LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 04: Ashley Young of Everton scores his team's first goal from a free kick as Santiago Bueno, Craig Dawson, Joergen Strand Larsen and Mario Lemina of Wolverhampton Wanderers attempt to block as they form a wall during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC at Goodison Park on December 04, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
Ashley Young curls a free-kick into the bottom corner to set Everton on their way to a thumping victory over Wolves
Everton secured what could be a hugely-important victory for Sean Dyche among their daunting December fixture list as they thrashed fellow strugglers Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-0. It was only the Blues' second Premier League home win of Goodison Park’s historic final season.
Everton knew that despite the visitors going into the game in the relegation zone, they could potentially leapfrog them with a victory. But in truth that never looked likely as the Blues blew Wolves away in emphatic fashion to move five points clear of the drop zone.
Ashley Youngbecame the oldest scorer in Everton history when he put them ahead through a 10th-minute free-kick and despite a James Tarkowski header being ruled out because offside, Oriel Mangala doubled the advantage on 33 minutes.
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The rout was completed with a brace of Craig Dawson own goals on 49 and 72 minutes, getting the final touch ahead of Dominic Calvert-Lewin on both occasions.
And while another effort from Iliman Ndiaye was chalked off because of a Calvert-Lewin foul on Jose Sa in the build-up, it couldn’t spoil a special night for loyal but long suffering Evertonians.
And here's how we rated the players...
Jordan Pickford 7
Made a couple of smart stops when the game was still goalless to deny Joao Gomes and Matheus Cunha and remained alert.
Ashley Young 8
Terrifically-struck free kick goal capped an impressive night for the right-back as he entered the record books to become the oldest scorer in Everton history, he had a spring in his step again.
Vitalii Mykolenko 7
Played a part in the build-up to the second goal, albeit with a scuffed effort, and while it was a low bar, he was much better than on Sunday with a more disciplined display.
James Tarkowski 7
Grew into the game and looked stronger in the second half after creaking a bit early on, he was cruelly denied a second goal for Everton after he headed in Dwight McNeil’s cross at the back post when referee Michael Salisbury decided an offside Orel Mangala was interfering with play, it had been a welcome return to form from the captain after losing an early aerial duel cheaply.
Jarrad Branthwaite 7
Overcame a fitness scare when he appeared to be hobbling off in pain at half-time, he made some decisive interceptions, playing his way back into form after his Old Trafford nightmare.
Idrissa Gueye 7
A hive of activity, this was an industrious display in the engine room and he played a nice little touch in the set piece move that eventually resulted in Everton’s second goal.
Orel Mangala 8
Netted a terrific first strike for Everton with a wicked effort to redeem himself having been the VAR fall guy after he stood in an offside position for Tarkowski’s disallowed headed goal and interfered with play.
Abdoulaye Doucoure 7
Back in his more advanced ‘number 10’ role, he linked the midfield and attack well with his hard running but could have looked after the ball better at times.
Dwight McNeil 8
Back to being Everton’s creator supreme, it was unfortunate that his well-hit free kick delivery to Tarkowski was not rewarded with an assist because of the goal being chalked off but he then put in the delivery that resulted in Mangala’s strike before providing the crosses for the third and fourth goals.
Iliman Ndiaye 7
It was rotten luck for him to be denied a goal when following up a chance in determined fashion, only for Calvert-Lewin to have judged to fouled goalkeeper Jose Sa, he started on the right and when finding his feet in the new position, drew the foul for the free kick from which the first goal was scored.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin 7
Denied a double strike after both his goal-bound efforts took a final touch off Craig Dawson for a brace of own goals, he looked to have the bit between his teeth again having been dropped to the bench against Manchester United, and had several other decent chances, shooting too close to Jose Sa shortly after Tarkowski’s effort was chalked off.
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Jack Harrison (on 74 for McNeil) 6
Lively showing off the bench but made a mess of a late shot that went high into the Gwladys Street when Lindstrom put a chance on a plate for him and then another when fed by Broja.
Armando Broja (on 83 for Calvert-Lewin)
Late debut for the deadline day signing, he teed up Harrison for an inviting opportunity.
Jesper Lindstrom (on 83 for Doucoure)
Set up Harrison for a big chance near the end.
Harrison Armstrong (on 89 for Mangala)
Cameo for the Scouse teenager so the Belgium international could get a standing ovation, he still had enough time to get booked for a heavy challenge on Cunha.