Watford 2 Wolves 1 – Player ratings
Joe Edwards rates the players as Wolves begin 2020 with a 2-1 defeat at Watford.
Rui Patricio
Got down quickly to deny Sarr in the first half, but Wolves did not heed the warning as Deulofeu opened the scoring soon after for Watford. 6
Ryan Bennett
Struggled against the pace and guile of Deulofeu – beaten by the Spaniard in the build-up to Doucoure's goal – before being taken off shortly into the second half. 5
Conor Coady
A beautiful through-ball found Doherty early on before the Irishman was thwarted by Foster. Was unlucky to see the ball deflect off him and past Patricio for the Hornets' second. 6
Romain Saiss
Put his body on the line a fair few times. Took a hefty blow to the head from Deeney, but he was able to carry on. 6
Matt Doherty
Always an option on the right, without the end product. Perhaps could have done better with his early opportunity. 6
Leander Dendoncker
Gave the ball away as Deulofeu broke the deadlock, and he was out of sorts in midfield. Better when he went into defence, but nowhere near his best. 5
Joao Moutinho
Got the assist for Neto's goal, feeding his compatriot after the initial pass – intended for Jimenez – was blocked. 6
Jonny Castro Otto
Like Bennett, he was taken off early in the second period. Given a tough time by the speedy Sarr, who did well on the right for Watford. 5
Adama Traore
Had a lot of joy in the last half an hour when Holebas replaced Femenia at left-back for the hosts. He got past Holebas every single time. Final ball was not quite there, but he had his marker on toast. 7
Raul Jimenez
Handed possession to the Hornets as they went on to double their advantage. Missed a big opportunity early on too, and did not hold the ball up all that well. Was not at it. 5
Pedro Neto
After being cruelly denied at Anfield, Neto was bright again and opened his Premier League account – via a hefty Kabasele deflection. He will not care about the slice of luck one bit, though. Booked for simulation, although there appeared to be contact, before he was replaced by Jota. Promising. 7
Subs
Ruben Neves (for Bennett, 54)
Brought some more control to the midfield. Had a few shots from range as Wolves chased – but failed to grab – an equaliser. 6
Ruben Vinagre (for Otto, 54)
Asked a few questions of the Hornets defence. Blazed over a decent chance inside the box. 6
Diogo Jota (for Neto, 66)
Victim of a red-card challenge – after a VAR intervention – from Kabasele. 6
Not used: Ruddy (gk), Kilman, Otasowie, Cutrone
