Wolves boss Lopetegui gets win in first game to sink Everton

Julen Lopetegui’s reign as new Wolverhampton Wanderers manager got off to the perfect start as his side snatched a dramatic 2-1 win over a woeful Everton side in the 95^th minute at Goodison Park.

This was Wolves’ first win in 5 Premier League games, one that will see them rise from the bottom of the standings to 18^th in the table.

Yerry Mina gave Everton the lead in the seventh minute with a steering header from Dwight Mcniel’s corner, but it was the away side who looked better as the game rolled on.

Wolves equalise after early Everton goal

Wolves got their equalizer in the 22^nd minute following a corner of their own through Daniel Podence.

It was Ruben Neves who picked out Joao Moutinho on the edge of the box from the set piece, the latter who then found Podence with a wonderful, lofted pass. The 27-year-old winger made no mistake with a cool finish beyond the reach of Jordan Pickford in the Everton goal.

Frank Lampard’s side looked the better of the two teams before the interval and should have taken the led had it not been for Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa to deny Neil Maupay and Antony Gordon in quick succession.

The hosts however looked far from their best and hardly created anything after the break.

Late drama

Wolves looked up for the fight with their stoic defending and Lopetegui’s substitutions paid off when Rayan Ait-Nouri’s 95^th minute goal gave the travelling side three points.

Adama Traore picked the ball on the right wing and his cross found Ait-Nouri who took a touch before thumping past Pickford to give his side their third topflight win of the season.

The home supports booed manager Frank Lampard at the final whistle with their side flirting with the relegation zone. Everton have lost 21 Premier League matches this year, the highest in their history overtaking 21 losses in 1997 and 2005.

The Toffees narrowly escaped dropping into the Championship last season and currently sit on 17^th after one win in nine games and will face reigning Champions Manchester City at the Etihad on the last day of the year.

Wolves however will be looking to build on their win as they host Manchester United at home in 5 days’ time.

Photo credit: IMAGO / Action Plus