Wolves 2 Birmingham 0 – player ratings

JOHN RUDDY

Very sharp to prevent Blues from taking an early lead, keeping out two Maxime Colin efforts. His distribution was also of a high standard as he grabbed a clean sheet. 8/10

MATT DOHERTY

Raced down the right to put the ball on a silver platter for Jota to finish. His solid defensive work meant the visitors’ Jota had very little joy. 7/10

RYAN BENNETT

Was not tested a great deal, but in the few moments he found himself in a tight spot his fine footwork got him out of danger. 7/10

CONOR COADY

A composed showing from the skipper, rarely gave the ball away and was at the forefront of celebrations after the final whistle. 7/10

WILLY BOLY

The man-mountain was not fazed in the slightest by Blues’ target man Lukas Jutkiewicz. Signing him up on a permanent basis for the Premier League must be of high priority. 7/10

BARRY DOUGLAS

Like Doherty on the opposite flank, the Scot did not seem to tire and his deliveries into the box caused a fair few problems. 7/10

ROMAIN SAISS

Played a big part in the opener as his subtle toe-poke found its way to Doherty, to set up Jota.

He can sometimes go under-the-radar but was front and centre for this one, his crisp passing and relentless pressing being a cut above. One of the best displays in a Wolves shirt from the Moroccan midfielder. 8/10

RUBEN NEVES

Had a couple of pops from distance, one testing David Stockdale and the other flashing just wide, after his stunner against Derby. 7/10

HELDER COSTA

Like the old Chumbawamba song, the winger would not be kept down despite the efforts of the Blues backline to bully him out of the game. His pace and trickery were a constant threat. 8/10

DIOGO JOTA

Rounded off an amazing move to give Wolves the lead and, like Costa, kept his cool and let his ability do the talking. Now on 17 goals for the season, the 21-year-old has been an absolute joy to watch this campaign. 8/10

IVAN CAVALEIRO

His afternoon was brought to an abrupt end, going off injured. Received a nice ovation when going off as he started brightly and has improved hugely this term. 7/10

Substitutes

LEO BONATINI (for Cavaleiro, 16)

His hold-up play was very good. 7/10

ALFRED N'DIAYE (for Neves, 70)

Set up the second goal. 7/10

BENIK AFOBE (for Jota, 74)

Scored the second goal. 7/10

Not used: Norris, Batth, Hause, Gibbs-White