Express & Star

Arsenal 1 Wolves 1 – Player ratings

Wolves correspondent Tim Spiers rates the players after a 1-1 draw at Arsenal.

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Rui Patricio

You could argue he should have saved the goal, but equally he’s got to anticipate someone will get their head on that. Not to blame. Made one stunning save to deny Torreira’s dipping effort. Blocked well from Ramsey too, but otherwise the defence kept him underused. 7/10

Ryan Bennett

Oh yes Ryan Bennett, that's more like it. Occasionally sluggish against Spurs but here came arguably his best performance in a Wolves shirt. Outstanding. This was a "proper defender’s" game...Wolves don’t have many of those but Bennett excelled with some monumental blocks, including when he saved a certain goal from Bellerin. More clearances (six) than anyone on the pitch. He and Doherty nullified Aubameyang's threat from that left flank. 9/10

Conor Coady

Does this guy wanna be any more likeable? Off the pitch he's just about the nicest guy on the planet, the ultimate family guy (with a third kid on the way aged just 25, he's been busy) and the kind of person who probably spends his Thursday mornings wearing a woolly jumper and cheering up lonely pensioners in an old folks' home. And then on the pitch he's a defensive colossus, the heartbeat of this Wolves team and surely, surely destined to force his way into that England squad at some point? He'll have no problem doing that if he continues to play like this. Sought out danger like a veteran sniffer dog. Four interceptions, two of which were absolutely vital, a brave goal-saving block when he threw himself at Lacazette’s close-range shot and a couple of perfect sliding tackles too. Plus a few trademark 50-yard rakes. Impeccable and immense. 9/10

Willy Boly

Like Bennett and Coady, he more than played his part in a resolute defensive rearguard. Seemed like he enjoyed himself out there. Quelled the threat of Iwobi, who was taken off at half-time and overall Boly did very well, but then if he jumps six inches he may have stopped the equalising goal. 8/10

Matt Doherty

Constantly made himself an outlet on the right, but his performance was more about defending than attacking – and he certainly managed that. Aubameyang is one of the most dangerous players in the league, but he had to come inside to get any joy. 8/10

Joao Moutinho

Played some crucial passes to get Wolves moving, but equally he misplaced a few too and his pass accuracy was down at 79 per cent – most un-Moutinho-like. Definitely dropped a level since the opening weeks, but his defensive nous and experience was still important. 7/10

Ruben Neves

Again, like Moutinho, he frustratingly gave the ball away too often – 80 per cent pass accuracy is down on his lofty average – but played an important role in protecting the back five. 7/10

Jonny Castro Otto

Epitomised Wolves’ whole-hearted commitment when he put his face in the way of Mesut Ozil’s boot to stop Arsenal breaking from a Wolves corner. A truly excellent defensive display which included six, yes six, tackles – the most on the pitch. A tireless effort and he read the game with the 20/20 vision. A massive return to form after three average performances. 9/10

Helder Costa

So threatening. Three dribbles was the equal best on the pitch (with Ozil) and he was a constant menace in the first half. Arguably should have scored, but he drew a couple of very good saves from Leno and made the Arsenal defenders look daft at times. On the verge of doing something very special when he puts all the aspects of his game together and adds that elusive clinical touch. Which he will. 8/10

Raul Jimenez

Five assists for the season (only Bournemouth’s Ryan Fraser, with six, has more). They’ve all come from inside the box, with four of them being unselfish passes from goalscoring areas. Perfect ball for Cavaleiro and set up a great Jota chance too. He was brilliant at times, such an intelligent player. 8/10

Ivan Cavaleiro

Nabbed his second goal of the season after capitalising on a sloppy Arsenal error to head towards the box and play a classy one-two with Jimenez. Still working his way to full fitness, but he’s definitely taking his chance and will keep his place in the side. A class act. 8/10

Substitutes

Diogo Jota (for Cavaleiro, 61)

Missed a crucial chance to seal the win with the score at 1-0, but couldn't beat Leno. 6/10

Adama Traore (for Costa, 75)

More frustrating than Be Here Now. Made Holding look like he should have a zimmerframe when racing clear at the death, but he too couldn't beat Leno (a recurring theme against an exceptional goalkeeper). Did well to tee up Gibbs-White a few minutes later. Looks like super-sub will be his role for the foreseeable future. 7/10

Morgan Gibbs-White (for Jimenez, 85)

Almost produced one of the moments of the decade, let alone the season, when his spectacular effort in the 95th minute cannoned off the inside of the post and bounced just short of the line. What an attempt! N/A

Subs not used: Ruddy; Dendoncker, Saiss, Vinagre.