WOLVERHAMPTON — Wolverhampton Wanderers outclassed Everton 3-0 in the Premier League on Saturday to extend their unbeaten run at home to eight games with goals from Maximilian Kilman, Matheus Cunha and Craig Dawson.
Wolves took the lead in the 25th minute when Cunha's cross into the box found Dawson, whose attempt was blocked by Everton keeper Jordan Pickford.
A goalmouth scramble ensued before Kilman slotted home and he celebrated his first goal of the season by holding up the jersey of teammate Mario Lemina, who missed the game following the death of his father.
Wolves tribute to Lemina
After Max Kilman's goal against Everton, Wolves paid tribute to star player Mario Lemina. ♥
Lemina is missing the match due to the tragic passing of his father yesterday. pic.twitter.com/GJt15liDZG— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) December 30, 2023
This is class
Celebrates with Lemina shirt as South Bank sing Marioooo Lemina #wwfc pic.twitter.com/z3MYDL61Vo— Nathan Judah (@NathanJudah) December 30, 2023
Our hearts go out to Mario Lemina after the passing of his father yesterday morning.
The whole pack send their love and sympathy to Mario and his family.Mario’s teammates will wear black armbands today in honour of his father’s memory.
— Wolves (@Wolves) December 30, 2023
Wolves doubled their lead early in the second half when Pablo Sarabia's defence-splitting diagonal pass found Hwang Hee-chan darting into the box and the South Korea international set up Cunha with a cross for a close-range finish.
Matheus Cunha doubles Wolverhampton's lead!
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) December 30, 2023
Cunha, who has scored six goals league goals this season, then turned provider as he set up Dawson for the third on the hour-mark.
Wolves found the net twice more, but both Hwang and Pedro Neto had their efforts chalked off for offside.
Everton failed to have a single shot on target, their best chance coming in the second half when Dwight McNeil's long-ranger hit the woodwork.
The victory moved 11th-placed Wolves to 28 points from 20 matches while Everton suffered their third defeat in a row to sit one point above the relegation zone in 17th.
Everton, who started December with a four-match win streak in the league, ended the month with three straight losses.
(Reporting by Chiranjit Ojha in Bengaluru, editing by Ed Osmond)
