Wolves Ratings at West Ham: Defence Below Standard
Wolves controlled long spells at the London Stadium but rarely looked like scoring, while West Ham could have had more. Player ratings highlight a strong midfield, a worrying defence, and concerns over Jimenez.
Haven't seen the game on TV and was sat up in the gods at the London Stadium so the view, although excellent from a helicopter viewpoint, was not good for up close detail, like who it was that made the foul for the WHU pen. I read it was Andre.
I have read a fair few reviews/posts on the game on social media so thought I would add mine, which isn't that different in most ways.
Scoreline flattered WHU but the result couldn't be argued with.
Wolves controlled long spells of the game but rarely looked like scoring. Overplaying, poor final balls, poor decision making and poor finishing meant that long periods of control were not reflected on the scoreboard.
WHU, with less possession and territory, sadly could easily have scored more than the 4 they did.
Wolves have a top class midfield - probably Premier League class. A perfectly competent front line that, especially if Raul bucks up, should be fine for the Championship. But a defence that falls far below the standards required.
Ratings
Sa 5 - nowhere near as bad as the somewhat emotional rants against him on social media and couldn't really be blamed for any of the goals. Maybe he could have done better for the last 2, but he did little to inspire any confidence that clean sheets are around the corner, and corners especially were a nightmare. WHU could and prob should have scored from not just 1 but 3.
Jackson 6 - His pace is a real asset in both directions. Had the beating of the WHU defenders seemingly at will but the final ball was often poor. Excellent cross however for the 2nd goal. Despite this, he should be replaced by Trippier asap.
Djiga 5 - The calmer of the 2 CBs but neither were able to exert any control in Wolves' 6-yard box.
Toti 4 - Poor in possession as always and sadly is not a good enough defender to compensate for this. Needs replacing and hopefully Krejci can and will do this now the window is shut and he is still here.
Bueno 5 - Struggled like the rest of the back 5. Although, like Jackson, he got forward and was involved in lots of the neat interplay Wolves enjoyed, his output was significantly worse than Jackson's. Disappointing.
Andre 7 - massively different view on Andre from others on social media. His work rate is huge and his tackle success rate is phenomenal. Wins the ball and drives forward. Not perfect passing, sometimes also guilty of overplaying, and was apparently the one responsible for the pen, but how others saw him as a weak link I do not know. For me, he was Wolves' best player.
Munetsi 6 - second time I have seen him this season and the 2nd time he has played far better than most are giving him credit. Undeniably not as comfortable on the ball as Lopez, or as creative, but runs hard, tackles and recycles.
Not as good as Andre - high bar despite comments on social media tonight - but scored a great goal for the second time. Classy finish after a strong run. Kicked one off the line as well from yet another goalmouth melee.
Lopez 6 - did not hide despite being heavily marked/tackled. Good on the ball and tries to go forwards. Bad miss just after Wolves' 2nd when he basically passed the ball slowly back to the keeper with a free shot from 18 yards.
Gomes 6 - like Jackson had his man on toast for pace and worked hard to keep the ball and drive forward. Part of the disappointing forward effort in the first half though, but far, far from the weakest link. I, like my non-Wolves supporting mate at the game, was surprised it was him hooked for Armstrong early in the 2nd half.
Jimenez 4 - worryingly off the pace tonight. Barely involved and comfortably shackled by Kilman. With no obvious experienced alternative, Wolves badly need him to throw off the rust and start to contribute and link play. Sadly, he was peripheral and often the reason moves broke down.
Mane 6 - looked the most likely to score in the first half but, like Gomes, needs to do/create more with the possession and space he had. The attack had an off day today but so long as Raul bucks up they will be fine.
Subs
Armstrong 5 - ran about but didn't really get into the game which WHU closed down after Wolves scored their second. Not sure he is a number 9, although unless Raul bucks up that is where he is going to be playing!
James 7 - scored a good goal, might have been given as an own goal, and tried hard to drive the side forward. Despite my positive comments on Munetsi, the sooner James can start the better.
Doyle 5 - did nothing to suggest he is anything but a deep bench player. Lacks pace and although neat and tidy that is not enough.
Chirew n/a
A poor performance but one that, with a bit more luck - WHU's 3rd was deflected in whilst Wolves had 2 equally good efforts deflected over or onto the bar - and composure - Wolves butchered several opportunities to create goal scoring chances in the first 30 mins - this was a game that could have been won. A bad day in the office but lessons have to be learnt.
The defence is poor and the sooner the first 11, i.e. no Jackson, Toti or Munetsi but Trippier, Krejci and James, are playing the better. Raul is a worry but sadly he is all the club have, so just cross fingers that he can be reinvigorated or at least carried by a system that doesn't require him to run or challenge too often but merely finish off chances created by the young fast flair players around him.
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