Ipswich Town 0 Wolves 1 – player ratings

John Ruddy

A few decent saves from Ruddy as he kept his 16th – yes 16th – clean sheet of the season. Spilled a cross in stoppage time but saved the follow-up to make up for it. 7/10

Ryan Bennett

A couple of really good tackles and interceptions on what was another solid afternoon for the centre half, who's been so consistent since coming into the team in October. 7/10

Conor Coady

When Portman Road was a little quiet in the opening stages Coady was officially the loudest man in the stadium. After a dip against Forest he was back to his usual self here. 7/10

Willy Boly

The Boly brick wall stopped a couple of promising Ipswich attacks. Too casual in possession at times but he more than played his role in this clean sheet. 7/10

Matt Doherty

A second goal of the season for Doherty who got up well at the back post and directed his header where the keeper couldn't get to it. He more than most seemed to benefit from a week away – after a lacklustre showing against Forest he was revitalised here. Defended well too – very little came from his side of the pitch for Ipswich. 8/10

Ruben Neves

Look up the word panache in the dictionary and it reads 'a stylish, original, and very confident way of doing things that makes people admire you; example – Ruben Neves displayed great panache in his midfield performances for Wolverhampton Wanderers in the 2017/18 season'. The instantaneous and effortless 50-yard rakes in the blink of an eye were back here in what was just a standard Neves display. Just stop and remember he's only 20 years old. Kinda makes you wonder where you went wrong, doesn't it? 8/10

Alfred N'Diaye

The fact N'Diaye was only making his fifth Championship start of the season is the best example you'll find for just how good Wolves' strength in depth is. Would surely walk into most, if not all, other teams in the league. It's been difficult for him to make an impression off the bench, only getting five or 10 minutes here and there, but he took full advantage of Romain Saiss' hamstring strain with an excellent performance full of physicality, driving runs from midfield (one of which led to the goal) and a decent passing range, which hasn't always been the case with N'Diaye. Has done enough to start against Sheffield United next weekend. 8/10

Barry Douglas

A no-nonsense game from Douglas who regularly offered an outlet down that left flank. Set up the winning goal with a chipped cross – his ninth assist of the season, a league high. Also teed up Bonatini for a fierce volley with a perfect ball in the second half. 7/10

Helder Costa

A big step up from last week. Always a willing runner but he added an end product that was so lacking against Forest. Twice he played in Jota for good chances and he worked nicely in tandem with his fellow forwards. Still lacking that golden Costa touch in front of goal but if he keeps persevering it'll come sooner rather than later. 7/10

Diogo Jota

Led the Ipswich defenders on a merry dance on several occasions. Could and should have added to his 12-goal tally but was either denied by the excellent Bialkowski – the best player on the pitch – or his finishing let him down. The quality, pace and close control he showed to consistently work his way into dangerous positions was like the Jota we marvelled at almost every week before Christmas. Such a special player. 8/10

Ivan Cavaleiro

Clearly enjoyed combining with his fellow Portuguese front men and together the trio occasionally threatened to run riot. A plethora of lovely touches and passes to help link the place at pace. 7/10

Substitutes

Leo Bonatini (for Cavaleiro, 71)

A very bright cameo from the Brazilian who unleashed what would have been a goal of the season contender had his ferocious 18-yard volley (not something Bonatini has produced too often this season) not been blocked. Also drew a good save from Bialkowski. 7/10

Bright Enobakhare (for Costa, 78)

Great effort with a volley from a corner which that man Bialkowski parried to safety. 6/10

Subs not used: Norris, Batth, Miranda, Vinagre, Gibbs-White.