Wolves 2-0 Crystal Palace: Report, Ratings and Reaction as Wolves Edge Closer to Europe

Wolves kept their hopes of European football alive with a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace at Molineux in the Premier League on Monday evening.

In an assured performance, Wolves settled proceedings with two moments of sheer attacking brilliance either side of half time.

Daniel Podence applied the finishing touches to a slick move five minutes before the break, heading Matt Doherty's cushioned cross into an empty net, after the fullback was picked out by a sumptuous Joao Moutinho pass.

In the second half, Adama Traore jinked past Tyrick Mitchell and Schlupp and his cross eventually found Jonny, who confidently buried the ball in the back of the net to wrap up all three points for Wolves.

Wolves

Key Talking Point

It was a sloppy first 45 from Wolves, who very uncharacteristically cheaply gave the ball away on numerous occasions. In the second half they were solid and comfortably dominated, and in the end were well worth the victory.

Wolves came alive as the half drew to a close and opened the scoring with a well worked goal. Joao Moutinho found Doherty with an inventive pass, and his cushioned pass was buried by Podence - a rare headed goal for the 1.65m winger, not renowned for his aerial ability.

Wolves' second was all down to the fearlessness and skill of Traore, as he wriggled past two Palace defenders before feeding Raul Jimenez. His deft touch found Jonny, who demonstrated superb composure to turn before firing home.

Player Ratings

Starting XI: Patricio (6), Boly (6), Coady (7), Dendoncker (6), Doherty (7), Neves (6), Moutinho (7), Jonny (7), Podence (7), Traore (8*), Jimenez (6)

Subs: Jota (5), Neto (5)

Adama Traore

It was a solid, seven out of 10 performance from Wolves, but Traore offered a little bit of attacking sparkle.

His skill, imagination and frightening acceleration caused Mitchell and Schlupp all sorts of problems - who were forced to double up on him all evening.

This could not deter Traore - who instead just took on the pair of them. This is exactly what he did for Wolves' second, evading challenges from the two Palace defenders to squeeze through and tee up Jimenez.

Crystal Palace

Key Talking Point

It's now seven straight defeats for Palace, as they finish the Premier League season in a turgid run of form. Jeffrey Schlupp fired narrowly wide in the first half after being played in by Wilfried Zaha in their most clear cut chance of the game.

Like Wolves in the first half, Palace were careless in possession, but unlike their opponents, the Eagles were made to pay. Andros Townsend's misplaced pass on the edge of the Palace area was picked up by Moutinho, and where the visitors had lacked cutting edge in the final third, Wolves were ruthless.

The Eagles' performance was summed up by their inability to make the most of their set pieces. They were presented with multiple corners and free kicks in potentially dangerous areas, but were wasteful. The hosts conjured up two moments of magic to win the game - moments Palace did not look like producing if they had continued playing all night.

Player Ratings

Starting XI: Guaita (5), Ward (5), Dann (6), Sakho (5), Mitchell (6), Townsend (5), McCarthy (5), McArthur (5), Schlupp (6), Zaha (5), Ayew (5)

Subs: Kouyate (5), Riedewald (5)

Looking Ahead

Wolves conclude their Premier League season with a trip to Champions League chasing Chelsea on Sunday, while Crystal Palace host Tottenham - who themselves are vying for European spot.