Wolves 2 Watford 0 – Player ratings

Rui Patricio

Was not called into serious action apart from one instance shortly into the second half. The Portuguese initially spilled a header from Holebas – after Pereyra's cross from the left – but made amends as he kept out Cleverley's attempt from point-blank range. 7

Willy Boly

A monstrous performance from the French man-mountain. Boly had too much power and too good a positional sense for Watford's attackers. He looked uncomfortable once or twice early on, but was at ease for the vast majority of the clash. Accomplished. 8

Conor Coady

Back at the heart of defence after being given a well-earned rest as Wolves got past Reading in the Carabao Cup, Coady appeared fresh. The skipper, although not quite as commanding as Boly and Saiss, was quick on his feet and made some well-timed tackles. 7

Romain Saiss

After his dismissal for two bookings at Palace, sticking with Saiss was a bold call from Nuno, but the Molineux chief's faith was repaid. The Moroccan stuck his head in where it hurts – quite literally, receiving treatment after colliding with Otto – and was solid throughout. 8

Matt Doherty

Being in the right place to cap off an exceptional team move and open the scoring, while being so defensively solid that Deulofeu got taken off at half-time, this was top-drawer Doherty. Seems to have shaken off the cobwebs after a knee injury picked up in pre-season. 8

Joao Moutinho

With Neves, as he was at Palace, left on the bench, Moutinho was the man entrusted with pulling the strings in midfield. And the 5ft 7in Euro 2016-winner did just that, keeping things ticking over nicely with some precise passing while putting in firm tackles. 8

Leander Dendoncker

Another one who reaped the benefits of not being involved against the Royals. Dendoncker's play had a lot more zip about it. He gave the ball away on a few occasions, more so in the first half, but was tenacious and tried to win it back swiftly. Better from the Belgian. 7

Jonny Castro Otto

Played his part in the opener as he put the ball down the line for Neto to latch onto before he crossed it low to Doherty. Sarr had no joy against him, and Otto also made a great covering block to deny Welbeck, who had weaved his way past Coady in the first half. 7

Adama Traore

Wolves' best player so far this season was at it again against the Hornets. His frightening speed is there for all to see, but it is the more intricate parts to his game which have improved massively. Had the presence of mind to release Doherty before Janmaat's own goal. 8

Raul Jimenez

The Mexican did not get on the scoresheet but led the line with aplomb, dropping deep when needed. His early strike from a tight angle rippled the side netting, with some thinking – for a split second – that it had gone in. Replaced by Cutrone towards the end. 7

Pedro Neto

Well, Neto certainly did not look like a 19-year-old making his first start in the Premier League. The winger was ever so confident, controlling cross-field passes with his chest on several occasions and putting the ball on a plate for Doherty to finish. Glided across the turf. 8

Subs

Morgan Gibbs-White (for Neto, 57)

Almost released Cutrone with a defence-splitting through-ball, but there was just too much weight on it. 6

Patrick Cutrone (for Jimenez, 80)

Hardly touched the ball. N/A

Ruben Neves (for Traore, 87)

Not enough time to judge him. N/A

Not used: Ruddy (gk), Bennett, Kilman, Vinagre