Everton Player Ratings vs Wolves: 6/10 Delph sole bright spot; error prone duo Godfrey, Holgate get 3

Everton suffered a third consecutive defeat in the Premier League after a disastrous defensive display featuring Mason Holgate and Ben Godfrey.

The pressure is truly on Rafael Benitez, whose Everton side have endured a difficult period lately, struggling to get results in the Premier League. Wolves were clinical and active in the first half, ensuring they took all three points from the clash. The Toffees suffered a third successive defeat in the competition, which puts them in a spot of bother.

A dismal first-half performance was enough for Everton to dig their own grave, as a couple of defensive errors cost them dearly, particularly involving Mason Holgate and Ben Godfrey. Wolves had a goal disallowed for offside early on before scoring their opener through Max Kilman, who focused on heading the ball home.

The Everton defenders never intended to win the ball for the first goal, worrying only about their positions. Kilman had eyes only for the ball and directed it towards the bottom corner, giving Jordan Pickford no chance of saving it. Then when Everton tried pushing up in the search of an equaliser, things got worse.

A terrible back-pass from Godfrey meant for Holgate instead found Raul Jiminez, who made no error in lobbing it low over Pickford to double Wolves’ lead. While the entire blame might be pinned on Godfrey, it was Holgate’s ball and ideally his mistake, as the centre-back was caught sleeping and switched off.

With the introduction of Fabian Delph, Everton changed the course of the game, adding pressure back on Wolves. They did find some joy in the final third as their intensity grew, and Alex Iwobi pulled one back with 25 minutes to play. That is all the Toffees could get as Wolves managed to see out the rest of the game to collect the three points. Here’s how Everton stars fared in their defeat to Wolves at Molineux.

Jordan Pickford: 6/10

Critics will argue that Pickford should have saved Kilman’s header, but it was very difficult considering its direction and speed. Otherwise, the English international was not overly troubled in the second half. He could have done nothing about the second Wolves goal, which goes down as a major defensive error.

Seamus Coleman: 4/10

On his flank, Coleman was exposed for pace by Rayan Ait-Nouri, and the experienced full-back never got anywhere near the young Frenchman. An ineffective display would be the best definition for the Everton captain’s outing.

Mason Holgate: 3/10

There can be no excuses for switching off when the ball is played towards a player’s direction or even to the goalkeeper. Holgate did just that as he stood and watched Jimenez run past him and get to the ball first. Cost Everton the game through that moment.

Michael Keane: 4/10

An equally poor performance by Keane, who got lucky because Hwang Hee-chan’s goal got disallowed by VAR, which was the English defender’s fault. He made matters worse during the game with very sloppy passing.

Ben Godfrey: 4/10

An atrocious back pass, which looked like it was meant for Holgate, cost Everton the game. As Holgate was sleepwalking, Jimenez stole the march to score Wolves’ second. Before and after that error, his game did not improve.

Allan: 5/10

It was not a great game by the Brazilian’s standards, as it was riddled with plenty of sloppy moments. However, Allan’s hard work and consistent shift throughout the game cannot be faulted.

Jean-Philippe Gbamin: 3/10

On the evening, he was another one of Everton’s poor performers. Benitez duly recognised Gbamin’s faults and hauled him off at half-time. He still does not look completely match fit.

Andros Townsend: 6/10

Put in the usual Townsend shift on the right flank. However, against Wolves, he sat deep to receive balls and start attacks. No moments of greatness in the game, as it was a modest performance at best by his standards.

Demarai Gray: 5/10

Tried to settle into the game, which the Wolves backline never allowed him to. Put the best Everton chance wide in the first half.

Alex Iwobi: 5/10

Iwobi could have received a lower rating had he not scored that consolation goal. Otherwise, the Nigerian international was quiet as his alarming dip in form continued.

Richarlison: 5.5/10

When everyone thought he could be a full-time no.9, Richarlison showed he could not. His deployment to be the ball holder did not go well, and he jas still looks out of sorts since returning from his injury.

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SUBSTITUTES

Fabian Delph: 6/10

The best Everton performer on the evening, with Benitez making an inspired substitution. Delph helped change the complexion of the game as he led the high press and forced turnovers. His energy caused problems for Wolves and allowed the Toffees to get a foothold in the game.

Anthony Gordon: 6/10

It is quite puzzling why he does not start many games in place of Iwobi. Gordon was again impressive as he tried to bring the game back on level terms after coming on the pitch. Put in a decent shift.

Salomon Rondon: N/A

A late dash to get a lucky equaliser was on Benitez’s mind as he sent Rondon to get that possibly. Did not play enough to get a rating.