Wolverhampton Wanderers travelled to West Yorkshire to take on Leeds United at Elland Road looking to take a step closer to the Skybet Championship title. Nuno Espírito Santo opted for a 3-4-3 formation and his players began the match on the front foot. They pushed for an opening goal early on and were rewarded in the 28th minute when Romain Saiss powered home a header to give his team a deserved lead. Wolves doubled their advantage just before half-time through Willy Boly’s goal and took a comfortable 2-0 lead into the break.
The visitors kept on their domination in the second half and scored the third goal to kill off the contest in the 74th minute via a brilliant finish from substitute Benik Afobe. The match ended 3-0 in favour of the Championship leaders, who go six points clear at the top of the table.
Let’s take a look at how each Wolves player fared on the night.
GK: John Ruddy – 7/10
He did the simple things right, made some brilliant saves and was a rock at the back for Nuno Espírito Santo’s side. The veteran keeper managed to secure a clean sheet on the night to cap off another brilliant outing for Wolves.
CB: Danny Batth – 7/10
He was solid at the back for Wolves and was unlucky not to score with his header, which hit the crossbar. However, Willy Boly was there to tap home his team’s second goal just before half-time.
CB: Conor Coady – 8/10
His long-range passing was excellent and the former Liverpool player made some important interceptions when called upon. Coady led his backline valiantly and kept another clean sheet.
CB: Willy Boly – 9/10
He looked composed in possession and was aerially dominant. He scored the second goal with an easy finish from close range which made the points secure for the visitors.
RM: Matt Doherty – 7/10
He had an excellent game and made some lung-bursting runs down the right flank. His energy and commitment were second to none during the course of the match.
CM: Alfred N’Diaye – 9/10
He put in a brilliant performance in midfield and was effective both offensively as well as in defence. He sprayed the ball well to the flanks and also broke up Leeds United attacks time and time again.
CM: Romain Saiss – 7/10
He scored the crucial opening goal and was a calm head in the Wolves midfield.
LM: Barry Douglas – 7/10
He made a nervy beginning to the match but responded well and had a dominant game wearing the Wolves shirt. His accurate cross from the corner led to the opening goal of the game. Douglas linked up well with Jota and was a constant threat to the Leeds defence.
RW: Ivan Cavaleiro – 8/10
His pace and guile was a headache for the Leeds defenders. Cavaleiro was superb as part of the Wolves attack and was unfortunate not to score on the night.
ST: Lohner Leo Bonatini – 6/10
He held up the ball well at times and linked up with his teammates. However, his finishing was woeful especially considering the fact that he had enough chances to bag a hattrick in the contest.
LW: Diogo Jose Jota – 7/10
He won some 50-50 balls and was a menace to the Peacocks backline. Jota was unlucky not to score in the second half as his long distance shot rattled the crossbar. He also played in Benik Afobe in the build-up to the third goal of the game which effectively killed off the contest and ensured the three points for the West Midlands outfit.
Substitutes:
ST: Benik Afobe – 7/10
He came off the bench to score a goal with a clever finish which ended the contest.
LW: Wander Helder Costa – 5/10
He came on to ensure the three points for his side.
CM: Morgan Gibbs-White – 5/10
The youngster had too little time to make an impact.
