A ruthless Wolves side comfortably beat Everton 3-0 at Molineux on Sunday afternoon.
The first big chance of the game fell to the hosts, as Daniel Pudins’ low drive was pushed away by Jordan Pickford. And after trailing their opponents in the half, they deservedly went in front, as the winger was fouled in the box by Lucas Digne. That paved the way for Raul Jimenez to comfortably convert the resulting penalty just before the break, putting his side 1-0 up.
1 – Everton have kept just one clean sheet in their last 17 away games in the Premier League, scoring at least two goals in 10 of those matches. Sensitivity. #WOLEVE pic.twitter.com/eE912PNCY5
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 12, 2020
The Midlands side then started the second half brilliantly, as Lander Dendonker headed over to double their lead.
Defender Dagny moved closer to the Toffees, as they looked to get back into the game with more attacking intensity. But a brilliant long pass from Ruben Neves found the run of substitute Diego Jota, who slotted past Pickford to make it three for the dominant home side.
There was still time for Adama Traoré to make an incredible miss from close range, as Wolves wrapped up a comprehensive win.
Key talking point
NATO caused all sorts of problems with its direct run / Sam Bagnall – AMA/Getty Images
With both Jota and Traore on the bench, it was an unfamiliar front three for Wolves as Jimenez partnered Portuguese duo Pedro Neto and Podence. Having failed to score in their last two games, it was clear that Santo wanted to shake up their attack, adding fresh legs to help them win a crucial game in their bid to qualify for the Champions League. .
While some fans may have been nervous about the lineup, there was nothing to worry about in the first half. Both wingers looked to take their opponents forward, with Neto’s direct running and Pudence’s trickery with the ball helping the Toffees back into their own half. It was only a matter of time before the Midlands side took the lead, with Pudence’s superb skill forcing Dagne to foul him, resulting in Jimenez comfortably converting his spot-kick. .
Wolves continued to threaten Everton going forward in the second half, and with Neto injured, the addition of Jota meant they could maintain their strength in front of goal, without fear of a dip in quality. When the Pudins came on, there was little to celebrate for their opponents’ defence, who now had to deal with the speedy Traore, who should have scored another quick break towards the end of the game.
So despite many questioning their depth at the start of the season, today’s performance must have been encouraging for their Portuguese head coach, knowing he has plenty of dangerous attacking options.
Nuno brings Nato and Pudence.
Pudence won the pen for the first time.
Neto brilliant assist for the 2nd
Some things I read on Twitter this week.
Don’t doubt it #wwfc pic.twitter.com/kOyhQwWbjY
— Nathan Judah (@NathanJudah) July 12, 2020
Starting XI: Patrick (6); Boley (6), Cody (6), Sais (6); Doherty (6), Dendonkar (6), Neves (6), Jonny (6); Nate (7), Jimenez (7), Power (8*).
Alternative: Jota (7), Traore (6), Moutinho (6),
Pudence was a constant threat to Everton’s backline / Sam Bagnall – AMA/Getty Images
The most dangerous player on the pitch, Daniel Ponce was a constant worry.
Making his first Premier League start since joining the club in January, the Portuguese winger was incredibly lively, and used his pace and skill effectively to create chances for Wolves. In fact, he looked the most likely to score in the first half, and it was his trick that won the extra-time penalty at the end of the half.
Pudenis will be vital for Wolves next season. Something different from the other raiders in the squad.
– Ty??? (@TyroneMc__) July 12, 2020 Key talking point
Richarlison was often left isolated throughout the game / Ben Stansall / Getty Images
Pre-match eyebrows were raised when Ancelotti opted to move away from his preferred backline to a three-man defence. The usually adventurous Digne was selected at centre-back, while Baines and Walcott were used in the unfamiliar role of wing-back.
This move resulted in a lack of creativity moving forward in his play. Often the likes of Sigurðsson and Davies were found passing the ball sideways or backwards rather than launching a quick attack. While Anthony Gordon did his best to connect the midfield with the attack, there was not enough support to help him do so.
This left the front two of Calvert Lyon and Richarlison isolated in their attacking half. A shot on target in the first half said it all, as Ancelotti did early in the second half to help rectify the problem, with Bernard, Alex Iwobi and youngster Gerard Branthwaite all in their own right. Lana was included for the debut.
The Everton manager will have plenty to think about after this game, with his side looking toothless in attack and needing more creativity in their midfield, which he must address in the summer.
Starting XI: Pickford (5); Mena (6), Kane (6), Degan (6); Walcott (6), Davies (6), Gordon (7), Sigurðsson (5), Baines (6); Calvert Lyon (5), Richarlison (6)
Alternative: Coleman (6), Branthwaite (6), Iwobi (6), Barnard (6), Kane (6).
Gordon outshone his experienced teammates with a spirited display / Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images
A disappointing afternoon for Everton, young man Anthony Gordon His midfield was a standout.
Constantly looking to get forward and support the forwards, there was a lot to like about his performance, and with the Toffees’ midfield struggling to fashion opportunities for their front two, that should be expected. That he will get more opportunities in the rest of the season.
Anthony Gordon is playing out of position and is easily better than Tom and Gulfi so far.
— Sam Fearon (@SamSamfearon) July 12, 2020 Looking forward
Wolves next travel to fellow top-half side Burnley on Wednesday evening, while Everton face relegation-threatened Aston Villa a day later.