Wolves and Everton Shared Points After Intense Battle at Molineux
Wolverhampton Wanderers fought back to secure a draw against Everton, ending the match 1-1, showcasing both teams' push for solidifying their positions above the relegation zone. The Premier League clash at Molineux on March 8, 2025, saw Everton initially take the lead, only for Wolves to respond swiftly.
Jack Harrison put the Toffees on the scoreboard first, netting his first goal for Everton after 39 appearances. Assisted by Jesper Lindström, Harrison's shot took deflections before finding the back of the net in the 33rd minute, showcasing Everton's resilience after their time away for training abroad.
Wolves, determined to respond and capitalize on their home advantage, did not let the setback deter them. Just seven minutes later, Marshall Munetsi equalized for the hosts, demonstrating the attacking threat Wolves could pose even without their leading striker, Matheus Cunha, who was serving his suspension after being sent off in the FA Cup loss to Bournemouth.
Munetsi's goal, expertly set up by Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, was pivotal since it marked him as the first Zimbabwean to score in the Premier League since Benjani's goal for Blackburn against Liverpool back in 2011. His decisive play came after he received Bellegarde’s cross and expertly tucked it past Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
The match statistics showed Everton with slightly more expected goals (1.32) compared to Wolves' 0.60, hinting at the Toffees’ missed chances throughout the match. Statistically, Wolves dominated possessions with 66% but shot count told another story, ending nearly even with Wolves having 11 shots to Everton's 12.
According to manager David Moyes, this match was another chapter waiting for Everton’s revival. "It’s frustrating to drop points from winning positions, but we remain undefeated over the last eight matches," said Moyes. His team, currently sitting 14th with 33 points, is now 15 points clear from the relegation zone.
Moyes’ side entered the match with confidence, reflecting their improved performance since he took over the managerial duties. Winning four and drawing four of their last eight games signifies their shift toward stability.
Despite the good form by Everton, Wolves fans displayed muted optimism. A crowd at Molineux was roaring for answers and calls for victory were echoing through the venue, intensified by Munetsi’s equalizer. At 17th place with 23 points, they found themselves six points clear of the relegation zone, thanks to steady improving performances.
Looking at the tactical approach, Everton’s attacking strategy focused heavily on set pieces, which had previously yielded results under Moyes. Four of their five best chances stemmed from these situations throughout the match. Meanwhile, Wolves' energetic gameplay, especially following their equalizer, pronounced their ambition to snatch all three points.
Following Munetsi’s goal, both teams had opportunities to claim the win; Wolves missed several chances, and Everton couldn’t convert theirs. Pickford made multiple noteworthy saves, including one against Strand Larsen who tested him from sharp angles.
The Wolves aim to build upon this performance as they prepare for their upcoming fixture against bottom-placed Southampton, hoping to capitalize on any slip-ups and add more points toward relegation security.
"We needed those points; this is our moment to come back stronger with three points against teams we think we can beat," said Wolves manager Vitor Pereira. His desire to climb the table resonates well within the squad after the recent rollercoaster of form. Meanwhile, Everton will seek to solidify their position against West Ham, continuing their push for a more comfortable ending to the season.
Overall, the match acted as both a reminder of the struggles faced at the bottom of the Premier League as well as the potential for recovery as teams like Wolves and Everton navigate the final stretch of the season, striving for safety and positioning.