Wolves 3 Everton 0: Kilman, Cunha and Dawson score on emotional day as hosts pay tribute to Lemina after death of dad
WOLVES paid tribute to Mario Lemina’s late father as they sealed their third Premier League win in six days.
Lemina flew back to France ahead of the game following his dad’s death on Friday, following two months in hospital.
And his black armband-wearing team-mates showed their support for the Wolves midfielder by holding up Lemina’s shirt after their first two goals – from Max Kilman and Matheus Cunha.
Wolves supporters also joined in after five minutes by singing the name of No5 Lemina.
What followed was a dominant display by Gary O’Neil’s side – with Cuhna having a hand in all of Wolves’ goals, with defender Craig Dawson adding a third.
Wolves should have taken the lead after six minutes when Cunha fed Hwang Hee-Chan who took the ball around Everton keeper Jordan Pickford but his shot was blocked by Amadou Onana.
The South Korea star was keen to go out with a bang before leaving for the Asian Cup next month – and was unlucky not to end up on the scoresheet.
But Wolves opened the scoring after 25 minutes when Cunha’s cross was met by Dawson whose header was superbly saved by Pickford who made a double save in the resulting scramble.
Pickford could not stop Kilman though as the Wolves skipper who made sure of the goal from close range.
It was Kilman’s first goal in more than two years – with his last one also coming against Everton in November, 2021
Everton struggled to make an impact as they slumped to a third defeat in a row – and could not manage a single shot on target.
Dwight McNeil threaded a ball through for Dominic Calvert-Lewin but he chipped wide of the far post as keeper Jose Sa came out to meet him.
Wolves extended their lead seven minutes after the break when Pablo Sarabia found Hwang and he crossed for Cunha to convert at the far post.
Hwang cut in from the left on the hour and fired a shot against the post – but Wolves added their third a minute later.
Again, Cunha was involved and as he delivered a cross, Dawson stuck a foot out and diverted it past Pickford for his first goal of the season.
Everton had a rare moment of encouragement when McNeil slammed a shot against the post from 20 yards out.
But Wolves were in control and Hwang brought a flying save from Pickford before having a goal disallowed.
He found the net with 17 minutes left but was ruled offside.
It was the first time in almost two years that Wolves had strung together three league wins – and they scored nine goals in the process.
But Everton remain one point above the relegation zone after a miserable holiday programme.