Relegation fears deepen for Everton after hammering at Wolves
The contrasting fortunes of these two sides over the festive period were mirrored in the opening exchanges, and Wolves displayed just why they are unbeaten at Molineux since September.
The first pair of chances both fell to Hwang Hee-chan, who took too long to shoot on each occasion, but the home side managed to go one better mid-way through the first half.
Matheus Cunha’s cross was right on the toe of Craig Dawson, and while Jordan Pickford did excellently to prevent his effort from crossing the line, Max Kilman followed up to bundle in just his second-ever goal for Wolves.
Remarkably, his only previous strike in professional football was an opener in a 2-1 win here against Everton in November 2021, and his side looked good value for a similar result once again.
Chances were at a premium, but Cunha provided some danger and Hwang continued to race in behind without success.
The visitors, meanwhile, have lost both PL games since Abdoulaye Doucouré’s injury after winning each of the previous four, and they sorely missed his attacking drive and creativity.
There were some promising signs for Everton following Sean Dyche’s half-time team talk, but that optimism was soon crushed by a Wolves second.
Pablo Sarabia endeavoured to break through the midfield line and release Hwang, who this time perfectly squared it for Cunha to tap in at the far post.
That all-important goal gave the hosts even more conviction about their play, and Dawson stretched to deflect Cunha’s ball in and catch Pickford off-guard for a quick-fire third.
Dwight McNeil did thunder against the post from distance for Everton following perhaps their best attacking move of the game, but Wolves cruised largely untroubled through the final 20 minutes to victory.
The three points not only saw a continuation of Wolves’ excellent form, but also marked their first win to end the calendar year since they beat Tottenham Hotspur in December 2018.
Meanwhile, the great work done by Dyche and co. to stave off relegation worries following Everton’s points deduction is threatening to unravel with a third defeat on the bounce.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Craig Dawson (Wolves)
