Everton continued their impressive away form and solidified their position in the top four of the Premier League with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Wolves at Molineux.

The match began in ferocious fashion as Alex Iwobi broke the deadlock with his first goal in 38 league appearances. Lucas Digne notching his fifth assist in only nine games this season proving once again to be an influential figure for the Blues

Despite the early pressure Ruben Neves equalised for the hosts eight minutes later courtesy of some good work from full back Rayan Ait Nouri. The Portugese international met the cross well with a superb side-footed finish past Jordan Pickford. The usually solid Everton back four were caught ball watching, leaving two Wolves players open at the back post.

Although the only shot on target in the second half went to the Toffees, Nuno Espirito Santo would have thought it would be his side to go ahead as they became the dominant side in the second-half. However, Michael Keane headed home from a brilliant Andre Gomes cross for his fourth goal of the season as Carlo Ancelotti’s side moved three points clear of fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur although Jose Mourinho’s side have a game in hand.

Today’s win will seem like a significant one in the grand scheme of the season as the game was managed with comfort. Wolves were held to limited chances, leaving Pickford with little to do due to the rest of the team doing their jobs effectively. Yerry Mina and Michael Keane have quickly become Everton’s best two center backs and should be touted as one of the best partnerships in the league. Both players deal with every ball in the air as well as adding an element of progressive passing into their game. The latter in particular put in a man of the match performance after his towering header secured all three points.

In terms of the overall team, it was a good performance with James Rodriguez, Alex Iwobi and Lucas Digne the standouts on the attacking front. James and Iwobi, especially in the first half were linking up well and their passing was dangerous. Tom Davies had an indifferent game in the midfield, losing the ball on a consistent basis but winning the majority of his duels. Gylfi Sigurdsson will stand out as the only real negative, the Icelandic number ten failing to adapt to his false nine role and becoming a spectator for most of the game.

The fact that the Blues have collected nineteen points from away games will impress fans as well as showing that they are able to compromise when it comes to winning ugly. The lack of striker today proved to be no problem as Carlo has instilled a level of concentration and organization that is to be admired.

The Toffees face a tough test in Aston Villa next yet there may be a chance that the game is postponed. If it is postponed, it might be in Everton’s favour as they eagerly await the return of Allan who will be especially needed as Abdoulaye Doucoure will miss the next game through suspension.

Player Ratings:
Jordan Pickford – 7
Lucas Digne – 6
Ben Godfrey – 7.5
Michael Keane – 9 (MOTM)
Yerry Mina – 8
Mason Holgate – 7
Tom Davies – 6
Abdoulaye Doucouré – 6
James Rodriguez – 7
Alexander Iwobi – 7.5
Gylfi Sigurdsson – 4

Subs:
Andre Gomes – 7
Seamus Coleman- N/A
Richarlison- N/A