Wolves hit Toffees with last-gasp Boxing Day sucker punch
With Everton having won one in seven of their Premier League (PL) games prior to the World Cup and Wolves at the foot of PL table, the game had the makings of a crucial clash that could prove vital in the battle to avoid relegation.
It was the Toffees who got off to a dream start though, as Yerry Mina gave them the lead after just 7 minutes with a fantastic glancing header from Dwight McNeil’s corner that nestled into the far bottom corner.
Wolves were looking to win three consecutive games against Everton since a five-game winning run that ended in 1960 and gave themselves a fighting chance, as they responded and drew level midway in the first-half through Daniel Podence after he calmly volleyed home a lovely ball into the box from João Moutinho.
Everton weren’t willing to give up their lead without a fight though, as they went close to going ahead again only for a strong save from José Sá to deny Anthony Gordon and keep Wolves level.
The home side had an excellent chance to take the lead just after the break, as Alex Iwobi headed a close range effort straight at Sá from inside the six-yard box.
The game was end-to-end as both sides desperately tried to take the lead and Wolves nearly did so, but Jordan Pickford was on hand to deny Hugo Bueno as he struck an effort from the left side of the box.
With the game coming to a close, a winner for Wolves began to look less likely as the Wanderers had failed to score in the closing 30 minutes of a league game so far this season.
The Toffees looked the more likely to grab a winner and went close inside the last ten minutes, as substitute Thomas Cannon went close to putting them ahead only for his shot to be cleared off the line.
However, it was Wolves who grabbed a late winner as Adama Traoré raced forward before squaring to substitute Rayan Äit-Nouri who rifled a shot into the back of the net to secure three points for Wolves.
The late goal sees Wolves go just a point behind the Toffees as they climb to 18th and just a point away from safety.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Nathan Collins (Wolves)
