Wolves 0 Liverpool 2 – player ratings

Rui Patricio

Couldn't do much about either goal and made a couple of smart saves but again his kicking was way off. A recurring theme now. 6/10

Ryan Bennett

A solid enough game with a couple of important clearances but he's got to do better for the second goal when Van Dijk gets the slip on him to guide the ball home. 6/10

Conor Coady

A big night against his beloved Reds and he did himself proud. Salah's got half a yard on him for the opening goal and he slipped at a bad moment for another chance, but other than that Coady did his level best to stop the magical Egyptian, standing his ground on a couple of occasions when Salah (whose movement and close control was just unreal at times – he's one of the best players we've seen at Molineux in recent years) threatened to score a special solo goal. Also made a crucial last ditch block from a Lallana shot. 7/10

Willy Boly

A lapse of concentration for the opener when Fabinho gets in behind him and Neves. Seven tackles was the highest on the pitch but he was caught out by a couple of through balls as well. And seemed to lose the plot for the last 10 minutes. 6/10

Matt Doherty

Some really good moments in the opposition third. A characteristic run inside and a one-two yielded a good chance for Jimenez (who sadly delayed his shot), he also got a couple of decent efforts away at goal and kept the ball alive for the Saiss chance. Defensively sound as well. 7/10

Romain Saiss

Surely making a case for himself to be a regular starter now? He's been superb in his past few appearances and, after being brought back into the XI here to add some defensive steel, he was arguably Wolves' best player. Bit of an all-action display – he should have scored just after Van Dijk's goal but he kept several attacks going with his persistence and commitment. Five interceptions was the most of the pitch. Very impressive. 8/10

Ruben Neves

Jointly culpable with Boly for the opener but otherwise it was a decent defensive display from the industrious (!) Neves who seems to be reinventing himself. With the ball he wasn't very effective, though. The 'filthy' passes and piercing long-range shots have taken a back seat. Whether that's through design or lack of confidence is unclear but he does come across as occasionally ponderous and perhaps overthinking things. Improved when Moutinho departed. 6/10

Jonny Castro Otto

His exuberance is infectious. Buzzes up and down that left flank with commitment and desire by the bucketload. Got forward to good effect at times, particularly towards the end of the first half when he had a couple of decent chances. 7/10

Joao Moutinho

Started well, helping press Liverpool high up the field and intercepting a slack pass to set up a Traore chance. Showed his frailties when allowing Milner to cut inside for a decent Liverpool opportunity. Influence waned as the game went on and he was replaced on the hour mark. 6/10

Raul Jimenez

Absolutely immense in the first half, producing a titanic effort at times holding the ball up with several players surrounding him. Looked for Traore as his outlet and that combination worked well on a couple of occasions. Hassled and harried the Liverpool back line, including the keeper. Hesitated when he had a great sight of goal after good work from Doherty. Much less influential in the second half when he seemed to tire. 7/10

Adama Traore

Much livelier than his recent displays. A couple of decent shots early on, closed players down, worked hard for the team and showed good persistence. His decision making left something to be desired and he was frustrating and maddening. But overall this was a good performance to build on and he'll hope to have done enough to stay in the team for Fulham. 7/10

Substitutes

Ivan Cavaleiro (for Traore, 63)

Could feel unfortunate not to start but he didn't do much of note in his 27 minutes from the bench. 6/10

Morgan Gibbs-White (for Moutinho, 63)

A few nice touches here and there. Missed a great chance late on when he fired into the side netting – the search for his elusive first Wolves goal continues. 6/10

Ruben Vinagre (for Otto, 81)

A sprightly late cameo from Vinagre who has no problem getting to the byline and sending over a dangerous low cross. Unfortunately Wolves don't tend to have players darting to the near post, so they're often wasted. N/A

Subs not used: Ruddy, Dendoncker, Costa, Bonatini.