Matheus Cunha, the Wolves’ Brazilian forward, watched anxiously from the stands, realizing the importance of each game, a sentiment shared by all Wolves supporters at Molineux.
Without their key player, Wolves are facing a potentially tense end to the season. Cunha’s creativity and scoring ability were clearly missed in this game. His absence, due to a suspension of at least three games after an incident at Bournemouth, meant Vitor Pereira’s team had to settle for a draw.
Many Wolves fans left the stadium feeling that Cunha’s presence could have been the difference, potentially turning a draw into a victory.
However, Marshall Munetsi stepped up, scoring his first goal for the club and securing a point in Cunha’s absence.
For Everton, David Moyes could celebrate extending the Toffees’ unbeaten streak to eight games.
Moyes is enjoying his return to Everton. Since replacing Sean Dyche in January, he has guided the team away from relegation danger after an initial defeat to Aston Villa.
Everton came into the match with fresh energy after a training camp in Abu Dhabi, in contrast to Wolves, who had lost six of their previous eight league games.
In the opening minutes, Wolves appeared disorganized. Abdoulaye Doucoure’s shot was blocked, and Jarrad Branthwaite’s header almost resulted in a goal. Everton’s Beto narrowly missed connecting with a cross from Jack Harrison. Jordan Pickford made a crucial save, blocking Munetsi’s close-range header.
Everton’s pressure finally resulted in a goal after 33 minutes. Jack Harrison responded to his manager’s challenge to his on-loan wingers to improve their output. Moyes had emphasized the need for goals and assists from Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom, and Harrison delivered, scoring his first goal in 40 games, with an assist from Lindstrom.
Harrison’s shot deflected off Matt Doherty and found the net. It was his first goal in over a year.
Despite conceding first for the 18th time this season, Wolves quickly responded. Seven minutes later, Rayan Ait-Nouri passed to Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, who set up Marshall Munetsi to score past Pickford.
Unfortunately for Wolves, Munetsi was injured and substituted at halftime. His replacement, Pablo Sarabia, almost scored with a free kick.
Pickford then saved Strand Larsen’s shot, and Jose Sa also made a vital save from Beto at the other end. Alcaraz missed a chance for Everton, ensuring the match ended in a draw.
