Some of the talking points behind the headlines as Everton seal a massive win over Wolverhampton Wanderers
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Matheus Cunha applauds the fans at full-time following the team's defeat in the Premier League match between Everton FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC at Goodison Park on December 04, 2024
(Image: Jack Thomas - WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images)
Armando Broja’s Everton debut means the club will now have to start paying parent club Chelsea for his services.
One of the key elements of one of the final deals of the summer transfer window was that the striker would not cost a penny until he recovered from the achilles injury he arrived on Merseyside with.
After playing twice for the Under-21s last week his inclusion in the matchday squad on Thursday night, which resulted in a 10 minute cameo full of promise, means Everton will now have to start paying for his services. If he can find the form he offered a glimpse of against Wolverhampton Wanderers then it will be money well spent - though it will take a lot more to justify the hefty fee should Everton wish to exercise their option to make the move permanent.
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Michael Keane gives the supporters what they want
Broja’s debut was just one of several feel-good moments on a pivotal night for the Blues. Everton ended their goal drought with four on the night, had two disallowed, still kept a clean sheet and moved five points clear of the bottom three.
Another was the man of the match display by goal scorer Ashley Young, who has enjoyed a revival among Everton supporters with his consistency through a disappointing season to date. Young has followed a similar trajectory in opinion to Michael Keane, who missed the match with Wolves due to a knock. He was in attendance though and attracted plenty of attention as he walked down the touchline in the rain before the players began their pre-match warm-up - even with the hood on his jumper pulled in tight against the elements. Keane was pulled to the stands where he happily joined fans for pictures and a chat.
Orel Mangala enjoys special moment with Goodison faithful
That lovely moment was replicated midway through the second half when Orel Mangala was brought off. The midfielder was back in the starting line-up and deserved the ovation he received when he was taken off following an assured performance that saw him grab his first Everton goal.
Mangala departed the pitch behind the Gwladys Street goal and the applause continued as he walked towards the tunnel - the Belgium international also showing a willingness to join supporters and high-fives following an impressive shift.
Harrison Armstrong finally gets over that white line
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Amid the celebrations that were building towards the final whistle, young midfielder Harrison Armstrong earned another shot of Premier League experience. The 17-year-old managed to get booked for a lunge in stoppage time as he sought to make the most of another opportunity - one he didn’t get at Old Trafford on Sunday. Back then the England youth international warmed up and stripped off, making his way to the touchline to come on - only for him to be pulled back and not get a chance.
Ashley Young classy in celebration
When the final whistle did go there were interesting scenes all over the place - including James Tarkowski stopping Broja and appearing to praise him for his immediate impact. Another highlight was Young stopping to hug Wolves attacker Matheus Cunha. The number 10 was a handful and forced a good early save from Jordan Pickford. A Blues target under Frank Lampard, he ripped Everton apart at Molineux last Christmas and there was a fear he could do so again on Wednesday night. Young, who earned the man of the match award, embraced the 25-year-old and appeared to offer him the comfort of a rave review despite his side’s struggle - camerawork suggesting he praised him as a “fantastic” talent.