Orel Mangala was speaking following Everton's 4-0 Premier League win over Wolves
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Orel Mangala believes his Everton side produced the perfect response against Wolverhampton Wanderers after Sunday’s hammering at Manchester United. The Blues endured one of their toughest days of the season so far against Ruben Amorim’s side at Old Trafford as they were beaten 4-0. However, they bounced back in style at Goodison Park on Wednesday night.
After an end-to-end start, Sean Dyche’s side opened the scoring through Ashley Young before Mangala added a second 12 minutes before the half-time break. Two Craig Dawson own goals in the second-half completed the rout.
“Perfect response,” Mangala declared post-match. “We showed from the first minute that we wanted to get the win, and 4-0 was a very good result at home. So we are very happy about it.”
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Reflecting on the big difference from Sunday, the midfielder said: “The energy we put in from the first minute was different today. We decided to press them hard from the first minute, and I think that was the biggest difference.”
Mangala joined Everton on a season-long loan from Ligue 1 side Lyon back in August; however, he had only linked up with the French side in July for around £15m from Nottingham Forest, which was completed before the profit and sustainability deadline of 30 June.
The Belgium international's goal was his first for the club, and after he was replaced by Harrison Armstrong in the closing stages, he received a big ovation from Blues supporters as he made his way round to the dugouts.
"I feel very happy," he said. “I scored my first goal at Goodison, and I’m very happy about that. It was a crazy feeling. When the ball came back, I just wanted to shoot as hard as possible, so I’m very happy.”
Asked about the ovation he received, Mangala replied: “A special feeling and I'm very thankful for that because they showed me love since the first day I came in. I’m very thankful for the fans.”