Sa pathetic, Strand Larsen impresses – Wolves player ratings v Man City
Wolves were comfortably brushed aside by Man City as Vitor Pereira’s side lost 4-0 in their Premier League opener.
Despite a joyous end to the 2024-25 season under Pereira, the Wanderers were obliterated by a rejuvenated City outfit.
A brace from the inevitable Erling Haaland decreased Wolves’ morale as further strikes from new signing from AC Milan Tijani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki sealed the deal for Pep Guardiola‘s team.
Molineux was certainly upset with the performance, but who managed to put on a brave face despite the heavy defeat?
Jose Sa powerless as Man City run rampant
Jose Sa – 1
The Portuguese shot-stopper had a an awful day at the Molineux stadium, failing to stop any of the four goals from the Cityzens, not even producing a single save to keep them out.
Matt Doherty – 3
The Wolves defence struggled as a whole today and Matt Doherty was also victim of that, picking up a yellow card as he chased the shadows of City’s attacking brilliance.
Emmanuel Agbadou – 2
When he arrived last year, the Ivorian was a dependable performer but today the centre-back was found out by the pace and intensity of Guardiola’s attack, losing possession on 11 occasions.
Toti Gomes – 4
The Portuguese defender also suffered in the Wolves backline as Oscar Bobb danced his way around the Wanderers backline, perhaps marginally saved by the fact he produced one key pass.
David Moller Wolfe with a debut to forget
Ki-Jana Hoever – 5
After sitting in the club’s reserves since joining in September 2020, it was good to see the flying Dutchman starting under Pereira today, producing one key pass whilst trying to pin down Jeremy Doku.
Andre – 6
One of Wolves’ better players today, the Brazilian did his best to limit the City attack from advancing, only losing possession on two occasions as he tried to get the counter-attack moving.
Joao Gomes – 5
Andre’s compatriot also had his work cut out today, but gone blown apart by the speed of the light blue attack, being dribbled past five times as he tried to recover on numerous occasions.
David Moller Wolfe – 3
Following his move from AZ Alkmaar, the Norwegian was thrown in at the deep end against one of the best team’s in the world.
It was a baptism of fire that quickly petered out as the flying left wing-back lost possession 14 times, only landing 61% of his 18 passes.
Jorgen Strand Larsen lively yet falling short
Marshall Munetsi – 5
The Zimbabwean did little wrong today but could not quite find the killer touch up top to either score or set up Jorgen Strand Larsen down the middle. He is a fighter though and his tenacity will win fans over.
Jorgen Strand Larsen – 7
Following the departure of Matheus Cunha, greater goal scoring responsibilities have fallen on the shoulders of the young Norwegian.
The number nine had four shots during the match but couldn’t find the back of the net as James Trafford stood imperious on his return to City colours.
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde – 5
Again, another one of the attackers who tried their best to get the team up the pitch but was unable to find that killer final pass. Winning just four of his 10 duels in the game, the Frenchman must work on his defensive ability.
Substitutes
Hugo Bueno – 4
Back in a Wolves shirt after spending last year on loan with Feyenoord the Spaniard made a brief appearance and will be hoping to push his way back into the starting XI as the seaosn progresses.
Fer Lopez – 6
The 21-year-old was active in his 19 minutes on the pitch, producing two shots with one hitting the target. Fer Lopez could be set for a breakout season if he plays his cards right.
Jhon Arias – 4
The Colombian was brought in to replace the departed Cunha but Pereira opted to give him more time to adjust after swapping Brazil for England. The midfield maestro impressed in the Club World Cup so don’t rule him out just yet.
Rodrigo Gomes – 3
The Portuguese youngster did little to grab our attention in 18 minutes, suggesting he’ll be on the bench for Wolves’ next game.
Hee-Chan Hwang – 5
With one key pass with four touches of the ball, it was an efficient cameo from the Korean who will be eager to break into the attacking line-up next week.