Two 'unacceptable' 4/10s but one 'imperious' 8/10 - Wolves player ratings vs Aston Villa

Wolverhampton Wanderers suffered a third second-half capitulation of the season as they gave up a 1-0 lead to lose 3-1 to local rivals Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon.

It was a classic game of two halves at Villa Park as Wolves dominated the first period but crumbled late on in the second, a running theme that has cost the Old Gold dearly throughout the start of the new campaign.

Matheus Cunha gave the visitors a deserved lead in the 25th minute, chopping onto a poor Diego Carlos pass and striking ruthlessly from distance. Wanderers dominated possession up until the break but the momentum switched in the second half and Villa took control.

A flurry of goals from Ollie Watkins, Ezri Konsa and Jhon Duran secured all three points, helped by some moments of defensive madness from Wolves - just just like against Chelsea and Newcastle United. Mario Lemina and Rayan Ait-Nouri were caught napping for the Konsa and Duran goals, inexcusably so given what was at stake.

It’s another disappointing result for O’Neil’s side, who are now rock bottom of the Premier League standings with just one point out of the first 15 available.

Player ratings

Sam Johnstone - 5

Didn’t make a single save as Wolves conceded three. Johnstone looked more assured than Jose Sa did midweek but he’s still yet to fully find his feet.

Nelson Semedo - 5

Lost the pace of the game towards the end, much like the rest of the back line. It was a shame as he did well in the first half, completely halting Digne’s crossing output.

Yerson Mosquera - 8 (off 82’)

Imperious at the heart of defence as he made so many big tackles and even contributed a clearance off the line. Created the first-half chance for Strand Larsen with an exquisite pass in behind for good measure. Substituted with what appeared to be a serious injury. Hopefully it turns out to not be as bad as it looked.

Craig Dawson - 6

A brick wall at the back in the first half, matching Mosquera’s efforts in dealing with Villa’s two dangerous attackers. Looked fatigued near the end.

Rayan Ait-Nouri - 4

Troubled by the same problems yet again as his positioning went array for Villa’s second and third goals. Missed a huge chance to make it 2-0 just after the opener, seeing a shot deflected just wide after connecting with a looping cross.

Andre - 6

Sat deep in front of the back four and was pivotal to Wolves taking control of the first half. Carried that momentum on until about the 70th minute but then really struggled during Villa’s flurry of goals.

Joao Gomes - 6 (82’)

Defended brilliantly in the first 45 as he worked his socks off to make several interventions, a couple of which were at the final moment. Not particularly at fault for any of the goals, but there was a noticeable drop-off.

Mario Lemina - 4

Just like Ait-Nouri, Lemina was at fault for the Konsa and Duran goals as he lost his marker at the far post. Unacceptable from a captain’s point of view.

Jean-Ricner Bellegarde - 6 (off 71’)

A joy to watch when roaming across attacking midfield in the first half but struggled to make his mark after the interval.

Matheus Cunha - 7

Broke the deadlock with an emphatic finish, anticipating Carlos’ poor pass well and then finding the net from about 25 yards. Hardly productive from that point on, however.

Jorgen Strand Larsen - 6 (off 65’)

Missed a good chance before half time as he perhaps took too long and shot down Martinez’s throat. It was a great run, though, and just one of many throughout.