Wolves Fans' Verdict v Derby: Ruben Neves is a God

Rob Cartwright

What's your verdict on the match? Time after time, this season, this Wolves team have blown us away with their football and the excitement at games. You think it can’t get any better, but it does. Just reflect on Middlesbrough, Cardiff and now Derby in the last two weeks!

In this game, Wolves didn’t need to get out of first gear to be honest. How Derby are still in 5th place I will never know. They were very poor. I expected more from them. Tactics were negative. I’d say no chance in the playoffs, on this showing.

The early goal meant we were able to enjoy the game. The passing was excellent; not just Neves, notable that Douglas, Doherty, Coady, Saiss were also making 30+ yard passes with accuracy. Time after time, the receiving player does not have to move an inch. Boly joined the party when setting up Jota for the first goal which was defence splitting and offside splitting. There is class all over the pitch.

Neves put down a couple of markers with long range free kicks being saved. We were so in control of the game, the only concern was that we would switch off. We needn’t have worried. Neves, like a darts player, had just been practising distance and accuracy. On 51 minutes, he made it game over. What a goal.

There are no words to describe it, except to say, yes it’s the best goal I have ever seen at a Wolves game.

The crowd were mesmerised. The Derby fans applauded.

Rowett said he felt like applauding a goal to the opposition team for the first time, ever. What would Warnock have to say about that? Not the British way eh, Colin!

The remaining 39 minutes passed by very quickly.

I’m sure the players continued to do their thing, but I cannot recall much until the final whistle. I could not believe what I had seen. It was like being in a trance.

I couldn’t wait to watch the recording later. Nuno in his post match interview was class. We are so lucky to have him.

Who played well – and who didn't impress? There were lots of very good individual performances. The passing was as good as anything we have seen this season.

Douglas, Doherty, Coady, Boly, Bennett, Saiss, Jota were all excellent. Cavaleiro, Afobe and Ruddy did well too.

Neves was out of this world. He was man of the match without his goal.

No way can we keep him long term. I’d be delighted if he stays for one more season. Just be thankful that we’ve seen him play for Wolves and enjoy what we have left.

Whoever made the decision to sign Neves, rather than loan him, deserves a medal too, as when he does move on it will be for a massive profit...£15m? You’re having a laugh.

It’s taken more years than we should have waited, but we now have a team that not only we can be proud of, but one that deserves to wear the shirt made famous, all over the world, by Billy Wright. Thumbs up for Sir Jack.

Heather Large

What's your verdict on the match? We’re almost there. We wanted another win to bring us in touching distance of the Premier League but what we got was a night none of us will forget for a very long time and all because of one man – Ruben Neves.

I’m still pinching myself today over that goal – doesn’t matter how many times I watch it, it’s just unbelievably good. There can’t have been a better goal in any league this season. It was stunning.

As for the rest of the match, Nuno’s men were on a mission to get three points and it was clear that they weren’t going to let anything stand in their way.

And surprisingly Derby didn’t really put up much fight, they had a few chances but they were dealt with effectively and calmly by the solid Wolves defence.

Neves and Diogo Jota were clearly enjoying themselves running rings around the Derby midfield and making it all look very easy for them.

I was surprised there wasn’t another goal on the game as we looked very menacing going forward and this continued when Helder Costa and Leo Bonatini came on. But I shouldn’t really complain after we had the privilege of watching Neves’ wondergoal (that I’m now going to watch one more time!).

So just one more win on Sunday and the real celebrations can start.

Who played well – and who didn't impress? I was a strong all-round team performance, some players had a quieter game than others but it all contributed to a comfortable win.

But the stand-out players for me have to be Jota and Neves, who wowed us yet again with their talent and brilliance, and the ever dependable Conor Coady, who never lets anything faze him.

Chris Hughes

What's your verdict on the match? There’s nothing I can say that’s not been said numerous times already this season.

This is the best Wolves side I’ve ever seen, Neves is the best player I’ve seen pull on a Wolves shirt and he’s just banged in the best goal I’ve ever seen live at a football match.

We’ve played a team who will likely finish this season in a play-off position contesting for a place in the Premier League with us next season yet looked an absolute world apart.

At times our players looked like they were having a leisurely kick about in the park with their mates rather than competing in the second tier of English professional football.

Roll on Sunday when, hopefully, we can finally put that (P) next to our name in the league table (maybe even the (C) if Saturday’s results fall right) and have a big party in front of the Noses.

Who played well – and who didn't impress? No under-performers last night as the whole team were right at it from start to finish.

However, only one man can be singled out as the star of the evening. The wonderkid from Porto had me shouting a steward to fetch me a box of tissues with some of his passing and that goal lead me to openly declare my love for him, much to the amusement of several other fans around me.

He’s too good for this division. He’s too good for us. But he’s here. And we absolutely love it!

Russ Cockburn

What's your verdict on the match? After recent weeks I was expecting another rollercoaster ride last night, but thankfully Wolves decided it was time for a relatively straight-forward victory by expertly managing out a 2-0 win.

At times it was too easy as Derby – a promotion chasing team – were left chasing shadows and Rowett opting for damage limitation as opposed to getting back into the game. It was easier than a night out in Goldsmiths.

We are nearly there. I say nearly as I’m still emotionally and mentally scarred by the season we don’t mention and will only truly celebrate when we’ve got the (P) and the (C) next to our name.

It’s agonisingly close though, so close you can nearly touch it, reminding me of when I was 15 and couldn’t quite reach the top shelf to grab Razzle or Fiesta and put it inside my Shoot/Match magazine.

Nuno and his gladiators don’t have the same emotional scars and they’ll no doubt approach Sunday with the same methodical planning and tactical masterclasses that have become the benchmark of our season.

Us fans will probably not be so composed and talk has already started of early starts, where we’re going after the game and the potential appearance of the ‘Going Up Cup’ from Richard Wild. Can’t wait!

Who played well – and who didn't impress? I don’t think there was anyone under 8/10, but a special mention must go to Coady for his leadership, Jota for his composed finish and Boly, well, for just being Boly.

Then we have the boy Ruben. You might as well start a new Black Country thesaurus to describe the quality this lad has. He purred like an Aston Martin engine all evening, effortlessly gliding around the Molineux turf and arrowing balls left, right and centre.

The heartbeat, the conductor, the butter on your bread, he just makes everything in the world seem right. And then just when you think he’s reached his peak, he pulls out the best goal I’ve ever seen in my Wolves supporting life.

My good friend Darb even had time between the initial control and strike to utter the words…no.

I know the debate has raged on social media for weeks about leaving early. After seeing that last night, I’m not sure how any Wolves fan can leave the ground early and not stop to applaud what we are witnessing and a strike that probably won’t be surpassed.

Of course if there is a family reason fair enough, but I wouldn’t have left before the final whistle if Liz Hurley was draped over a barrel of Lemon Dream with just Pork Crunch hiding her modesty.

For me it was a goal that signalled that Wolves are back in the big time and a goal that will make the Premier League sit up and take notice. WHEN it is confirmed, we’ll be heading to the top flight not just to survive, but to actually compete. It won’t be easy, but we’ve got Neves, Ruben Neves...

Clive Smith

What's your verdict on the match? Nuno frequently says it's all about the team. And it is. But it isnt. Well it is –and we played thoroughly well as a team last night – but that Neves chappie from another planet was having a good day in a Wolves shirt. He is our wow factor.

Quite a routine night given the drama of our last two away games but like those matches this will stay in the memory longer than many. Last night saw the most outstanding Wolves goal I suspect any of us have ever seen.

We had Ken Hibbitt at half time. He knew a thing or two about shooting, but I am not sure he had one like that in his locker. He must have enjoyed the game as much as the rest of us.

We started with a lovely goal. Boly saw Jota time his dart behind three defenders perfectly to control his through ball on his thigh and flick into the net. An early goal eased the pressure and from then on frankly the game was over.

For a top five side still with plenty to play for Derby hardly raised their game. Long balls aimed at Nugent or Vydra were dealt with comfortably. Neves had the freedom of the pitch to distribute the ball long or short, finding a gold shirt virtually every time.

Our front three rotated and linked up well. A series of corners suggested we might score again at any moment, while a Neves free kick was perhaps too close to the goal and went straight at the keeper.

The game was pleasing on the eye. We stretched the play even more after the interval with a clinical finish the only cause for complaint. Then came the Neves worldie. Two touches from, what, 30 yards out and the most delicious volley you could imagine.

Placed it in the top corner and that's as good as it gets. Amazing, incredible, unbelievable, terrific, cowing bostin, call it what you want! Even their keeper looked like he wanted to applaud. Yet another incredible unforgettable moment in an incredible two weeks in the life of a Wolves fan.

A jaw dropping, followed by an exclamation and a smile as wide as can be. Hugs all round.

After that everything else seemed insignificant. We swapped the front three, managed the game well and could have added further goals with a little more care around the box.

There was a nice classy touch when both the Wolves and Derby fans showed their appreciation for the Cardiff manager. Not a minute's applause, but it was still very fitting guys.

In the end it was like 20 or so other games this season. Great! We have come a long way in nine months. We looked well organised, patient when we had to be, and a threat in possession. Happy days.

Who played well – and who didn't impress? Man of the match was Neves and Jota's goals capped fine performances from them both.

Ruddy did everything asked of him. Bennett/Coady/Boly all looked untroubled defensively and played the ball forward well too.

Doherty and Douglas were given time and space and both put it to good use. A Douglas charge forward sadly saw him run out of steam at the vital moment.

Saiss was somewhat second fiddle in midfield but none the less he did his job well despite receiving a couple of heavy knocks.

Neves – just amazing. He has really made any goal of the season voting redundant.

Jota had his best game in a while, looking more lively than lately.

Afobe fired a couple of headers wide which he should have got on target. Looked more comfortable with the rotation than previously.

Cavaleiro seemed slightly out of the game at times and then tried too hard when he was involved.

Costa looked quick and lively when he came on while Bonatini and Gibbs-White also fitted in nicely.

Russ Evers (Hatherton Wolves)

What's your verdict on the match? And the masterclass rolls on.

Another team utterly blown away and this lot are in the play offs. If the first goal had have been Iniesta to Messi they would have been showing it for weeks but that was surpassed by the incomparable Ruben Neves whose finish was the best thing seen by The Bradley Single Parents Club since Pete Davies sat at an all you can eat buffet.

Sublime. Nuno had a dream and ain't we enjoying living it?

Adam Virgo

What's your verdict on the match? Just give Ruben Neves the Puskas award now. Friday was the best game I’ve ever seen and last night was the best goal I’ve ever seen.

There are too many adjectives to describe that wonder strike and you will struggle to find a better goal in world football this season. I also believe Wolves should just scrap the goal of the season vote and give it to Neves because everyone knows that’s the best goal this season.

I haven’t had much time to actually comprehend what’s happened over the past two weeks with the Boro game, then the antics at Cardiff, then Oskar Buur popping up with a late equaliser, and finally the wonder goal we all saw last night. It’s as if we’re getting treated with something special every game at the moment, sets it all up nicely for Blues at home on Sunday.

We controlled the game completely and it was definitely one of our best performances this season. We limited Derby to very little chances and punished them with two very good goals, probably could have scored a couple more but for how good both goals were, there’s no complaints.

As good as Neves’ goal was, we all need to appreciate the Pirlo-esque pass from Boly for the first goal. When your centre half is playing passes like that, you know you’re destined for good things. Not even just the pass though, the control from Jota and the little dink over Scott Carson was exquisite, exact reason why he’s our top goalscorer this campaign.

Who played well – and who didn't impress? Once again, Ruben Neves wins the man of the match award. He loves a screamer on TV. Four of his six goals have been live on Sky and with another game live on Sunday, it’s worth a bet on him to score from outside the box again.

His goal should be rated 18+ it was that good. I’m sure everyone got home last night and watched it over and over because it was a moment to cherish. If I ever see a better goal than that live then I will be very lucky. When he flicks it up, it goes backwards so he had to readjust his body and to hit it as sweet as he did was just remarkable.

He makes the game look so easy, his passing, his shooting from range, the way he reads the game is what makes a top midfielder and his football brain is up there with the best.

If we were to sell him eventually then I can’t think of a midfielder who we could get who’d do the same job, I’d love to keep him forever but sadly that won’t happen. He reminds me of Andrea Pirlo, he plays such a similar play style and his celebration is based on a quote from the Italian legend too so he clearly looked up to him.

Everyone was brilliant again yesterday, Coady leading everyone like he always does, Bennett the no nonsense defender out of the three and Willy Boly who is a brick wall at the back and a secret midfielder when he has the ball because his passing for a defender is ridiculous.

Saiss’ work goes unnoticed but he puts so much effort in and anchors the midfield well. He played the whole second half with an injury too and the commitment and heart everyone shows is just so fantastic to see. Everything with this club this season has came together perfectly and I just hope that all of this can continue for years to come.

Jota definitely had one of his better games last night, his calm finish just goes to show how talented he is. Fifteen goals in the Championship this season and with four games to go, it’d be great and fully deserved if he could hit the 20 mark.

Massive game again on Sunday for all different kinds of reasons. It would be fantastic if we could go up as champions but even so, to get promoted would still be amazing and then we can relax, enjoy and celebrate the final three games without any pressure at all.