Everton were reduced to nine men in a chaotic conclusion at Hill Dickinson Stadium, but managed to hold Wolverhampton Wanderers to a 2-2 draw, with teenager Mateus Mané scoring a crucial equaliser for the visitors. The result highlighted Wolves’ recent improvement under Rob Edwards, while raising questions over Everton’s discipline and attacking firepower.

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Keane Opens Scoring for Everton

Everton took the lead in the 17th minute when defender Michael Keane capitalised on a loose ball in the box, scoring his third Premier League goal of the season. After a largely unremarkable opening, Everton looked in control, though Wolves gradually grew into the game, showing early signs of the resilience that has defined their recent form.

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Mateus Mané’s Ice-Cold Equaliser

Wolves’ revival was epitomised by exciting 18-year-old forward Mateus Mané, who has been one of the season’s standout young talents. In the 69th minute, Mané latched onto a clever pass from substitute Jørgen Strand Larsen, maintaining his composure to slot the ball past Jordan Pickford, earning Wolves a vital point.

Mané, who scored his first senior goal in the 3-0 victory over West Ham, has emerged as a bright spark in an otherwise difficult season for Wolves and is quickly drawing attention from potential suitors.

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Late Drama: Red Cards for Everton

What followed was a chaotic ending that threatened to overturn Everton’s hard-earned point.

• Michael Keane received a straight red card in the 83rd minute after a VAR review determined he had pulled the hair of Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare during an aerial challenge.
• Just minutes later, Jack Grealish was sent off for a second yellow card due to dissent, leaving Everton with only nine men for the final nine minutes of stoppage time.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford produced a brilliant save from Hugo Bueno, denying Wolves a last-gasp winner.

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Everton Analysis: Discipline and Attack in Question

Fans were left frustrated at Everton’s mix of disciplinary issues and attacking ineffectiveness. Manager David Moyes continues to grapple with the absence of key players: Iliman Ndiaye is away at the Africa Cup of Nations, while Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Although Everton started strongly and led through Keane’s goal, they struggled to trouble Wolves keeper Jose Sa, hanging on nervously to secure a point. The draw leaves Everton in 12th place, with just one point from two recent home games against Brentford and Wolves, showing the challenges Moyes faces in injecting creativity and attacking threat into his squad.

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Wolves Analysis: Progress Under Rob Edwards

Wolves manager Rob Edwards will take some positives from the performance, despite the disappointment of missing a late winner. Hugo Bueno’s spectacular long-range effort was brilliantly saved by Pickford, denying the club back-to-back league victories.

Wolves’ recent improvement has been evident:

• Narrow losses to Arsenal and Liverpool.
• A draw at Manchester United.
• First league win of the season against West Ham United.

Although the club remains 14 points adrift of 16th-placed Nottingham Forest, the resurgence under Edwards, highlighted by Mané’s composure and creativity, offers hope for the future.

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Player of the Match

• Mateus Mané (Wolves) – 8.20 average rating. His decisive equaliser and overall composure under pressure earned him recognition as the standout performer.
• Jordan Pickford (Everton) – 7.33 average rating. Made critical saves, including a stunning stop from Hugo Bueno, keeping Everton in the game.

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What’s Next?

Everton:

• FA Cup: vs Sunderland, 10 January, 12:15 GMT at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
• Premier League: vs Aston Villa, 18 January, 16:30 GMT.

Wolves:

• FA Cup: vs Shrewsbury Town, 10 January, 12:15 GMT.
• Premier League: vs Newcastle United, 18 January, 14:00 GMT at Molineux.

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Key Takeaways

• Everton held on with nine men after Keane and Grealish were sent off.
• Wolves’ Mateus Mané scored a crucial equaliser, highlighting his growing influence.
• Everton struggled to convert chances and showed poor discipline, raising questions for David Moyes.
• Wolves show signs of progress under Rob Edwards, though relegation remains a looming challenge.