Everton and Wolves face relegation battle ahead of Christmas

In a recent Premier League fixture held at Goodison Park, Everton secured a definitive 4-0 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers. This thrashing was compounded by two own goals from Craig Dawson, deepening Wolves' woes as they find themselves in the relegation zone, only four points above bottom-placed Southampton. Everton's performance came as a much-needed boost, especially after their previous loss to Manchester United, extending their winless streak in the league. This match marked a significant moment as both clubs were struggling to distance themselves from relegation talk, with Everton only two points above Wolves in the table. Much of the spotlight after the match fell on Gary O'Neil, the head coach of Wolves, who faced chants from frustrated fans demanding his dismissal. Despite his previous insistence that he had 'zero concern for my position', O'Neil’s earlier confidence seemed to wane following this heavy defeat. The Wolves defense struggled throughout the match, conceding all four goals from set pieces, a critical area of concern that has plagued them since the beginning of the 2024-25 season, leading to a total of 36 goals conceded in just 14 Premier League matches. The context surrounding this match highlights a troubling season for Wolverhampton Wanderers. Under O'Neil, who previously had a solid tenure at Bournemouth, the team had experienced some promising results last season, finishing 14th in the league. However, the current season has seen a marked regression, with only three wins across all competitions and the alarming reality of being entrenched within the relegation zone. O'Neil acknowledged the challenge ahead and took full responsibility for the club's poor form, while also stating that he remains committed to working hard to turn the situation around. Everton, hosting this critical match at their historic Goodison Park, are also looking to avoid the potential fate of relegation as they prepare to move to the new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium. The club has a rich history, but their performance has fluctuated in recent years. They hope to capitalize on their current form to secure their place in the top flight of English football as they depart from Goodison Park after 133 years. With the festive period approaching, both clubs recognize the urgency of improving their standings, making this defeat even more disheartening for Wolves fans and players alike.