*Wolves‘ opening game of the Premier League season didn’t go as hoped, as they lost 4-0 to a lethal Man City side.*
The game was an even affair for the opening half hour, but two quick City goals before the break took the wind out of Wolves‘ sails.
A third came at the hour mark, sealing the result, and with ten minutes to go, the final nail was put into the coffin with a well-taken debut goal for Rayan Cherki.
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Manchester City - Premier League
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Vitor Pereira won’t be reassured by this performance, yet another loss to add to the abysmal pre-season streak.
There were some underwhelming performances, some promising moments, and some outright dreadful mistakes. Here’s how each Wolves player got on in Saturday’s heavy loss.
Wolves player ratings vs Man City
Jose Sa – 5
It was a long day for the Wolves keeper. He could do nothing about the first goal, and the early shot from Reijnders on the second seemed to catch him off guard. Haaland’s strike was hard and low on the third, but Sa might feel he could have done better. Same for the fourth.
Ki-Jana Hoever – 7
Hoever played like someone with a point to prove. He didn’t have it easy dealing with Jeremy Doku and Rayan Ait-Nouri, but he held his own. Going forward, he looked more confident, putting some decent balls into dangerous areas.
Matt Doherty – 5
Quiet game from the Irishman. No major mistakes, but part of a disorganised backline. Picked up a yellow reacting too slowly to a loose ball.
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Emmanuel Agbadou – 4
The Ivorian seems to have carried his pre-season form into the new campaign, ball-watching at times, including for the first goal, and giving the ball away for City’s second. Not the Agbadou we saw last season.
Toti Gomes – 5
Toti’s first Premier League game with the armband didn’t go as planned. Four goals conceded and not much to praise.
David Moller Wolfe – 6
Rayan Ait-Nouri’s replacement had an okay outing. His height looks like being a useful asset at wing-back, as he looked strong in the air. Needs to be more involved going forward.
Andre – 7
The Brazilian had a decent game, getting stuck into challenges. The midfield wasn’t a problem area today.
Joao Gomes – 7
Likewise, Gomes played well enough. Some crunching tackles gave fans something to cheer about. He should have shot first time on a Hoever cross, instead losing control with a heavy touch in the box.
Marshall Munetsi – 7
Munetsi was energetic and looked bright in transition, but City’s high line caused problems for him on the right. He managed to put the ball in the net midway through the first half, but the goal was ruled out for offside. It wouldn’t be the last time he’d be caught out. Overall though, he was a source of energy in a somewhat flat performance.
Jean Ricner-Bellegarde – 5
Bellegarde had a couple of bright moments in attack, but ultimately didn’t offer enough cutting edge and creativity. The decision to start him in the frontline may raise eyebrows.
Jorgen Strand Larsen – 5
The big Norwegian posed some threat at moments in the game, but was caught out by City’s line as well. Some of it can also be attributed to lack of service. He looked isolated.
Substitutes
Hugo Bueno – 7
Bueno came on with intent, looking fast and purposeful, and offering something Moller Wolfe didn’t.
Jhon Arias – 6
Arias had a quiet appearance, but showed an ability to press high that will serve Wolves well this season.
Fer Lopez – 6
The new winger showed flashes of his talent in his short stint on the pitch, with his quick feet and close control standing out.
Rodrigo Gomes – 5
Gomes had little impact off the bench, with Ait-Nouri handling him well.
Hwang Hee Chan – N/A
Hwang’s brief appearance gave little away.