Wales v Moldova: Player ratings after World Cup qualifier

Gareth Bale scored twice against Moldova to become his country's second highest scorer

Wales swept Moldova aside with a comprehensive 4-0 win at the Cardiff City Stadium to get their World Cup 2018 qualifying campaign off to the perfect start.

Manager Chris Coleman began with nine of the 11 players who started their Euro 2016 semi-final defeat by Portugal in July - but who impressed and who had a quieter evening?

Wayne Hennessey (goalkeeper) - 6

The Crystal Palace keeper could have taken a seat in the stands and the outcome of the game would probably have been much the same.

Chris Gunter (right-back) - 7

Helped Wales press Moldova high up the field with an energetic attacking display and could have won a penalty when he was tripped in the area in the first half.

James Chester (centre-back) - 7

With Moldova sitting deep, the Aston Villa defender saw a lot of the ball and used it wisely.

Ashley Williams (centre-back) - 7

One of the captain's easiest evenings in a Wales shirt, barely troubled by Moldova's attackers and comfortable on the ball.

Ben Davies (centre-back) - 7

Confident in possession, the Tottenham defender showed no signs of rust despite not playing for his club this season.

Neil Taylor (left-back) - 7

Like Gunter, pushed forward to good effect and might have added to his tally of one international goal had his shooting been more accurate.

Joe Allen (midfielder) - 8

The heartbeat of Wales' midfield capped another industrious and creative display with his first goal for his country.

Joe Allen scored his first Wales goal in his 32nd appearance for his country

Joe Ledley (midfielder) - 7

Typically neat on the ball, forming a solid midfield partnership with Allen, for whom he provided a first international goal with a well-taken corner.

Andy King (midfielder) - 8

One of the Leicester midfielder's better performances for Wales, playing some razor-sharp passes and breaking into promising attacking positions.

Gareth Bale (forward) - 8

The Real Madrid forward was not at his absolute best but he intimidated Moldova's defence with his direct running and took his first goal ruthlessly.

Sam Vokes (striker) - 7

Finished well with his head to break Moldova's stout resistance and led Wales' attack with energy and physicality.

Sam Vokes has scored in two of his past three games for Wales

Substitutes

Emyr Huws (on for Ledley, 67 minutes) - 7

The new Cardiff City signing filled Ledley's role with a similarly tidy range of passing.

Hal Robson-Kanu (on for Vokes, 75 minutes) - 7

Missed a good chance late on but a lively performance considering the new West Brom striker had been without a club until Wednesday.

James Collins (on for Williams, 82 minutes) - 6

One shaky moment when his clearance was blocked in the Wales penalty area but that aberration did not prove costly.