Reflections on Wolves’ EFL Cup defeat at Everton.
Silence fell over the away end, and Raul Jimenez’s face as he trudged down the tunnel told its own story.
There had been the prospect of a cup upset at Everton, but Wolves’ EFL Cup trip to Merseyside was always secondary this week. It means little in comparison with what awaits on Sunday.
The Black Country derby is the game that matters, and Wolves will now have to face West Brom without their star man.
Here are the key takeaways from Wolves’ midweek cup defeat.
Star man blow
There was some surprise when Jimenez’s name appeared on the teamsheet, but Cesar Peixoto’s explanation made sense. The plan was for the striker to get 45 minutes under his belt and build his fitness.
Unfortunately, playing carries the risk of injury - and that is exactly what happened.
Raul Jimenez was injured during this tackle on Everton’s Tyler Diblingplaceholder image
Raul Jimenez was injured during this tackle on Everton’s Tyler Dibling | Getty Images
There had already been a gasp when Jimenez went down earlier in the game, although he was able to shake it off. Then, after a tackle on the edge of the box in which he appeared to bang his knee, the Mexican went down again.
The grimace on his face as he left the pitch told its own story.
After his stunning return to the club this summer, there had been huge excitement at the prospect of seeing the Wolves legend feature in the derby at Molineux.
Jimenez missed the previous two derbies played behind closed doors in 2021 after suffering his serious head injury against Arsenal in 2020. Now he will miss another.
That is gutting for Wolves, Peixoto and the supporters who had been dreaming of seeing Jimenez back in the derby.
Instead, Adam Armstrong is likely to lead the line. He had Wolves’ best chance at Everton, but saw his effort saved.
Goalkeeper shines
While Jimenez’s injury dominated the headlines, Joao Virginia’s impressive debut was an encouraging subplot.
The Portuguese, one of nine changes, made several superb saves against his former club to keep Wolves in the contest, including an outstanding close-range stop to deny Thierno Barry.
Joao Virginia made his Wolves debut against former club Evertonplaceholder image
Joao Virginia made his Wolves debut against former club Everton | Getty Images
It was a performance that certainly gives Peixoto something to think about and provides Jose Sa with competition.
Neave bright
Sean Neave also made his first start for Wolves and impressed.
The Newcastle loanee was fearless, willing to scrap for the ball and showed some lovely touches when Wolves moved forward.
Sean Neave made his first start for Wolves against Evertonplaceholder image
Sean Neave made his first start for Wolves against Everton | Wolves via Getty Images
His determination and excellent pass created Armstrong’s big second-half opportunity.
Eye on the derby
This was always about managing minutes and keeping one eye on Sunday.
Andre, Fer Lopez and Rodrigo Gomes were left out altogether, while several other key players started on the bench. Jean-Ricner Bellegarde also returned from a hamstring injury, providing another welcome boost.
Plenty to take
Wolves can take heart from their performance against the Premier League opponents.
Everton increased the pressure as the game wore on, but Peixoto’s much-changed side held firm for long periods and showed there is depth within the squad.
Wolves boss Cesar Peixoto at Evertonplaceholder image
Wolves boss Cesar Peixoto at Everton | Wolves via Getty Images
Now, though, the attention turns firmly to the biggest game of the season so far.
West Brom have had the week to prepare while Wolves had to make the trip to Everton. They will have to do it without Jimenez, but there is no need to explain what Sunday means to everyone at the club.