Cardiff City 0 Wolves 1 – player ratings

John Ruddy

A number of players in this squad have enjoyed a defining game of the season...Neves v Sheffield United, Jota at Nottingham Forest or Doherty against Reading spring to mind among many others – and this was Ruddy's. He made a couple of excellent saves – especially from Wildschut's free kick – and commanded his box in the face of an aerial bombardment from Cardiff...and then in the 92nd minute he produced a quite brilliant penalty save to deny Gary Madine. A colossus. And you could see exactly what the players and staff think of him at full time and on social media afterwards. A huge character on and off the field and a key part of Wolves' success. 9/10

Ryan Bennett

A return to normality after his disappointing night in midweek. Solid as you like. 7/10

Conor Coady

Kicked proceedings off with a crunching tackle that nearly sent Hoilett into Swansea. Came up with some truly excellent covering play, particularly in the first half when he sauntered out from the back on a couple of occasions. Two uncharacteristic mistakes though, with a sloppy pass that led to a Zohore chance and then his push in injury time which conceded the first penalty. Some felt it a harsh decision but he needlessly gave Mike Dean a decision to make. 7/10

Willy Boly

Afforded so much time and space on the ball in the first half with Paterson marshalling Douglas and he generally made the most of it. His enthralling tussle with Kenneth Zohore was akin to two rutting stags and it was Boly who won the battle. The pick of the back three. 8/10

Matt Doherty

A welcome return to the side after his suspension against Hull. Doherty's night was mostly spent in his own half and he was generally unruffled. 7/10

Romain Saiss

Always looks more comfortable alongside Neves (who wouldn't?) and he had a decent game protecting the back three. A customary booking was his 11th of the season. 7/10

Ruben Neves

Does the dictionary contain the appropriate words to describe this man's genius? In the biggest Championship match of the season it was fitting that its best player scored a wonderful goal to decide it. The love affair for Ruben Neves grows ever deeper...the guy's so dreamy he could turn John Wayne. It's been a privilege to watch him at work these past few months. An artist, a master of his craft and a special talent who's surely destined for the very top of the game. Personally I've never seen anyone like him in a Wolves shirt. Five goals this season, all spectacular, all from outside the box, all displaying his wondrous technique. He's no show pony, though...the 21-year-old does the dirty work too and runs the midfield. Defines class. 9/10

Barry Douglas

A really good defensive display from the Scot who kept dangerman Junior Hoilett quiet. Has occasionally looked suspect against the league's top wingers but that wasn't the case here. Assured, good in possession and defensively very sound. 8/10

Benik Afobe

Utilised out of position on the right of the front three and he did an impressive job tracking back, which is anything but his natural game. Slipped in Bonatini with a gorgeous pass early in the second half. Great work ethic from a player who's embracing the Nuno way. 7/10

Leo Bonatini

Hit the post with a great attempt in the second half but that was Bonatini's only major contribution. Just isn't the same player he was before Christmas. The lack of goals (20 appearances and counting) wouldn't matter if he was still playing to his strengths, i.e. holding the ball up and drawing team mates into play, but his touch was way off and he barely combined effectively with those around him. His confidence has gone. 5/10

Diogo Jota

Got the nod ahead of Cavaleiro and Costa but not too much went right for him. Close to breaking the deadlock early on with a snap-shot from 18 yards and he was always a willing runner, but this wasn't his night. 6/10

Substitutes

Helder Costa (for Bonatini, 58)

His pace kept Cardiff on their toes and he nearly broke clear on a couple of occasions. Lovely work to round a defender and fashion a golden chance for 2-0 which he somehow put wide. Fortunately that didn't cost his team. 7/10

Ivan Cavaleiro (for Jota, 67)

A few nice touches going forward and did his fair share of defensive work...but so nearly cost Wolves dear when he conceded that last gasp penalty with a very daft tackle. 6/10

Alfred N'Diaye (for Afobe, 78)

Used his strength and persistence to good effect. 6/10

Subs not used: Norris, Batth, Hause, Gibbs-White.