Wolves player ratings vs Ipswich: Two ‘dismal’ 4/10s but one 9 in crushing defeat

The Old Gold went into the game knowing it was a must-win but Gary O’Neil’s side failed their task, instead gifting valuable points to their bottom three rivals. Matt Doherty’s unfortunate first-half own goal gave Wanderers a mountain to climb and, although star man Matheus Cunha struck his side level, Wolves were undone by their kryptonite once again – a set piece at the very last.

Wolves, still four points deep in the relegation zone, have now conceded 16 goals from set pieces this season – by far the worst record in the Premier League. Ipswich, meanwhile, are now within one point of 17th following only their second victory of the campaign.

Ipswich started brightly and scored a deserved opener in the 15th minute, albeit in fortuitous fashion. Liam Delap started the move superbly as he outmuscled Nelson Semedo for 20 yards and flashed the ball across the face of goal. Omari Hutchinson then cut in at the far post and forced a block from Doherty before Conor Chaplin struck on the rebound, seeing his effort ricochet off both Toti Gomes and Doherty before it trickled into the net.

Wolves responded well but lacked clinical edge as they missed several chances to equalise before the break. Jean-Ricner Bellegarde had the best opportunity but fluffed his lines, blasting the ball over from close range after Mario Lemina unselfishly squared the ball. Jorgen Strand Larsen then missed a one-on-one when played through by Rayan Ait-Nouri, firing his effort straight at the Ipswich goalkeeper.

The Tractor Boys reminded Wolves of their threat with two big chances at the start of the second half. Wes Burns forced a strong save from Sam Johnstone before the Ipswich winger crossed superbly for Delap, who somehow directed the ball wide from just a few yards out.

Frustration was growing around Molineux as Wolves struggled to craft any opportunities of note but then up stepped Matheus Cunha with a massive goal to equalise. The Brazilian, played in behind by Goncalo Guedes, struck early to catch out Arijanet Muric and squeezed the ball in at the near post.

The atmosphere exploded around the stadium, lifting Wolves with renewed faith to search for a winner. Strand Larsen so nearly provided as the Norwegian tested Muric with a volley and then fizzed narrowly wide from a deep cross. Cunha and Tommy Doyle then got in on the action, forcing three saves from Muric combined.

Ipswich went on a late resurgence themselves, however, and somehow stole the game with the final touch. Wolves left Taylor completely unmarked, allowing the central midfielder time and space to head into the net from Jack Clarke’s inswinging corner.

It was absolute bedlam among the away supporters while the Wolves faithful booed and headed for the exits. To add insult to injury, Ait-Nouri was shown red with a second yellow in the aftermath. That’s the 11th defeat of the campaign, and arguably the most costly.

Player ratings

Sam Johnstone - 5

Denied Burns with an excellent diving save but didn’t look at all comfortable when defending set pieces. Couldn’t do anything about the bizarre opening goal.

Matt Doherty - 5 (off 64’)

Netted the unfortunate own goal for 1-0 after making a heroic block on the line just a few seconds earlier. Gave away far too many sloppy fouls and was fortunate to get away without a booking.

Nelson Semedo - 5

The new skipper simply had to do better in the lead-up to Ipswich’s opener as his many attempts to challenge Delap were shrugged off. Otherwise defended ok, making a few necessary challenges.

Santiago Bueno - 4

Wasn’t commanding enough on set pieces, especially for the late winner as he was completely outjumped by Taylor.

Toti Gomes - 5

Involved in the goal conceded as his header rebounded off Doherty’s back and into the net. Often progressed Wolves up the field by dribbling out from the back but gave away the ball cheaply on a few occasions.

Rayan Ait-Nouri - 5

Got in some great positions when he tucked in from wide but kept stuttering at the pivotal moment, wasting good runs from teammates. Left Taylor unmarked for the late goal. Booked after multiple scuffles with Burns and then sent off in a melee after the winner.

Andre - 5 (off at HT)

Struggled to assert any real control in midfield and was hooked at the break.

Mario Lemina - 5

Got stuck in as the box-to-box midfielder but really lacked with his final pass, scuffing several through ball attempts. Perhaps should’ve taken on the shot rather than laying the ball off to Bellegarde for the big first-half chance.

Jean Ricner-Bellegarde - 4 (off 73’)

Had a woeful miss in the first half and lacked accuracy with his passing, halting Wolves’ progress in the final third.

Matheus Cunha - 9

Gave absolutely everything to get Wolves the win as he scored the superb leveller and ran his socks off to create as many chances as possible. Exuded confidence on the ball, using skill to complete more dribbles than anyone else on the pitch.

Jorgen Strand Larsen - 7

Missed a good chance in the first period but did better with two second half chances, forcing a save with a volley and narrowly missing the target with the other. Won a couple of corners with smart centre-forward play.

Subs:

Tommy Doyle - 7 (on at HT)

Helped Wolves click into gear, giving far more purpose to the hosts’ possession. Had a couple of chances, shooting one wide and seeing the other saved.

Goncalo Guedes - 7 (on 64’)

Made a great impact, assisting Cunha’s goal and adding more impetus to attacks.