Two players score ‘costly’ 5/10s but two earn 8s - Wolves player ratings vs Fulham

Rapid-fire goals from Ryan Sessegnon and Rodrigo Muniz within 65 seconds of the start of each half were enough to earn Fulham all three points despite Wolves dominating possession for much of the game. Joao Gomes blasted in to equalise for 1-1 but the hard work was undone by a second lapse of concentration from Vitor Pereira’s side immediately after the interval.

Fulham couldn’t have gotten off to a better start as Sessegnon dashed onto an Andreas Pereira through pass and drilled the ball into the far bottom corner. Nelson Semedo had to do better as he was sucked in and didn’t spot Sessegnon’s run behind him while Matt Doherty failed to hold the line. There was a brief check for offside but Sessegnon was just about played on by Doherty leaning towards goal.

Wolves responded brilliantly as they piled on the pressure for a good quarter of an hour before netting an equaliser in the 18th minute, through Joao Gomes. Rayan Ait-Nouri nutmegged Timothy Castagne, Jean Ricner-Bellegarde whipped in a powerful cross and the ball ricocheted off Semedo to Gomes, who was waiting at the far post to thump the ball into the roof of the net. The Brazilian must’ve learnt from a miss just a couple of minutes prior as he had skied over the bar from a near-carbon copy chance.

Former Wolves man Adama Traore very nearly put Fulham back ahead in the 24th minute as he forced a tidy save from Jose Sa at the goalkeeper’s near post. Had it gone in, Molineux would’ve erupted with fury as Matheus Cunha had been effectively man-handled by Issa Diop just moments beforehand. Muniz was next to go close as the Fulham striker saw a shot destined for the net blocked heroically by Santiago Bueno.

Fulham began the second half just as they did the first, scoring in rapid fashion with an intricate through pass in behind. This time, it was Muniz to score as he lifted a delicate chip over Jose Sa after being played in by a well-timed and perfectly-weighted Adama pass.

The Old Gold dominated possession for long stretches as they sought a second equaliser but Fulham were very compact in defence and there was hardly a way through for a chance, let alone a second goal. Gomes headed narrowly wide from a Pablo Sarabia cross and Cunha shot just high from a tight angle but there was otherwise very little to note.

If anything, Fulham went closest to another goal as Wolves legend Raul Jimenez sprinted through one-on-one but was denied by Sa. Andreas then had a close-range effort blocked by Tommy Doyle before Jimenez missed another chance by dribbling a shot narrowly wide.

The late resurgence from Fulham helped Marco Silva’s men hold onto maximum points despite seven minutes of stoppage time handing Wolves late hope. The Old Gold, never before beaten in the Premier League by Fulham at Molineux before tonight, remain five above the drop zone.

Player ratings

Jose Sa - 6

Maybe should’ve done better to stop Muniz from scoring as he went to ground early rather than standing strong, allowing the striker to chip into the net. Made a good stop to deny Adama in the first half, however, and another to stop Jimenez from scoring near the end.

Nelson Semedo - 5

At fault for the opener as he didn’t spot Sessegnon’s run, allowing the Fulham wing-back all the time in the world to score. Got the assist for Gomes’ goal rather fortuitously as the ball flicked off his backside.

Matt Doherty - 6

Played Sessegnon onside for the very early opener but otherwise defended well to chop in with some important tackles and interceptions. Swung in a couple of decent crosses from deep.

Santiago Bueno - 5 (off 77’)

Had a really tough night up against Muniz as he failed to track the striker’s runs in behind on two or three occasions, including for Fulham’s second goal. Did put in one pivotal block to deny Muniz, though.

Toti Gomes - 6

Composed himself nicely whenever pressured by the likes of Adama and Muniz. Put one really nice cross into the area that was so nearly converted by Munetsi.

Rayan Ait-Nouri - 7

Nutmegged Castagne in the lead-up to Gomes’ goal to create space for Bellegarde and went close to a very late equaliser as he saw a shot blocked at close range. Inverted into midfield to make many interceptions.

Andre - 7 (off 77’)

Made a couple of outstanding challenges to stop Fulham counter-attacks and hardly put a foot wrong with his passing as Wolves controlled the game.

Joao Gomes - 8

Missed a great chance but then made amends almost immediately after to equalise for Wolves with a powerful finish into the roof of the net. Created one good opportunity for Cunha, too.

Jean-Ricner Bellegarde - 7 (off 60’)

Won’t get the assist for it as it touched Semedo on the way through but swung in the terrific cross that led to Gomes’ equalising goal. Registered one shot on target but it failed to worry Leno.

Matheus Cunha - 8

Caused so many problems for Diop and Andersen with his direct dribbling into the box. Tested Leno with a great effort at the near post before half time, had two other tamer shots saved and had another couple fizz narrowly wide. Won three fouls right on the outside of the area.

Marshall Munetsi - 6

Preferred up top to Strand Larsen despite being a midfielder by trade. Got heavily involved in both boxes but was unable to make much stick in the final third.