Molineux was buzzing, and for good reason. Wolves snatched a vital 2-1 victory against Everton on Saturday, a result that feels bigger than just three points. This wasn't a classic, not by a long shot, but it was a proper Premier League scrap, decided by who wanted it more in the middle of the park.
The first half was a cagey affair, both teams feeling each other out like heavyweights in the early rounds. Everton, to their credit, started sharper. Dwight McNeil was a constant menace down the left, whipping in a couple of dangerous crosses that just missed Dominic Calvert-Lewin's head. It felt like a goal was coming, and sure enough, it did. Around the 28-minute mark, a slick passing move saw Abdoulaye Doucouré burst into the box, and his low shot found the bottom corner. Molineux went quiet, a rare sound these days.
Wolves looked a bit stunned after that. They were struggling to string passes together, and their usual fluidity was missing. But good teams find a way, don't they? Just before halftime, a moment of individual brilliance changed everything. Pedro Neto, who had been relatively quiet, picked up the ball 30 yards out, beat two defenders, and unleashed a thunderbolt that flew past Jordan Pickford. 1-1 at the break. That goal completely shifted the momentum, and you could feel it in the stands.
O'Neil's Midfield Masterclass
Gary O'Neil clearly had a word or two at halftime. Wolves came out for the second half a different team. They pressed higher, their passes were crisper, and suddenly, Everton's midfield looked overwhelmed. João Gomes and Mario Lemina, who had been anonymous in the first 45, started dictating play. They won tackles, broke up Everton's rhythm, and launched attacks with purpose.
Thing is, Everton's midfield just couldn't cope with the increased intensity. Amadou Onana, usually so dominant, looked leggy. Doucouré, after his goal, faded from the game. This allowed Wolves' creative players, particularly Matheus Cunha and Neto, to find pockets of space they were denied earlier. It felt like O'Neil had tweaked the system, pushing Gomes further forward, almost as a second number eight, which put immense pressure on Everton's double pivot.
The winning goal, around the 67th minute, was a direct result of this midfield dominance. A loose pass from James Garner was pounced on by Gomes, who drove forward, played a neat one-two with Cunha, and then slotted home calmly. It was a goal born from sheer will and tactical adjustment. Everton manager Sean Dyche tried to respond, bringing on Beto for Calvert-Lewin and André Gomes for Garner, but the damage was already done. Wolves held firm, defending stoutly for the last 20 minutes, with Craig Dawson putting in a warrior's performance at the back, winning everything in the air.
Wolves' European Dream, Everton's Reality Check
This result means a heck of a lot for both clubs. For Wolves, it keeps their European aspirations very much alive. They're now sitting 7th in the table, just two points behind Manchester United, who drew earlier in the day. Their form at Molineux has been excellent, picking up 10 points from their last four home games. If they can maintain this consistency, particularly against teams around them, a Europa League spot is a real possibility. Cunha and Neto are firing, scoring 23 goals between them this season, which is a big reason for their success.
Here's the thing: I still think Wolves are a striker short of being a truly top-six side. Cunha is good, but they need another consistent goalscorer to truly push for Champions League. But hey, for a team that many tipped for mid-table, O'Neil is doing a phenomenal job. He’s got them playing exciting football, and the fans are absolutely loving it.
For Everton, it's a bit of a reality check. They're still in a decent position, 10th in the league, but this loss stings. It was a winnable game against a direct rival for those European places. Their away form has been patchy, and they haven't won on the road in the league since beating Fulham 2-0 back in January. Dyche will be concerned about the lack of creativity once Wolves shut down the wide areas. When McNeil isn't firing, they struggle to create clear-cut chances. Calvert-Lewin had only two shots on target all game, which isn't enough.
Real talk: Everton needs to find a way to break down organized defenses, especially when the initial press isn't working. Relying solely on set pieces and direct play won't cut it against the better teams. They've got a tough run coming up, facing Arsenal at Goodison Park next weekend, followed by a trip to Brighton. Dyche needs to rally the troops and ensure this loss doesn't derail their season.
As for Wolves, they travel to Brentford next, a team that always makes life difficult at home. Then they host Nottingham Forest, another crucial game for their European charge. If they can take six points from those two, the dream will be very much alive.
Prediction: Wolves will finish 6th this season, securing European football for the first time since 2020.