MX23RW : Thursday, November 7 21:30:14| >> :120:15447:15447:
[monks data]
Wolves logo
Premier League | Gameweek 18
Jan 12, 2021 at 8.15pm UK
Molineux
Everton logo

Wolves
1 - 2
Everton

Neves (14')
Semedo (89'), Hoever (90+5')
FT(HT: 1-1)
Iwobi (6'), Keane (77')
Doucoure (50'), Holgate (69')

Everton maintain top-four charge with narrow win at Wolves

Alex Iwobi and Michael Keane scored as the Toffees won at Molineux.

Michael Keane maintained in-form Everton’s Champions League challenge after a 2-1 win at Wolves.

The defender’s second-half header lifted the Toffees back into the Premier League’s top four.

Ruben Neves cancelled out Alex Iwobi’s first league goal for 17 months as the teams traded early blows.

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Everton – Premier League – Molineux Stadium
Michael Keane headed home Everton’s winner at Wolves (Richard Heathcote/PA)

But Keane’s far post header secured victory, although Neves hit the woodwork with a late free-kick, to leave Carlo Ancelotti’s side back in the European picture.

Wolves have now won just once in eight league games since Raul Jimenez fractured his skull at the end of November and they dropped to 14th.

Last season’s 3-0 defeat at Molineux in July left the Toffees 11th and boss Ancelotti furious as he questioned their spirit and blasted an “unacceptable” display.

This time the visitors came away back in the top four after a fifth win in six games to underline their progress.

They were robbed of 14-goal Dominic Calvert-Lewin with the striker out with a hamstring injury but Iwobi eased concerns over his absence after just six minutes.

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Everton – Premier League – Molineux Stadium
Alex Iwobi opened the scoring at Molineux (Rui Vieira/PA)

James Rodriguez’s measured pass found Lucas Digne and his cushioned volley was met by the onrushing and unmarked Iwobi to produce a first-time finish from 16 yards into the bottom corner.

It was the forward’s first Premier League goal since he scored against Wolves in September 2019.

It also meant the hosts have now conceded first in 10 of their last 11 league games but they trailed for just eight minutes.

Tom Davies conceded a soft corner which Yerry Mina only half cleared and Rayan Ait-Nouri skipped down the left. His drilled cross was volleyed in by Neves for his second goal in two league games.

Three minutes later only a sharp Jordan Pickford stop denied Fabio Silva and Rui Patricio saved from Iwobi soon after.

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Everton – Premier League – Molineux Stadium
A goal from Ruben Neves drew Wolves level against Everton (Richard Heathcote/PA)

Iwobi should have done better and it was the final chance of an entertaining first half, despite the game failing to build on the early drama.

Two well-matched teams struggled to find the same fluency after the break, though, although Leander Dendoncker headed over Joao Moutinho’s free-kick.

It came after Abdoulaye Doucoure was booked for chopping down Pedro Neto and the midfielder will now miss the Toffees’ next game.

Wolves are yet to find the consistency which propelled them to Europe and, without Jimenez, look unlikely to challenge again this season after another lightweight display.

Neves was close to a spectacular second when his 30-yard volley dipped just wide with 20 minutes left but the hosts never prised Everton open.

Richarlison was introduced to give the visitors some impetus but it was Keane who grabbed the winner with 13 minutes remaining.

Andre Gomes worked space on the left and his teasing cross was powered in at the far post by the England defender.

Neves’ free-kick then clipped the bar with five minutes to go but Wolves could not find a leveller.

ID:430292: cacheID:430292:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:10949:No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool108111961325
2Manchester CityMan City1072121111023
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest10541147719
4Chelsea105322012818
5Arsenal105321711618
6Aston Villa105321715218
7Tottenham HotspurSpurs1051422111116
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton104421714316
9Fulham104331413115
10Bournemouth104331312115
11Newcastle UnitedNewcastle104331010015
12Brentford104151920-113
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd10334912-312
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham103251319-611
15Leicester CityLeicester102441418-410
16Everton102351017-79
17Crystal Palace10145813-57
18Ipswich TownIpswich100551021-115
19Southampton10118719-124
20Wolverhampton WanderersWolves100371427-133


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!