After a torrid week of results, it was important for Wolves to right their wrongs and continue with their push for a European place through the league. There was a slight sense of predictability in previous games but Nuno rang the changes in order to add some freshness to the team and this led to Wolves emphatically winning 3-0 against Everton.
Rui Patricio
Another game where Patricio did not have a great amount to deal with but was alert to situations when required. He saved a few flash chances from Calvert-Lewin but nothing too troubling. He also showed once again, his assertiveness in commanding his area and his improvement in distribution, after playing an amazing ball to Jota late in the second half. Another clean sheet makes it 4/6 since the restart.
7/10
Matt Doherty
Doherty is a player who is often lauded for his attacking capabilities, but in this particular game, he was very solid defensively and ensured that he was undertaking both duties of his game with confidence. He had some good linkup with the attackers and won all of his aerial duels when the ball was switched to him.
7/10
Willy Boly
After a succession of uncharacteristically poor performances, Boly was back to his normal assured self. He kept things simple and ensured that he was linking defence to attack with ease through carrying the ball out. He, along with his centre back partners, did a great job in sounding out the usually dangerous duo of Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison.
7/10
Conor Coady
Coady once again showed why he deserves an England call-up, as he commanded his team with great authority and ensured that the Everton attackers did not give Patricio much to think about. His positional play is often overlooked and is something that has helped Wolves be so impressive over recent years. He will have been hurting after the past two displays but ensured that the troops were fired up for this game.
7/10
Romain Saiss
After showing some slow buildup play in the previous game, I believe the ‘midfielder’ in Saiss came alive as he started to show more hastiness in starting the attacks. He played a few tasty defence-splitting passes and also ensured that his own defensive display and positioning were on top form. He, alongside his defensive partners, dealt well with the Everton threats.
7/10
Jonny Otto
Jonny was another player who struggled against Sheffield United, but showed his willingness to keep fighting and performed solidly once again. He showed some good linkup play with Podence and also did well to nullify the numerous Everton attackers that came on his side.
7/10
Ruben Neves
It was a hard call to determine who the Man of the Match was for this game, but after deep thought, I decided to give it to Neves. His abilities as a midfielder are genuinely up there with the best in the league and he controlled the tempo of this game so effortlessly. His transition from defence to attack is so perfect. He played two absolutely world-class balls to Jota (after winning the ball back from Everton), with the second one leading to a goal. A true superstar.
9/10
Leander Dendoncker
One of Wolves’ unlikely in-form goalscorer’s at the moment with 2 goals in his last 4 games, but what really impressed me was his ability to slot into the 2 man midfield so easily. He kept things tidy with good interceptions and simple passing and has now given Nuno some more food for thought for that position (as he’s often slotted in as the 3rd midfielder). He did well to glance the Neto free-kick into the bottom left corner early in the second half.
8/10
Pedro Neto
Drafted in alongside Podence as the new-look wide men in the team and they both duly impressed. Neto showed great hunger and directness as he looked to take the game to Everton, something that Wolves have been missing in previous games. He delivered an absolute peach of a free-kick onto Dendoncker’s head for the 2nd goal to add some comfort to the scoreline. He was taken off injured in the second half, but hopefully, it’s nothing too serious, as he can be a great asset to Wolves in the remaining games.
8/10
Raul Jimenez
Jimenez showed more signs of returning to form after his mini drought. He often links up well with his attacking partners and did so again. He could also have entered as a contender for goal of the season after a speculative overhead kick attempt, but these were all signs of him returning to his usual self. He took his penalty well and added to his impressive tally for the season. At times his decision making could have been slightly better but an overall strong display.
7/10
Daniel Podence
‘Free Podence’ were the cries from Wolves fans after the Sheffield United game and Nuno answered by loosening the shackles. From the very start, Podence showed great determination to impress with his opportunity. His directness through taking on players and testing Pickford were elements that added some bite to the Wolves attack. His vision was also something that was very impressive, as he slotted a perfect through ball to Neto. His fast feet were too much for Everton to cope with as he showed a great bit of skill to catch Digne out and win a penalty. He was also very unlucky to not register a goal on his full debut as Pickford scraped the ball off the line. A great case for another start in the next game.
9/10
Subs
Diogo Jota
Jota was brought on to replace Neto and it looked like it was going to be another one of ‘those days’, as he was played through 1 on 1, to then fluff his lines. Rather than allowing this to dictate his performance, he kept going and was rewarded with a similar opportunity later in the game, unleashing a venomous strike into the back of the net. He could also have played provider as he put one on a plate for Traore, who missed an absolute sitter.
7/10
Adama Traore
Traore, like Jota, started the game on the bench and was brought on later to cause more problems for the Everton defence. He stretched them with a few mazy runs during his stint. He will be disappointed after missing a glorious chance, that looked easier to score than miss.
6/10
Joao Moutinho
After playing so much football this season, it was a chance for Moutinho to have a rest and allow him to recharge his batteries. He was brought on late in the game in order to shore things up and add his vast experience.
6/10