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WOLVES 3-0 EVERTON
The last time Wolves recorded a 3-0 scoreline over Everton was December 1983. It was a similar performance to yesterday’s debacle but just 18 months later Everton were Champions. Even in fantasy world setting, the notion that Everton could be champions in 18 months time after this showing would be seen as nothing short of impossible.
Wolves on the other hand are a team who know who they are, even after two disappointing defeats they were at it from the start and determined to keep chasing their own European aspirations.
Daniel Podence tested Jordan Pickford in the opening couple of minutes with a low drive. Everton created a decent opportunity themselves in the first 10 minutes too after Theo Walcott cleverly fed Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the inside channel. The Everton striker ran into the area and hit a low drive into the far corner but Rui Patricio was equal to it. That was the best it got for Everton in the first half.
During the first half Wolves stroked the ball about without really being able to create anything meaningful as the 352 formation that Carlo Ancelotti had set out nullified the hosts. However, an injury to Yerry Mina on the half-hour mark meant that Seamus Coleman came into a back three that consisted of 2 fullbacks (himself and Lucas Digne) either side of Michael Keane.
With the first half drawing to a close Podence won his side a penalty that looked a bit harsh on Everton. The player went past one player with the ball rebounding into the box, Podence tried a trick but spun into Digne and then fell over, the referee awarded the penalty and unsurprisingly VAR backed him up. Replays showed that there was minimal contact between Podence and Digne.
Raul Jiminez dispatched the penalty for his 25th goal of the season and from that point on it felt the contest was over.
Ancelotti made changes at the break bringing on Alex Iwobi to replace Walcott, and Leighton Baines came off to be replaced by young defender Jarrad Branthwaite for his Premier League debut. The young defender gave away a harsh free kick in a wide position, but was then at fault allowing Leander Dedonker to get across him and head home Wolves 2nd goal of the afternoon.
Everton appeared to be going through the motions after the second goal and Wolves played within themselves. Ancelotti brought on Bernard and Moise Kean but neither could get into the game.
Wolves added a third on the counter-attack with Ruben Neves feeding substitute Diogo Jota with a fine crossfield pass that Jota fired past Pickford at his near post. Pickford had almost allowed a cross to creep under him and into the net but managed to scramble back and stop it on the line. The England keeper’s form is a worry for Everton right now.
Wolves almost added a fourth goal after another counter-attack substitute Armand Traore smashed the ball against the bar with an open goal.
After the game both Carlo Ancelotti and Club Captain Seamus Coleman questioned the attitude and commitment of the Everton players. On this display they are going to have a big rebuilding job if they are to be in the position of Wolves anytime soon.
As for Wolves, they move onto to 3 big games as they chase down an unlikely UEFA Champions League place but it’s further testament to the job Nuno Espirito Sanchez has done at Molineux that they are even in the conversation.
Final Score: Wolves 3-0 Everton
How They Lined Up:
Barry Cass