Wolves 2 Villa 0 – player ratings

Wolves correspondent Tim Spiers rates the players after a superb 2-0 win over Villa.

John Ruddy

Hopefully the deckchair he put up for most of the 90 minutes hasn't created any divots in the pitch. Had nothing to do. 6/10

Danny Batth

Continued his excellent run of form with an error-free performance which included a couple of really important interceptions. Is thriving in Wolves' new system. 8/10

Conor Coady

Nothing silly from Coady (as always) who kept things simple and hoovered up a number of crosses and balls into the Wolves box. The most consistent player in the squad. 7/10

Roderick Miranda

He's getting better as the weeks go by. Far more commanding that he was in those first few weeks and he's growing in confidence and composure too, as witnessed when he marauded forward to send a 20-yarder into the side netting. 8/10

Matt Doherty

Popped up in the Villa box on a number of occasions including when he had a penalty appeal turned down and then in the second half when he glided past a defender to cross for Jota whose header almost crossed the line. Kept Adomah quiet too, owning that flank. Great team performance. 8/10

Ruben Neves

If Monet was a footballer he'd be Ruben Neves. The Portuguese maestro used the Molineux turf as his canvas and painted an abstract picture they should hang in the Tate. Completely ran the show in midfield, he's so clever in possession and possesses a passing range that wouldn't look out of pace in any of Europe's top leagues. Tested Johnstone with a swerving 25-yarder and produced a majestic flick that got the ball rolling for the second goal. 9/10

Romain Saiss

Enabled the 'Neves show' by doing a host of important dirty work in midfield. Kept the tempo high and was an important barrier in front of the back three. 8/10

Barry Douglas

A functional performance from Douglas, who got the nod over the exuberant Vinagre (who was excellent at Burton) for his defensive capabilities. He duly quelled the threat of both Snodgrass and Elmohamady down Villa's right. 7/10

Helder Costa

As at Burton some of his dreamy combination play with Jota and Cavaleiro had Molineux swooning. Not fit yet but that'll come. 7/10

Diogo Jota

Molineux has a new hero and his name is Diogo Jota. What a sensational footballer this guy is...does he really play for Wolves? Outstanding play for both goals, showing a turn of pace that Usain Bolt would be proud of. Vision, speed, technique, creativity, an incredible touch, a blistering shot...he's got it all. Expect half of Wolverhampton's school-kids to be called Diogo in five or 10 years' time. This guy really is special and it's a privilege to watch him in full flow. 9/10

Ivan Cavaleiro

More subdued than for his Burton masterclass but still played his part in stretching the Villa defence and he claims another assist for the low cross that led to Jota's opener. 7/10

Substitutes

Leo Bonatini (for Costa, 45)

Continues to deliver, week after week. Two substitutes appearances either side of the international break and two goals. It was brilliantly taken, too, beating Johnstone at his near post from an improbable angle. Looks to be really enjoying his football – and being at Wolves. 8/10