Wolves 3 Preston 2 – player ratings

John Ruddy

Only the one save of note when he palmed Johnson's effort wide early on. A couple of really important claims in the closing minutes when Preston were chucking the ball into the box. 7/10

Danny Batth

The pick of Wolves' back three despite allowing Hugill inside him to head in Preston's first goal. Otherwise Batth was solid and reliable and earned a hearty ovation when coolly bringing the ball to halfway at one point in the second half, showcasing his improved confidence in possession this season. 7/10

Conor Coady

Bright and breezy in possession and made a few important blocks in the second half. Harsh to blame him for the own goal. 7/10

Roderick Miranda

Endured a tough afternoon. Dozy at times, particularly when Hugill tackled him from behind leading to a golden chance for Johnson early doors. Allowed a long ball drift over his head in the build-up to the second goal and he put his team in trouble with a couple of really poor clearances. An excellent late block when Preston were pushing for an equaliser but otherwise this wasn't his day. 5/10

Matt Doherty

Plenty of joy down that right flank and had a big hand in Wolves' first two goals. Burst into life like a jack-in-the-box to create the first with a storming run from deep and then he was bundled over in the box for the penalty after half time. Neves constantly looked to play him in and Preston struggled to cope with Doherty's attacking forays all afternoon. Having a really good season and relishes dominating that right wing. 8/10

Ruben Neves

As above, he combined with Doherty to great effect, finding the Irishman for the first two goals. Made a great start to the game but his team mates dragged him down with Wolves' movement and creativity stifled by Preston. Still the best central midfielder on display and came up with some daft passes that no one else on the pitch could dream of playing. This guy is Wolves' version of Superman with his x-ray vision – he sees things no one else can. 7/10

Romain Saiss

An all-action performance from Saiss who got stuck in and helped Wolves cope with Preston's physical approach. Didn't disappoint with the weekly rendition of "Saiss don't sho..." before sending a 30-yarder into row Z. Yes his shooting needs some work but otherwise Saiss is producing consistency in the heart of Wolves' midfield. Delightful chip over the top for the third goal. 7/10

Barry Douglas

An assist for Cavaleiro's opener but this was Douglas' worst game in a Wolves shirt. A dreadful clearance led to a decent early Preston chance and he was culpable for Preston's second when Tom Barhuizen drifted inside, as he had on a number of occasions. Also offered little else going forward. He's not yet rediscovered his pre-injury form. 5/10

Ivan Cavaleiro

A quiet game for Cavaleiro who was marked closely and struggled to break free of those metaphorical shackles. Netted his second goal of the season to break the deadlock before half time. 6/10

Leo Bonatini

Like a fry-up at Wetherspoons everyone started out with pretty low expectations for Bonatini but he's delivered the goods, hit the spot and got the job done time and again. Seven goals in 13 league appearances is a fantastic return for a player who didn't have a pre-season and is in a new league and country. Combine his four assists with those seven goals and you've got the most effective Championship player by a distance (joint second are six players who've contributed to eight goals, including Jota). It's four goals in his last three, too, including two from the bench which showcased an exemplary attitude despite being perhaps unfairly dropped. His goals aside, Bonatini's link-up play was of a very good standard yet again. 8/10

Diogo Jota

Like Cavaleiro he was quiet and generally saw his influence quelled by a robust Preston defence. That said, he would have got on the scoresheet twice were it not for excellent blocks from defender Ben Davies and keeper Chris Maxwell. 6/10

Substitutes

Helder Costa (for Bonatini, 75)

A dazzling run from deep was reminiscent of the Costa of last season but his final shot was weak and at the keeper. Yet to find that sharpness, which is understandable after so long out. Tuesday night could be his night. 6/10

Bright Enobakhare (for Cavaleiro, 75)

Some dazzling footwork but then some silly decisions too. A typical Bright cameo, then. 6/10

Alfred N'Diaye (for Jota, 83)

The pick of the subs in that he hassled and harried the opposition as Wolves looked to close out the game. Got involved in a ruck after Preston's red card as passions spilled over. Another who'll be looking forward to the Man City game. N/A

Subs not used: Norris, Bennett, Price, Marshall.