Express & Star

Wolves 0 Watford 2 – player ratings

Joe Edwards rates the Wolves players after a 2-0 loss to Watford at Molineux.

Published

Rui Patricio

He could maybe have done better for Etienne Capoue's goal, although he did not seem to see the powerful shot until late. Beaten by a brilliant Roberto Pereyra finish for the second. Made a few routine stops and claimed crosses, mainly in the first half. 6/10

Ryan Bennett

Caught out as Pereyra beat the offside trap and made it 2-0 to the Hornets. Struggled to keep tabs on Gerard Deulofeu too but looked more assured in the second period and was barely troubled once Watford made a couple of changes. 5/10

Conor Coady

The skipper will be vastly disappointed with the manner of Watford's goals, and desperate to put things right next time out at Brighton. He gave the ball away cheaply on a few occasions as he tried to play out from the back. 5/10

Willy Boly

It is rare to see the Frenchman's physicality matched but Isaac Success proved a tricky customer. Boly got up the pitch a few times in the closing stages of the clash and ended up testing Ben Foster with a clever back-heel. 6/10

Matt Doherty

It was always going to be difficult for Doherty to build on such a fine few weeks – getting the winner at Palace and then making his first start for the Republic of Ireland – and he was given a tough time by the silky Pereyra. He was substituted in the 72nd minute. 5/10

Joao Moutinho

Capoue and Abdoulaye Doucoure prevented Moutinho from getting into a rhythm. The tall Watford pair were quick to close down the 32-year-old, as soon as he received the ball, in an effort to unsettle him – and it worked. 5/10

Ruben Neves

Picked up his third booking of the campaign, out of frustration, and it is a worry that he is being cautioned at such a regular rate. Neves later denied Watford what may well have been a third goal with a perfectly-timed challenge on Doucoure. 6/10

Jonny Castro Otto

Jonny was often the victim of clever play between Will Hughes and Kiko Femenia down Watford's right and did not come out for the second half. This was his least convincing outing in old gold but, given the other performances we have seen from him and the fact he is a Spain international, he should have no problems bouncing back. On the bright side, Ruben Vinagre, who came on for him, was solid on the back foot and keen to get forward. 5/10

Helder Costa

Fresh from his debut goal for Portugal at Hampden Park, Costa was watched closely by Adam Masina. The 24-year-old winger did have some joy against him in the second half and got a few crosses in and shots off. On the whole, though, the full-back won the battle. 6/10

Raul Jimenez

Put his one and only real scoring opportunity wide of the far post. Otherwise, the Mexican was having to drop deep in an attempt to get on the ball and when it did come to him, his touch – more often than not – deserted him. 5/10

Diogo Jota

Jota appears to be working a little too hard. He is getting on the ball and you cannot question his commitment, but his output is not at the level we expect from him. It may now be time to take him out of the spotlight and give either Cavaleiro or Traore a chance from the off. 5/10

Substitutes

Ruben Vinagre (for Jonny, 46)

The big positive of the afternoon for Wolves was his showing. He may be young, but Vinagre has a lot of talent and is certainly a good option for Nuno. 7/10

Ivan Cavaleiro (for Jimenez, 60)

Came on in the No.9 role and did not do too badly. 6/10

Adama Traore (for Doherty, 72)

Put himself about but did not make a big impact. 5/10

Subs not used: Ruddy, Hause, Saiss, Bonatini