Everton failed to alleviate any fears of Premier League relegation as they fell to a meek 1-0 loss against Wolves at Goodison Park.
And with bottom-three rivals Leeds United and Watford both winning, pressure has piled on Frank Lampard’s men.
Richarlison spurned an early chance for Everton when was set through on goal by Vitaliy Mykolenko but visiting keeper Jose Sa made a decent stop.
Demarai Gray also got himself into a decent position in the 21st minute but a heavy touch let him down.
Yet it was Wolves who took the lead in the 48th minute through Connor Coady. The visitors recycled a free-kick and Ruben Neves’ cross picked out Coady, who got ahead of Ben Godfrey and headed home.
Everton fashioned an opening for an equaliser when Richarlison headed off the post - but was offside anyway.
Then the Brazilian flashed just wide in the 74th minute after good work from Demarai Gray.
But Everton’s misery was compounded when Jonjoe Kenny got his marching orders for a second yellow card with 12 minutes remaining.
The heroes
- Connor Coady: the former Liverpool defender would have enjoyed his goal. A towering header earned Wolves all three points.
- Ruben Neves: ran the show for Wolves in the middle of the park. A performance of swagger and style.
- Bruno Lage: the Wolves boss engineered another win and clean sheet. They have their eyes on the Europa League.
The villains
- Jonjoe Kenny: two yellow cards in a four-minute period compounded a miserable afternoon for Everton. Now suspended for Newcastle.
- Abdoulaye Doucoure: another disappointing display. The midfielder didn’t offer the thrust and penetration he can, while passing was too pedestrian.
- Hwang Hee-Chan: strangely tried to continue not once but twice when he was clearly injured. The Wolves forward wasted about five minutes of time in the first half.
1. Jordan Pickford - 5
Little chance with Wolves’ goal. Otherwise solid but passing was off at times. Photo: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
2. Seamus Coleman -5
Showed energy down the right flank in the first half and Gray should have done better from Coleman’s cross. Photo: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Image
3. Mason Holgate - 5
Struggled to handle Raul Jimenez at times. Also booked. Photo: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
4. Ben Godfrey - 5
Everton have missed the centre-back in his absence. However, not for the first time this season, Godfrey was outjumped from a set-piece. Photo: Naomi Baker/Getty Images