After five games without a win, Everton made the much-needed step in their recovery process towards the Premier League with an emphatic 4-0 win over Wolverhampton at Goodison Park. This faultless exhibition came at a critical juncture, pulling the team outside the relegation zone and re-igniting hope within the fans. Efficient with set-piece moves and led by veterans like Ashley Young, the Toffees proved that they still had the weapons to fight back this uncompromising season.
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The rout exposed Wolverhampton's defensive frailties in a season that has seemingly been a nightmare for the Wolves. The team of Everton celebrated its biggest home win since 2019, as the Wolves continue to be mired in their structural problems that keep them second-to-last in the standings. It was the perfect precursor for the Toffees to take on Liverpool in the Merseyside derby.
A symbol of resilience
The standout moment in the match came early when Ashley Young opened the scoring with an accurate free kick in the 10th minute. At 39, the veteran wrote another chapter in his long career, becoming the fourth-oldest player to score in Premier League history. The low shot, which had crept through Wolverhampton's wall like a whisper, was his 50th goal in the competition. Young epitomized the experience that had been lacking for Everton over recent weeks.
Mangala’s redemption
After James Tarkowski’s header was disallowed by VAR due to Orel Mangala’s offside position, the Belgian quickly redeemed himself. In the 33rd minute, he seized a loose ball at the edge of the box and extended Everton’s lead with a deflected shot that turned uncertainty into celebration. It was a symbolic moment: Everton took every chance against a static and disorganized Wolverhampton side.
The Toffees’ deadly weapon
One of the defining traits of Sean Dyche's team has been their dead-ball efficiency. Against Wolverhampton, this trait was fully utilized. All four goals were the result of dead-ball situations that exposed the visitors' defensive weaknesses. The third and fourth goals, both own goals by Craig Dawson, came from dangerous Dwight McNeil crosses.
Solid in defense and effective in attack
If Wolverhampton's defense was disastrous, Everton were perfect in every way. Jordan Pickford was on the post when necessary, Dominic Calvert-Lewin confirmed to be a point of reference in attack, as it took all the opposing defense with its runs. He didn't score, but he contributed with intensity to the two moves of the Dawson goals. The conductor was McNeil, who created plays, gave assists, and provided crosses that put Wolverhampton in disarray.
A strategy that works
Sean Dyche can breathe a little easier. The pressure on the coach was immense coming into the match, but he responded with a game plan that really exploited the opponent's weaknesses. The win puts Everton in 15th place, five points clear of the relegation zone.
Wolverhampton on red alert
On the other hand, Wolverhampton remains in crisis. With the worst defense of the Premier League this season — 36 goals conceded in 14 matches — Gary O'Neil's team needs adjustments urgently.