Wolves 2-0 Southampton – player ratings

Rui Patricio

Southampton amassed 17 shots (only Man City have had more against Wolves so far) but Patricio wasn't extended beyond making saves that you'd expect him too. Solid blocks from Elyounoussi and Roberts – stood up and made himself big on both occasions. Fumbled a regulation free kick but recovered to gobble up the loose ball. Three clean sheets in four matches. 7/10

Ryan Bennett

A couple of dodgy moments but this was another good performance from the consistent centre half, who is enjoying a fine start to the season. Had a half chance in the first half when he headed straight at the keeper from a corner. 7/10

Conor Coady

Continues to push his England claims by regularly performing at Premier League level (as does Bennett). A display of composure and leadership. When he dribbled the ball out of his own six yard box, there wasn't a Wolves fan in the ground who expected him to mess it up. Produced more clearances (six) than anyone on the field. Southampton saw plenty of the ball in and around the Wolves box but Coady's marshalling of the defence meant their clear-cut chances were minimal. 8/10

Willy Boly

His best performance of the season so far. Boly has grown considerably in stature and confidence after a shaky opening couple of weeks and looks very much like he will thrive at this level, as we all suspected he would. That confidence was epitomised by when he brought the ball out from the back on a few occasions. 8/10

Matt Doherty

On September 29, 2015, Matt Doherty couldn't even get in the team. Wolves beat Fulham 3-0 in the Championship and Doherty sat on the bench, watching Dominic Iorfa and Scott Golbourne at full-back. Three years later the Irishman is one of the stand-out wing-backs in the Premier League – and arguably in the best form of his career. He's always been consistent, but in the past five matches he's performed to an incredibly high standard. Constantly offered an outlet down that right flank and set up Wolves' best two chances before their late show of goals with low crosses for Jonny Castro Otto and Raul Jimenez. His persistence earned Wolves a second goal when he set up Otto again. And he was defensively excellent. Gives absolutely everything to the cause in terms of work rate, but he's delivering end product and quality on a weekly basis too. 9/10

Joao Moutinho

A step back in terms of influence on an afternoon when Wolves struggled to set the tempo. More impressive for his terrier-like defensive work – he produced five tackles, more than any Wolves player. One of them earned thunderous applause from all four sides of the ground. A superb late cross towards Jimenez very nearly yielded an assist. 7/10

Ruben Neves

Wolves struggled to impose themselves in the middle third of the pitch and it was noticeable that Neves wasn't at his best. A few successful rakes to the flanks but tempo was a problem for long spells, with Southampton's physical approach paying dividends. 6/10

Jonny Castro Otto

What he lacks in height he makes up for in pretty much every other aspect of the game. Very, very effective at what he does. He defends, attacks, tackles, intercepts, makes intelligent runs, shoots, passes and scores! Another all-action performance and, after a few attempts, he notched his first goal in Wolves colours after being teed up by his fellow wing-back. 8/10

Helder Costa

One lovely jinking run to tee up Doherty in the build-up to an early chance, but otherwise his influence was minimal. A few moments of promise here and there and there was certainly no lack of effort, but in general Southampton nullified his threat. Hobbled off injured after 52 minutes. 6/10

Raul Jimenez

Two games and two identical assists for the fulcrum-like Mexican striker. With Wolves not at their incisive best there wasn't a fat lot happening in the Southampton half and much of Jimenez's hold-up play went to waste. Grew into the game and deserved to get on the scoresheet with a great header from Moutinho's cross, only to see Alex McCarthy pull off an excellent save. 7/10

Diogo Jota

Like Costa, it wasn't his day. Southampton set out to trip, push, tackle and foul Jota at every opportunity, specifically Jannik Vestergaard who fouled him three times in the opening 16 minutes. To be honest, it worked. Jota didn't produce a single successful dribble in his 77-minute appearance. Needs to improve quickly because Traore and Cavaleiro are breathing down his neck for a starting spot. 6/10

Substitutes

Adama Traore (for Costa, 52)

Took a little while to get going...but then the express train came up with the goods. The game looked like a nailed-on 0-0 but then Traore skipped past his man and hared towards the box, getting in a low cross which Jimenez touched on to Cavaleiro for the opener. Yes he can be frustrating, but this guy changes games. A special talent and what a weapon to have on the bench. 7/10

Ivan Cavaleiro (for Jota, 77)

"Wolves lack composure in front of goal do they? Well I went on the pitch, ran into the box, smashed it into the net and said 'what were you worried about?'". A special introduction to Premier League life for Mr Cavaleiro who showed his team mates how it's done. His explosive and direct approach will come in very handy indeed. 7/10

Leo Bonatini (for Jimenez, 90+1)

No time to make an impact. N/A

Subs not used: Ruddy, Hause, Saiss, Vinagre.