attacking abilities, by tackling the counter-attacking Anderson and then setting off a precise long ball to Jota. Brilliant. 8/10
Joao Moutinho
Another elite player that makes football look so easy. For 5’7 he never struggles to impact a midfield and dictate the flow, he did that again today, arguably a more quiet game from our resident vino lover, but delivered several teasing balls into the box. We can’t wait for him to wave at us again in the Molineux. 7/10
Diogo Jota
Jota caused numerous problems for the West Ham defence with his physicality and his dribbling ability, however, the decision making was a bit off today which is in contrast to the hot form he was in before the shutdown of football. Can only put this down to the lack of football. Rest assured, he will be back firing as per normal over the next few weeks. 7/10
Raul Jimenez
Did Jimenez stop playing football for 3 months? I didn’t think so. He combined well with Jota throughout the game and was unlucky to not be rewarded with goals in the first half. As soon as Traore entered the field, Jimenez’s eyes lit up and we all know how deadly that duo has been this season. Rose well to meet a perfectly scooped ball into the box, an ever so familiar sight. Tirelessly ran and chased lost causes and also tracked back where required. A perfect striker, who also broke the record for the most goals from a Mexican player in a Premier League season. 8/10
Substitutes
Adama Traore
Weekly, I am running out of superlatives to describe this man. He was absolutely phenomenal today and props to Nuno for deciding to pack the midfield and bring on Traore later in the game. Aaron Cresswell must dread these fixtures. As soon as he came on he was an instant threat, dribbling through players as if they weren’t there and ultimately changed the game when placing the perfect cross onto Jimenez’s head. The onslaught did not stop there though, he hypnotised the West Ham players with his dancing feet and placed Doherty through who ultimately delivered a precise ball for Neto’s beauty. Adama Traore he is so wonderful. 9/10
Pedro Neto
I was intrigued to see Neto back, I was keeping tabs on his social media page during lockdown and it was evident that he wanted to improve the physical side of his game and today I believe he did look a lot stronger on the ball after a few physical match ups. A man who has been rather unlucky in front of goal this season, courtesy of VAR, got what he deserved today and oh my word, wasn’t it a beauty. The left-footed thunder volley was not being saved by 2 keepers let alone 1. Improving weekly and excited to see how he progresses. 7/10
Ruben Vinagre
Cameo performance, nothing to note down for the young defender. N/A
Morgan Gibbs-White
Show of faith from Nuno to give Gibbs-White a cameo. Not enough to note on his performance though. N/A
What do you think of our ratings? Which players stood out for you? Let us know in the comments!
Roneil Callo is part of the Talking Wolves editorial team – you can follow him on Twitter here.