Wolves edge Everton in tight League Cup clash
The League Cup third-round meeting between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton at Molineux turned into a tense battle that was ultimately decided by a single goal. Wolves, who had suffered some tough results recently, found themselves with a much-needed victory in front of their home supporters.
The decisive moment came in the 29th minute, when Marshall Munetsi struck for Wolves. His goal was the product of consistent pressure, with Wolves dominating possession from the early stages. Everton’s defense had been stretched, and the breakthrough was earned after Wolves worked the ball cleverly into the final third. The finish, once delivered, was greeted with huge relief from the Wolves bench and their fans in the stands.
From then on, the tone of the match shifted. Everton were forced to chase the game, but despite moments of promise, they struggled to break down the Wolves back line. Chances came and went, most notably when James Garner fired high from distance and when Thierno Barry had an effort blocked late in the first half. Everton’s attempts were present, but clear-cut opportunities were rare.
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The statistics painted a picture of Wolves’ control. Possession was heavily in their favor at around 65 percent, with nearly double the passes completed compared to Everton. Yet, despite that dominance on the ball, the contest never felt entirely comfortable for Wolves. Both sides registered seven shots in total, though only three of Wolves’ efforts tested the goalkeeper compared to a solitary shot on target for Everton.
Physical battles in midfield were a constant theme, and fouls from both sides kept the referee busy. Everton’s Tim Iroegbunam and James Garner tried to disrupt Wolves’ rhythm, while Dwight McNeil and Charly Alcaraz worked hard in wider areas but found little end product. For Wolves, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Jørgen Strand Larsen were particularly effective in keeping Everton pinned back, linking play with Munetsi and creating half-chances to extend the lead.
As the second half wore on, Everton introduced fresh legs, with Beto and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall brought on at the restart to inject energy into their attack. However, Wolves’ defensive structure held firm. Goalkeeper Sam Johnstone was largely untroubled, his one key save enough to preserve the lead.
By the final whistle, it was clear that this wasn’t just another cup tie—it was a hard-earned win that Wolves badly needed. For Everton, the result will sting, especially given their recent form in the league. The two clubs have a long history of close encounters, and this match fit neatly into that pattern: narrow margins, strong physical battles, and ultimately, one goal deciding the outcome.
So, Wolves march on in the League Cup, their campaign kept alive by Munetsi’s first-half strike. For Everton, it’s back to the drawing board as they turn attention once again to league matters, still in search of consistency.
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