Wolves have been the undisputed frontrunners of the Championship glory this term with 11 points lead and are already gearing up for their Premier League return. The investment has paid off and the league leaders are knocking down the opponents one after another towards under boss Nuno Espirito Santo. Their Saturday afternoon fixture was tipped to be another stroll in the park at Molineux where they hosted mid-table Queens Park Rangers and the outcome, despite being competitive, proved to be an edgy 2-1 triumph for Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Below are the Wolves players rated from their narrow win against QPR.
John Ruddy: 7
The Englishman was alert between the sticks and had to make some smart stops throughout. He, however, could have done little to deny Conor Washington from close range who pulled one back for the visitors early into the second half. Was beaten by Eberechi Eze in closing seconds but skipper Conor Coady made a goal-line save to secure three points for his side.
Ryan Bennett: 7.5
Bennett made a sensational sliding tackle midway in the second half and helped his side to retain the narrow one-goal lead and secure all three points from the game. He was solid down the right-hand side of Wolves ‘back three’ and impressed with his distribution skills.
Conor Coady: 7
The skipper has adapted well in the central defensive role and made some crucial blocks and clearances this evening too. Saved his side from a late mishap when he heroically denied Eberechi Eze’s 25-yard effort off the line.
Willy Boly: 8
Made a stunning cross-field pass for Cavaleiro who set it up for N’Diaye to break the deadlock early in the game. He, however, missed a header dangerously minutes after QPR’s second-half goal which was not capitalized by QPR’s Matt Smith to grab an equalizer. He was solid otherwise and dominated with his physical and aerial supremacy.
Matt Doherty: 6.5
Delivered a balanced display down the right-hand flank. Helped his defence when needed and also made some crucial forward runs. Whipped in crosses, played smart one-twos with Helder Costa but needs to work a bit on his final delivery.
Alfred N’Diaye: 8.5
Dominated the midfield game with his physicality and passing accuracy. Also, made some decent box-to-box runs and netted Wolves’ opener early in the game.
Ruben Neves: 8
The Portuguese sensation once again maintained his composure in the middle of the park and never let the opponents control the game. Switched it in the flanks with his vision and passing traits, particularly long balls which were often troubling the visitors to deal with.
Barry Douglas: 7
Performed defensive duties and also made some overlap runs to whip in crosses. Another strong outing for the left wingback.
Helder Costa: 8
His runs were often troubling the QPR backline and also doubled the lead by putting the ball into an empty net from Cavaleiro’s pass. Was taken off late in the game and was replaced by teenager Morgan Gibbs-White.
Diogo Jota: 7.5
Jota, once again, troubled the opponents’ defence with his mazy runs, cut insides, layoffs, and one-twos. His link-up play with Cavaleiro opened up space for Costa who doubled the lead early into the game.
Ivan Cavaleiro: 8
Continues his great run of form and assisted both of Wolves’ goal this afternoon. Was taken off in the second half to be replaced by Benik Afobe.
Substitutes
Benik Afobe: 6
Created a few glorious opportunities but failed to convert those to put the game to bed.
Morgan Gibbs-White: 6.5
The teenager played some decent passes and crosses since replacing Helder Costa late in the game.
