After an evenly matched first half with opportunities for both sides, Wolves were undone early in the second half after a capitulation in the early stages. After the promising performance at Old Trafford on Monday, Wolves looked a totally different side as they whimpered to a 4-1 defeat at home.
Jose Sa – 3
With multiple wayward passes, Jose Sa had another uncomfortable performance in between the sticks for Wolves. More and more questions are beginning to be raised regarding the Portuguese goalkeeper. Sa also had a big say in Brighton’s second goal, where his parry sent the ball in the path of Kaoru Mitoma before setting up Pervis Estupinan. Another poor showing from Jose Sa.
Nelson Semedo – 4
Without many chances to advance into forward areas, Semedo had a very poor game defensively. As with the rest of the defence, Semedo was caught out massively in the high line. He was beaten way too easily for Kaoru Mitomas’s stunning opener and this set the tone for the game. A vast contrast compared to his performance at Old Trafford, arguably his best game in a Wolves shirt.
Craig Dawson – 3
Exposed on multiple occasions in a high line, Dawson had his poorest performance since he signed for the club in January. The defender was targeted effectively by Brighton, who caught him out of position on numerous occasions, with their third goal, scored by Solly March, being the best example.
Max Kilman – 3
As mentioned with Dawson, the defence of Wolves were caught out on multiple occasions. The skipper was too slow to react during Brighton’s opener and this was a common theme throughout. A poor showing from the defender.
Rayan Ait-Nouri – 4
The fullback did not have many chances to advance, similar to Semedo. However, when he did, he missed one of the best chances of the game. His effort in the first half was sent over Jason Steele’s goal and into a frustrated North Bank. Similar frustrations arose in the second half, where Ait-Nouri failed to get his shot away in the box. Rayan also allowed Solly March to get on the wrong side of him during Brighton’s third. A frustrating performance.
Pedro Neto – 4
With questions being raised regarding his role on the right-hand side, Pedro Neto’s performance was a huge contrast when compared to his performance at Old Trafford. Whilst he continued to advance down the right throughout the game, Neto was M frustrating in the final third.
Joao Gomes – 4
Unable to assert the same level of control as he did on Monday, Gomes struggled against Brighton. The Brazilian was overrun and outfought on multiple occasions. An unusually poor performance from the January signing.
Mario Lemina – 4
As with Gomes, Lemina saw himself unable to assert any level of control over the match. His aggression and energy were absent throughout. A disappointing afternoon for him, similar to his midfield partners.
Matheus Nunes – 3
As with Gomes and Lemina, Matheus was unable to showcase his usual energy throughout against Brighton. His eventual sending-off was a huge letdown for the side, where his frustrations reached a point of reaction. He will undoubtedly be missed away at Goodison next week.
Matheus Cunha – 5
As to be expected with Cunha, the energy and drive were present. Whilst others seemingly whimpered to defeat in the second half, Cunha continued to plug. Whilst Wolves were ineffective in the final third, the work rate and non-stop energy of Cunha cannot be ignored.
Fabio Silva – 3
Silva was anonymous for large parts of the game. It would have been interesting to see the performance had the game not been taken away from Wolves early in the second half, however, compared to his forward partner, Fabio was poor. He missed one of the best chances of the 90 during the first half, and will be hoping he can find some goalscoring form following on from his return.
Substitutes
Pablo Sarabia 55′ (Joao Gomes) – 5
Sarabia did not have the best chance to assert himself due to the goal deficit. However, he was neat when he came on, and provided the assist for the eventual consolation goal.
Hwang Hee-Chan 55′ (Fabio Silva) – 5
Hwang opened his and the club’s goalscoring account for the season as he headed home from Sarabia’s corner. The work rate and desire of Hwang is always present, and he showed this against Brighton, despite Wolves being ineffective in the final third for large periods of the 90.
Toti Gomes 71′ (Craig Dawson) – N/A
After Toti arrived on the pitch, the game was set. At 4-1 down, the defender did not have much to do as Wolves continued to whimper. Will be interesting to see if he gets further minutes over Dawson moving forward due to a higher line
Hugo Bueno 86′ (Rayan Ait-Nouri) – N/A
Coming on in the latter stages of the game, Bueno was unable to assert himself with little to no time remaining. Whilst managing to advance into the final third, the game was out of reach for the Wolves. Bueno will be looking to dislodge Ait-Nouri as the season progresses.