A Premier League showdown between Wolves and Everton takes centre stage at Molineux on Saturday night.
There have been some unhappy moments for the Old Gold in this fixture. Wolves lost 4-0 against Everton in December 2024 as calls for Gary O’Neil to be sacked grew louder.
But, whilst they were embarrassed at Goodison Park on that occasion, Wolves did go into the fixture unbeaten six matches against the Toffees.
Some of the brilliant moments produced in that run include Rayan Ait-Nouri’s winning goal on Boxing Day in 2022 and the relentless 3-0 win at Molineux a year later.
For many, though, it was their 2-2 draw against Everton in August 2018 that sticks long in the memory, as Wolves announced their return to the Premier League.
Photo by Sam Bagnall - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Sam Bagnall – AMA/Getty Images
Ruben Neves scored his first Premier League goal against Everton
Wolves dominated the Championship on their way to winning the title in 2018, and a certain Ruben Neves pulled the strings in midfield.
After shocking the second tier by moving from Porto to Wolves in a £15 million deal, Neves proved he was too good for that level.
The Portuguese produced several long-range strikes throughout the campaign and then continued that form in the top-flight.
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On the opening day against Everton, Neves scored a sumptuous free kick into the top right to lift the roof off Molineux and announce himself to the Premier League.
Speaking to BBC Sport after the game, he said: “Everton scored their first goal from a set-piece but we controlled the game by equalising before the second half. After the break we continued to control it but we have to keep working to get better results.”
“I am very happy to help the team achieve a point but we want to win games, mainly at home.”
Neves was delighted after scoring his first goal at the top level of English football, and he instantly made himself at home as he helped Wolves finish seventh under Nuno Espirito Santo.
Neves stats for Wolves
Neves spent five years at Wolves from 2018 to 2023 and became arguably their greatest-ever midfielder in the modern era.
Supporters were sad when he penned a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia, and they’d welcome him back to the club with open arms.
The Portuguese playmaker was the lynchpin in their midfield and an incredible leader on and off the pitch. He also thrilled the fans with his unbelievable passing range and eye for goal, producing countless moments of brilliance.
Ruben Neves stats for Wolves Games Goals Assists
252 30 13
From a deep-lying midfield role, he registered a respectable 43-goal involvements in 252 games, which cemented his place among some of the greats.