Everton player ratings after a dramatic 3-2 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League
Joe Thomas is the Everton FC correspondent for the Liverpool ECHO. He follows the Blues home and away, providing match reports, analysis and insight into events at Goodison Park, Finch Farm and beyond. Joe spent more than a decade covering news on Merseyside, working on award-winning investigations and extensively covering matters related to the Hillsborough tragedy - including the recent criminal prosecutions. Always grateful for tips and feedback, he can be contacted at joe.thomas@reachplc.com and on Twitter via @joe_thomas18
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall of Everton (R) celebrates with teammate Jack Grealish of Everton after scoring their 3rd goal during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton at Molineux on August 30, 2025 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
Everton held on to a momentum-boosting three points after an enthralling display at Wolves.
There were times when the Blues threatened to run away with this match, an attacking quartet of Iliman Ndiaye, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Jack Grealish and Beto all contributing. But mistakes at the back ceded control at key moments and Everton ended up hanging on.
After an entertaining afternoon at Molineux, these are the player ratings from Everton correspondent Joe Thomas.
Jordan Pickford 6
Had to play sweeper more than he would have liked and a few of his excursions to the edge of the box were tight. Could do little with the goals, otherwise, spent most of this match listening to the away end telling him he was “dynamite” until that nervy ending.
Jake O’Brien 6
Looked to get forward in the early stages and put in a number of crosses as he supported Ndiaye down the right. Went unpunished after losing the ball to spark one Wolves counter but it was part of a passage in which the hosts found the momentum that led to the equaliser. More conservative in the second half and his strength came in handy when Wolves tried to turn this game into a fight. A brave header at the feet of Hugo Bueno won Everton a vital free-kick at the death.
James Tarkowski 5
Complicit in the goal that allowed Wolves back into a game Everton were dominating as he passed his man on when the cover was not there. Was stubborn and worked-hard, but less assured than his usual self.
Michael Keane 7
Wolves rarely mustered a threat after Everton’s third but with 20 minutes to go, Keane put together a series of useful challenges. He thundered a clearance away from Rodrigo Gomes in the box then intervened to prevent the resulting throw-in allowing Hee Chan Hwang to win possession in a dangerous position. On the cusp of half-time commanded the edge of the box to clear the ball he had sliced high into the air. He was again the best performer of the back four.
Vitalii Mykolenko 4
Largely competent and had his arms outstretched when there was no-one to put away his ball across the box in the second half. Found Grealish at the back post for the opener and his availability restored balance to the team. But was badly caught out for Wolves’ second, allowing Rodrigo Gomes to steal in front of him at the back post and make this a nervy finale.
Iliman Ndiaye (subbed off on 90+6) 8
Was as much a part of the fun and games as Dewsbury-Hall and Grealish and stole in at the back post to restore the lead. Celebrated by pretending to be a wolf at Wolves and has the quality to justify his presence among the silverware-laden Grealish and Dewsbury-Hall. Playing with them is his reward for carrying this club at times last season. Dogged off the ball and lively throughout.
James Garner 7
Back in his natural position and produced a mature display in which he showed he could link play when Everton are on top and fight hard when they are in a scrap.
Idrissa Gueye (subbed off on 75) 7
Score improved after he went off. Was useful in the middle against a tough pairing of Joao Gomes and Andre and showed great intent to win the ball high up the pitch for Ndiaye’s disallowed goal just after the break. Once he went off, Everton lost their authority in the middle of the pitch.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall 9
Where do you start? With his goal, of course. A stunning, controlled half-volley that thumped the bar and stunned the stadium. His best performance in Royal Blue his vision and deftness of control was crucial to the second goal. Played a gorgeous ball to send Grealish behind the defence just before the second and then orchestrated the second with his give-and-go with the same teammate.
Jack Grealish (subbed off, 88) 9
Wanted the ball and was happy to take it across both sides of the pitch. His patient probing forced the corner that led to Beto’s goal - which he provided with a delicate back post header. Full of quality but also up for the fight - at one point teasing Andre for some 15 yards before the midfielder had enough and hacked him down. Clever link up with Dewsbury-Hall for the second and it was his decision to play a chipped pass to the same player just after half-time that gave him the chance to wrap his foot around the half-volley.
Beto (subbed off, 75) 7
Got the goal his return to the side desperately needed. The hard work was done for him but Everton’s creative players will produce plenty of tap-ins this season - Moyes just needs someone to put them in. Did well to hold off his man to allow the ball to run through to Ndiaye for the second.
Tim Iroegbunam (subbed on for Gueye) 5
Ended up being a tough game to come into and he struggled to assert authority as the pressure built.
Thierno Barry (subbed on for Beto) 5
A willing runner but his most important contribution was a near post header to clear what was threatening to be a dangerous corner as Wolves sought a comeback with five minutes to go.
Carlos Alcaraz (subbed on for Grealish) N/A
Lost the ball to Rodrigo Gomes in stoppage time but was a mistake that went unpunished.
Seamus Coleman (subbed on for Ndiaye) N/A