Wolves progressed into the fourth round of the FA Cup with ease following a 3-0 demolition of Championship side Sheffield United at Molineux. Bruno Lage fielded a strong side following Monday’s victory at Old Trafford, and his Wolves team have been rewarded with another home time, this time against a struggling Norwich side in round four. Following a nervy start to the game, Daniel Podence set Wolves on their way giving thanks to good work from Fabio Silva. A superb second goal finished by Nelson Semedo made the game comfortable before Podence rounded the scoring off with his second of the day.
John Ruddy
Wolves’ back up goalkeeper proved his worth with several good saves to ensure the game remained comfortable. His save from Billy Sharp’s close-range effort shortly after the second goal ensured Wolves could relax for the closing stages of the game. 8/10
Max Kilman
Yet another faultless display from Kilman whose consistency is quite something. He did all that was required of him defensively and looked to get involved in attacks where possible. That England call up can’t be far away. 8/10
Conor Coady
Coady, like Kilman, produced a faultless display at the heart of the defence. His ball distribution was excellent and played a big part in the build up to the Wolves goals. Following a shaky start, Coady may well be having the best season of his career. 8/10
Marcal
Played the first half on the left side of the back three but was withdrawn at half time as a precaution. Marcal gave the ball away in a dangerous area on more than one occasion but recovered well to ensure the clean sheet remained intact. 7/10
Nelson Semedo
Another excellent display from Nelson Semedo who has really started to prove his worth this season. His link up play down the right flank was superb and he was faultless defensively. His determination to get on the end of Ait-Nouri’s cross for the second gaol summed up his performance. 9/10
Leander Dendoncker
Played alongside Neves in the midfield in the first half, often breaking play up and allowing Neves the space to be creative on the ball. He then moved to the right-hand side of the back three for the second 45 minutes and looked assured, proving an effective aerial presence when defending. 7/10
Ruben Neves
Another superb display from Neves in the Wolves midfield who may just be in the form of his Wolves career now. His passing range was a joy to behold, and the Sheffield United midfield did not know what to do with him. 8/10
Rayan Ait-Nouri
Back following injury and back to the promising form his showed at the start of the season. Ait-Nouri was determined and direct, looking to take players on and get to the by-line. His cross to Semedo for the second goal was weighted perfectly. He has certainly staked a claim for a start against Southampton on Saturday. 8/10
Adama Traore
A surprise inclusion following mounting speculation of a move away from Molineux this month. Traore was not afraid to get on the ball but was largely ineffective with it. He seemed reluctant to take players on out wide, often coming infield to more crowded areas. He certainly gave the United defenders something to think about, but it just didn’t quite come off for him. 7/10
Fabio Silva
An excellent performance from Fabio Silva who felt the appreciation of the Molineux crowd for the first time when he was substituted in the second half. His link up play with Podence was extremely pleasing and ultimately created the first goal. With Raul not in the best form, Silva may soon be knocking on the door for a Premier League start. 8/10
Daniel Podence
Without doubt the best player on the pitch. Podence’s movement on and off the ball was mesmerising, leaving the Sheffield United defence dumbstruck. He will be delighted to get on the scoresheet again, having been prolific in the League cup earlier in the season too. 9/10
Subs:
Joao Moutinho
Played the second half and produced the calm and assured midfield display we have come to expect. It certainly wasn’t the most difficult 45 minutes of football he will have played, and he is likely to regain his place in the starting XI for the game against Southampton. 7/10
Raul Jimenez
Linked play well with the midfield and wing backs but couldn’t fashion a clear-cut chance to get on the scoresheet. He will be keen to rediscover his form following the impressive display from Silva. 7/10
Francisco Trincao
An impressive cameo from Trincao who went on several dazzling runs through the midfield and defence. As has often been the case this season, Trincao’s end product was lacking, often holding on to the ball too long or opting to shoot when the pass is the better option. 7/10
Bruno Jordao
Will be delighted to get back into first team action following two serious injuries. Bruno Lage is thought to be impressed with Jordao and this is unlikely to be the last time we see him this season. N/A
Luke Cundle
Similar to Jordao, Bruno Lage is thought to be a big fan of academy graduate Luke Cundle, who has been on the bench numerous times this season. He came on for the final five minutes in the front three and looked calm and confident on the ball. N/A
Ciaran Barker is part of the Talking Wolves editorial team – you can follow him on Twitter here.