Wolverhampton Wanderers Player Ratings v Chelsea
Wolverhampton Wanderers Player Ratings: Chelsea Ruthless as Wanderers Falter Again Wolves were well beaten by Chelsea despite a spirited first-half effort at Molineux
Wolverhampton Wanderers Player Ratings: Chelsea Ruthless as Wanderers Falter Again
Wolves were well beaten by Chelsea despite a spirited first-half effort at Molineux. Here's how the players rated after a frustrating afternoon for the home side.
I only saw the game live, from a low vantage point - row eight - so apologies if my perspective differs from those watching on TV with replays and multiple angles.
Overall, it wasn't disastrous - though my expectations were admittedly low - but it certainly wasn't good either.
Slow Start and Missed Chances
Wolves were overrun in the opening ten minutes. Chelsea's left winger had Jackson on toast down the flank, and to make matters worse, the referee seemed intent on helping the home side along - Cucurella fouled Bellegarde three times and escaped punishment each time.
Somehow, it stayed 0-0, and Wolves began to get a foothold. João Gomes slid Jørgen Strand Larsen clean through on 15 minutes, but the Norwegian didn't even manage to get a shot away - a key moment that could have changed the complexion of the match.
By half-time, Wolves were still level and there was a flicker of hope that maybe, just maybe, a point could be pinched. Nobody really expected Wolves to score, but there was at least the chance of defending their way to something.
Collapse After the Break
That hope vanished early in the second half when poor defending from Toti left a Chelsea player unmarked at the far post to nod in the opener. From that moment, the game was gone.
Ironically, Wolves enjoyed around fifteen minutes of decent possession afterwards, but it was all in vain as two more goals followed - a scoreline that, while predictable, was probably fair.
It summed up the gulf between the sides. Wolves competed in moments but lacked quality, energy, and conviction in both boxes.
Player Ratings
Johnstone - 6
Might have done better for the second goal, but otherwise could not be blamed. Made several routine saves. If he stays, he'll be fine in the Championship, though his wages could be a problem without relegation clauses.
Jackson - 4
Struggled badly against Chelsea's left winger and offered next to nothing going forward. Likely to be moved on or loaned out for whatever fee the club can raise - far below what was paid.
S. Bueno - 4
Neat enough on the ball but miles off Premier League standard. Lacks pace, strength, and presence. Beaten too easily for the third goal. Would look fine in veterans' football, but not at this level.
Krejci - 6
Calm and composed amid chaos. Clearly too good for the Championship. The concern is whether Wolves will risk triggering any purchase obligation that they can't financially justify this summer.
Toti - 5
Fairly solid overall but switched off for the first goal. Should have done better. Still, he has the tools to cope in the Championship if his wages fit the budget.
H. Bueno - 5
Did well early on against Neto and pushed forward with purpose. Faded after the break. Another who could hold his own in the Championship - assuming the wage structure allows.
André - 7
Worked tirelessly to plug gaps but lacked support. Not the kind of player who can turn a match on his own. Won't be around next season, as his quality and profile will attract higher-level suitors.
João Gomes - 8
Outstanding once again. Not only Wolves' best player, but arguably the best on the pitch. Outshone both Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo, breaking up play, driving forward, and creating Wolves' one real chance. A top-four calibre midfielder trapped in a side heading downward. Sadly, given Wolves' selling history, it's hard to imagine him fetching full value - even £40m would be optimistic.
Bellegarde - 5
Busy but largely ineffective, coming off second best in duels with Cucurella. Could depart in the summer, perhaps on loan if there's any interest.
Jørgen Strand Larsen - 4
Cut an isolated, frustrated figure. Offered little movement, little urgency, and missed Wolves' best opportunity at 0-0. Seems to have lost what pace he had, and with it, his edge. Any future transfer will yield only a fraction of last summer's Newcastle bid.
Hwang - 5
Industrious at times but ultimately ineffectual. Tried to help defensively but lacked spark going forward. Needs a fresh start elsewhere if Wolves can find a buyer.
Substitutes
Munetsi - 6
Brought energy and strength, making a couple of positive runs and missing Wolves' other half-chance. Could be useful in the Championship if his wages aren't prohibitive.
Mané - 5
Added pace and enthusiasm but had little influence as the game slipped away. If he stays, he may find greater opportunities next season in the second tier.
Final Thoughts
From a low vantage point, the match looked like another grim reminder of where Wolves are right now - a side short on belief, cutting edge, and direction. There were moments of spirit, but no real conviction.
Chelsea didn't have to be brilliant to win comfortably, and that might be the most worrying thing of all.
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