Express & Star

Blues 1 Wolves 3 - player ratings

Wolves correspondent Tim Spiers rates the players after a memorable derby day win against Blues.

Published

CARL IKEME

Not having the busiest of seasons so far.

Again he didn't have many shots to deal with - and he was helpless for the goal.

But what he had to do - deal with corners and crosses - he did well. 7/10

DOMINIC IORFA

Caught napping for Blues' goal when he allowed Che Adams far too much space at the back post.

Otherwise he was solid defensively. Still lacking vigour going forward though. Seems to prefer playing in a 4-4-2 and combining with a right-wing partner, as he and James Henry have done so often in the past. 6/10

DANNY BATTH

The skipper has been transformed under Zenga.

Another commanding performance. Threw his body in the way of crosses and shots and handled the considerable threat of Clayton Donaldson.

Topped off his display with the second goal, for which he showed great reactions. 8/10

KORTNEY HAUSE

A few shaky moments, particularly in the first half.

It's a common theme with Hause that he improves as a game wears on, and that was the case again here.

He and Batth are forming an effective partnership, as they did in the latter stages of last season. 7/10

MATT DOHERTY

Should no longer be considered out of position at left back.

A potent attacking threat, particularly in the first period, in which he created a couple of good chances.

Kept Cotterill's right-wing advances to a minimum and was unlucky not to score in the lead-up to Batth's goal. 7/10

CONOR COADY

As well as he's played in a year, when he starred in the opening games of 2015/16.

The best midfielder on the park. Consistently broke up play and was often the man to get Wolves moving at pace on the counter attack with some direct, purposeful running.

His passing range has certainly improved - he produced some sublime through balls.

Great to see him at the top of his game. 9/10

LEE EVANS

Forced off injured early on. 6/10

JACK PRICE

Took a little while to get going but made a real impact in the second half.

Picked out Mason for the first goal and then it was his corner that led to Batth firing Wolves in front.

Withdrawn soon after as Zenga went for Oniangue's physical presence to shore up Wolves' lead. 7/10

JED WALLACE

When given an opportunity in his best position he has only very rarely failed to impress.

A hive of activity in the first half when he was inventive and creative.

Produced a stonker of a cross just before half time and carried on the good work after the break with a succession of decent efforts from range.

An assist for the third goal with a nice touch and pass. Could be his season to shine. 8/10

JON DADI BODVARSSON

Has been remarkably consistent since his arrival.

Fact he's hit the ground running is possibly related to having kept his fitness up all summer owing to Iceland's involvement in Euro 2016, having only had two weeks off (of course this may catch up with him later in the season).

An excellent target man who is the focal point of Wolves' attack. But he's equally as effective running with the ball from deep. Must be a nightmare to play against.

Took his goal with aplomb - a great finish into the corner. The fans and players have really taken to him. 8/10

JOE MASON

Showed heart and determination in keeping going despite an iffy first half, having the confidence to produce his wonderful strike for the equaliser.

Has very good movement and gets in dangerous positions - just needs to be more decisive when he receives the ball.

Like Batth and Coady he comes in for a lot of stick from supporters but the trio look revitalised under Zenga.

Three goals already this season. 7/10

SUBSTITUTES

DAVID EDWARDS (FOR EVANS, 22)

Effective alongside Price and Coady and helped drive Wolves forward on the break, particularly in the second half. 7/10

PRINCE ONIANGUE (FOR PRICE, 65)

A lot of ball-chasing for the new signing. Most of the game was played in Wolves' half after his introduction but he got stuck in and did his job. 6/10

GEORGE SAVILLE (FOR BODVARSSON, 91)

Replaced Bodvarsson as Wolves closed out the game in injury time. N/A

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