Wolves player ratings vs Brighton: Two score 8/10s and several 7s in FA Cup triumph

Wolverhampton Wanderers have advanced to the Emirates FA Cup quarter-finals for the first time in five years with a narrow 1-0 win over fellow Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion. Mario Lemina's second-minute goal was enough to separate the two sides on the night, with a compact Wanderers team digging in to hold on. Gary O'Neil's side will face Championship outfit Coventry City at Molineux in the next round.

Wolves, with Molineux right up for it under the lights, had the dream start as Mario Lemina poked home at the far post to give his side the lead after merely 80 seconds. Jean-Ricner Bellegarde darted forward with a terrific run down the left flank and put in a dangerous cross that Jason Steele failed to deal with, spilling it entirely. An instinctive Lemina was there to slide the ball into the net, stunning the away side.

It was cagey for a while after the goal and it took until the 27th minute for Brighton to craft their first big opening as Jakub Moder struck a few inches wide from a Simon Adingra cutback. Bellegarde then had a great chance to net a second for Wolves as he pounced on a poor back pass from Seagulls defender Igor Julio. Wanderers shouted for a penalty in that instance as Bellegarde tried to take it around Steele but fell over the Albion goalkeeper, who just about got the ball.

Roberto De Zerbi made a key change for Brighton at half time, taking off youngster Cameron Peupion and bringing on experienced former England international striker Danny Welbeck. The Seagulls changed from a 3-4-3 to a 4-2-3-1, offering them better depth in midfield. The switch-up in tactics gave Albion a little more impetus going forward but it meant far more susceptibility to Wolves on the counter-attack.

O'Neil noticed this by bringing on Pedro Neto and Pablo Sarabia from the bench. The former made an almost instant impact as he knocked the ball past Brighton skipper Lewis Dunk with ease and ran through one-on-two with Igor and Steele. Neto did well to advance into the Seagulls' penalty area but Dunk eventually got back to clear up his error. A good chance from nothing for Wolves.

Brighton made some dangerous substitutions late on and they kept on pressing for an equaliser but the Old Gold were so well drilled defensively. Very rightly ringing around Molineux for many consecutive minutes was "Gary O'Neil's barmy army", roaring Wolves on to hold on for a second successive 1-0 win. The FA Cup fever is very much alive and kicking in Wolverhampton, with Wanderers now one game from Wembley. Here are our player ratings.

Wolves player ratings vs Brighton

Jose Sa - 6

Only had to make one save and one claim all game long. Never really threatened as the defence was so solid in front of him.

Max Kilman - 8

A proper captain’s performance to lead Wolves to keeping a relentless Brighton side at bay. Stayed on his feet, rarely got drawn in and made so many important clearances.

Santiago Bueno - 7

Made several crucial clearances just like Kilman and looked confident with the ball at his feet. Always battles well when he gets the chance.

Toti Gomes - 7

Not as assured as usual with his passing but did well to halt the threat from Ansu Fati and Simon Adingra.

Matt Doherty - 7

Struggled a tad to deal with Adingra and Barco on the overlap at times but won countless aerial duels, stopping Brighton from knocking the ball on. Had a mixed game with his passing, with many composed balls completed but others wayward.

Rayan Ait-Nouri - 7

Very composed in possession to get Wolves out of tricky situations under Brighton’s press. Cut out several forward passes, too. Enjoyed one skilful run in the second half but then fluffed his lines with the long-range shot.

Mario Lemina - 8 (off 56’)

Great run and an instinctive finish to open the scoring. A deserved goal as he worked incredibly hard and threw himself at everything. Also the driving force for most counter-attacks.

Tommy Doyle - 6 

Gave the ball away cheaply three or four times in the first half but got stuck in alongside Lemina and Gomes.

Joao Gomes - 7

Struggled to get involved a great deal in the opening 45 minutes but impressed with his defensive work, especially towards the end.

Jean-Ricner Bellegarde - 7 (off 76’)

Terrific run and cross in the immediate lead-up to Lemina’s goal. Showed off some good technique with a few skilful touches and passes. Took the brunt of a late lunge from Ansu Fati, getting the Barça man a booking in the process.

Hee-Chan Hwang - 6 (off 56’)

Struggled with his decision making, especially with passes when the likes of Bellegarde and Lemina were making runs on the counter attack. Did make some 

decent runs of his own, though, and very nearly got on the end of a couple of dodgy Brighton backpasses. Went off with an injury worry – let’s hope it’s nothing serious.

Pedro Neto - 7 (on 56’)

Looked a real threat on the counter for Wanderers. Displayed some excellent skill to get past Dunk and create an opportunity.

Pablo Sarabia - 6 (on 56’)

Gave away two or three unnecessary fouls, with Julio Enciso causing the most problems. Did show some decent vision to get Wolves out of trouble, though.

Boubacar Traore - 6 (on 76’)

Didn’t do anything of real note but his fresh legs helped in keeping Brighton at bay.