Everton's hopes of a crucial Premier League victory were undone by a dramatic double sending-off, allowing Wolverhampton Wanderers to claw back a 1-1 draw and continue their recent resurgence.
Toffees' Self-Inflicted Woe at Goodison
The match at Goodison Park on January 7, 2026, turned on two pivotal red cards for the home side. Michael Keane, who had earlier put Everton ahead, was dismissed for grabbing the hair of Wolves' Tolu Arokodare during an aerial duel. The decision incensed manager David Moyes and the home crowd.
The frustration boiled over later when Jack Grealish received his marching orders. The midfielder was shown a second yellow card for sarcastically applauding referee Tom Kirk, marking his first Premier League dismissal in only his second top-flight game for the club.
Wolves Seize Their Opportunity
Everton had been in control after Keane's 17th-minute opener, a close-range finish from a scrambled set-piece. However, they failed to build on their lead and were punished just after the hour mark.
Eighteen-year-old Matheus Mane was the beneficiary, scoring for the second successive game. The goal came from a simple but effective move, with substitute Jorgen Strand Larsen threading a pass through for Mane to beat England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Wolves, and particularly Pickford's opposite number, were indebted to a stunning acrobatic save from Hugo Bueno's injury-time shot, which prevented a late winner for the visitors.
Consequences for Both Sides
The result extends Wolves' improved form to five points from their last three matches, including draws at Manchester United and now Everton. This represents a significant turnaround after a harrowing run of 11 consecutive league defeats, though they remain 14 points from safety.
For Everton, the dropped points damage their outside hopes of European qualification. Victory would have closed the gap to the top four to just four points, but their lack of goals—just 23 in 21 matches—remains a major hindrance.
The immediate fallout is severe for Moyes's threadbare squad. Keane will serve a three-match ban, while Grealish is suspended for one game. This stretches resources further, with Idrissa Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye still at the Africa Cup of Nations and four other players injured. The crisis was highlighted by 18-year-old Harrison Armstrong making his first Premier League start after being recalled from Preston.
Moyes has all but ruled out January signings, but with survival now secure, the potential for a European push may force a rethink of his transfer strategy.
