Express & Star

Wolves 1 Fulham 0 – player ratings

Wolves correspondent Tim Spiers rates the players after the 1-0 win over Fulham.

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Rui Patricio

One decent save from Joe Bryan’s rocket shot in the first half. Also made a stunning stop from Ryan Babel in the second half, albeit the whistle had blown. Kicking has markedly improved in recent weeks – always goes for the safe option now. 7/10

Ryan Bennett

A solid afternoon for Bennett who made a number of clearances, tackles and interceptions. Up against a couple of tricky opponents in Joe Bryan and Ryan Babel but he held his own. Broke out of defence with purpose on a couple of occasions. 7/10

Conor Coady

A typical Coady performance, marshalling and organising the back line, defending with minimal fuss and never getting himself into trouble. Produce one inspiring tackle on the halfway line which ended up with Jota firing inches wide. 7/10

Willy Boly

Like his fellow centre halves Boly was rarely extended by a fairly meek Fulham front line. Won six headers, the most of any Wolves player. However most of those were poor attempts at goal in the opposition box – his radar just wasn’t there. 7/10

Matt Doherty

An eighth assist of the season for Doherty, to go with his eight goals. Scampered to the byline and perfectly picked out Dendoncker to smash home the winner. Marauded forward on a number of occasions, had the ball in the net but was flagged offside and also saw a header saved. 8/10

Joao Moutinho

Ran the show. Directly created six – yes, six – chances via either perfectly whipped crosses or delightful through balls. Was also involved in the build up to the winner when he played in Doherty. Creative and tenacious in equal measure. The master of ceremonies and a master of his craft. In 30 years time when experienced manager Max Kilman has just guided Wolves to a fifth European Super League title, fans will still turn up to China Airlines Molineux and tell their kids "I saw Joao Moutinho in a Wolves shirt". 9/10

Ruben Neves

Almost scored a trademark scorcher from range but was denied by keeper Rico. The support act to Moutinho and Dendoncker with a water-carrier performance of recycling possession and keeping his defensive discipline. 7/10

Leander Dendoncker

His darting runs from deep can be a real asset next season if he starts adding goals to his game. Popped up in the perfect position to slam home the winner, after earlier smashing a header against the bar. An integral part of Wolves’ form since Christmas. 8/10

Jonny Castro Otto

Did some really good work in and around the Fulham box, particularly in the second half when he created a good chance for Jota. Lost Sessegnon on one occasion and it nearly cost Wolves, but overall this was a decent display from the Spaniard. 7/10

Raul Jimenez

Only one real chance to get on the scoresheet when he flashed a header wide from a corner. Otherwise his afternoon was mostly about trying to unlock that Fulham door via a series of passes and flicks and linking the play in the final third. 7/10

Diogo Jota

Embarked on a one-man mission to beat Fulham single-handedly but was marginally off target on a number of occasions, or was denied by two excellent Rico saves when pushing wide or onto the bar. Full of vigour and intent. No dives please though, Diogo. 8/10

Substitutes

Will Norris (for Patricio, 90+4)

N/A

Max Kilman (for Boly, 90+4)

N/A

Ruben Vinagre (for Otto, 90+4)

N/A

Subs not used: Gibbs-White, Traore, Cavaleiro, Costa.