Crystal Palace 0 Wolves 1 – player ratings

Rui Patricio

Kepa £71m, Alisson £66m, Rui Patricio free*. And yet is there really a big difference in class and quality between those three? Patricio has been as good as any keeper in the league so far and he proved his worth yet again with a superb double save in the second half. Got up so quickly to block Schlupp’s follow-up, showing great awareness. Wolves are very hard to beat and this guy is a big reason why. *Sort of. 8/10

Ryan Bennett

Patricio may not end up being free but Ryan Bennett certainly was – and must go down as one of the best bargain signings Wolves have made in the past 10 years at least. Excellent again. Wolves’ defending was of the ‘back to basics’ variety, particularly in the latter stages, and that suited Bennett just fine. He even hoofed the ball clear at one point – that’s normally taboo for Nuno’s Wolves but it was necessary here. 8/10

Conor Coady

Left out of the England squad this week and he may be wondering what more he can do. Well, if he continues with this level of consistent performance then he’ll surely be called up sooner or later. Made a couple of vital interceptions and threw his body on the line when his team needed him. This was a classic Coady sort of game and he revelled in it, leading by example. 8/10

Willy Boly

The wall is back! At his imperious best with a dominant display. Given a tough test by Zaha in the early stages, who ghosted past him at one stage, but soon recovered his composure and he defended with brute force and yet elegance at the same time, like a poetry-reciting prison guard. One goal-saving block was particularly important. Superb. 9/10

Matt Doherty

What more is there to say about this guy? Continued the best form of his career with another very solid performance – and a match-winning strike, which he took with all the confidence and assurance of a man who knows he's one of the best wing-backs in the Premier League right now. Martin O'Neill was at Selhurst Park and if Doherty doesn't get into this Ireland team now he never will. Has Cyrus Christie's Ballon d'Or nomination been announced yet? 8/10

Joao Moutinho

Struggled to exert his usual composure and control in tough conditions, but defensively he was excellent. Used all his experience and nous to help Wolves get through the Palace onslaught and survive the closing stages without Patricio having to make a save. 7/10

Ruben Neves

Only made 37 passes all afternoon, probably the lowest total of his Wolves career, but like his midfield partner Moutinho his afternoon was more about defending and then getting Wolves moving on the counter-attack with quick passes out to Costa and Jota. Nearly scored a customary screamer when he fizzed a half volley over the bar. 7/10

Jonny Castro Otto

Another very solid afternoon for the Spaniard, who was called up to the senior Spain squad this week. Got down and dirty to help quell Zaha’s threat, although one particularly tough foul on the winger had the home fans screaming for a red card. "Heeeere's Jonny", he probably said in return. 7/10

Helder Costa

Tried his best to get Wolves going with some searching runs down the flank but he was often too isolated to make a big difference. Again, he had plenty of defending to do, and he kept Van Aanholt’s threat to a minimum. Needs a goal to boost his confidence. 6/10

Raul Jimenez

Three assists in three games for the unselfish Mexican striker, who is so crucial to how Wolves play in the final third. His link-up play is extremely effectively and that pass to Doherty for the goal was perfect. Yes, he should have scored in the first half, but credit Hennessey for the save. 7/10

Diogo Jota

Wolves are flying but Jota still isn't himself yet. His confidence looks shot – he’s not playing on instinct and lacks decisiveness. Got into some great positions and linked up really well with Jimenez on a few occasions, finding space in the final third. His work rate is exceptional and he never gives up – he's got a fantastic attitude. However that end product just wasn’t quite there. Really, really needs a goal. 6/10

Substitutes

Ivan Cavaleiro (for Jimenez, 76)

Almost scored for the second week running with a vicious half volley that slapped off the top of the crossbar. 7/10

Romain Saiss (for Costa, 84)

Utilised in an unusual forward role and helped get Wolves over the line. N/A

Adama Traore (for Jota, 87)

Used his pace to burn Van Aanholt on a couple of occasions N/A

Subs not used: Ruddy, Hause, Gibbs-White, Bonatini.