Express & Star

Preston 1 Wolves 1 – player ratings

Wolves correspondent Tim Spiers rates the players after a 1-1 draw at Preston.

Published

John Ruddy

One outstanding save to tip Alan Browne's effort onto the post. Otherwise his afternoon was about coping with an infrequent aerial bombardment, which he managed with aplomb. 7/10

Ryan Bennett

Won plenty in the air against Callum Robinson and generally did the dirty work well on what wasn't an easy afternoon until the red card, after which Wolves' defence was relatively untroubled. 7/10

Conor Coady

Another commanding display from the centre half who read the game superbly and swept up a host of loose balls before getting Wolves on the attack. A couple of inch-perfect 50-yard rakes looked just marvellous. Captain Coady is a natural in this position and his level of consistency is remarkable. The glue that binds Wolves together. 8/10

Willy Boly

Not his usual composed self, for the second week in a row. Carelessly conceded possession and let the ball bounce off him at times. On the flip side he was productive in possession, as usual. 6/10

Matt Doherty

Played one superb pass into the box for his mate Benik Afobe, splitting the Preston defence. However that was his only notable foray into the opposition penalty area on what was a quiet afternoon for the Irishman. 6/10

Ruben Neves

Seemed to be intent on scoring a goal of the season contender – attempted three spectacular long range efforts, one of which would have broken the crossbar had it been a little lower. It wasn't easy in what was a dogfight of a midfield battle but he held his own physically. 7/10

Alfred N'Diaye

A second bang average performance in a row from N'Diaye who just didn't impose himself on the game. Place must surely be at risk now with Saiss back to fitness. 6/10

Barry Douglas

Like N'Diaye his contribution wasn't memorable, other than a couple of decent set pieces. Beaten in the air for Preston's goal. 6/10

Helder Costa

Continues to impress. Four performances in a row of note and his second goal in two matches. This one was harder to score than last week's and he showed good persistence and produced an emphatic finish. 7/10

Ivan Cavaleiro

Three assists in two matches for Cavaleiro whose tally for the season is now 10 – more than any Championship player. It was spellbinding play to set up Costa for the equaliser and he was Wolves' best bet for some magic all afternoon. 8/10

Diogo Jota

Produced some dreamy footwork at times to create half a yard for himself and get a couple of shots away. 7/10

Substitutes

Benik Afobe (for N'Diaye, 62)

It just didn't happen for Afobe, who played off the last man but was starved of service until that one great ball for Doherty, but credit to keeper Rudd for rushing from his line to block Afobe's effort. 6/10

Romain Saiss (for Costa, 81)

His passes were hit and miss. N/A

Leo Bonatini (for Cavaleiro, 89)

No time to make an impact. N/A

Subs not used: Norris, Batth, Miranda, Gibbs-White.