'This was no contest' - National media make 'jaded' Everton point after Wolves defeat
Everton were unable to end 2023 in style as they fell to a 3-0 defeat at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday afternoon.
Goals from Max Kilman, Matheus Cunha and Craig Dawson consigned the Blues to a fourth consecutive loss in all competitions and it left them just one point above the Premier League relegation places.
The defeat at Molineux comes after a strong start to December had seen Sean Dyche's side beat Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United, Chelsea and Burnley. However, in the ongoing absence of key man Abdoulaye Doucoure, Everton were able to open up a vital points gap between themselves and 18th-placed Luton Town.
Here's how the national media, and the ECHO's Joe Thomas, reacted to defeat in the West Midlands.
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"Disjointed and slow"
Will Unwin, of The Guardian writes: "Everton looked jaded and were inept at the back throughout. When they failed to deal with a set-piece in the 25th minute the ball came straight back. Matheus Cunha crossed from space on the right wing and Jordan Pickford did superbly well to keep out Jarrad Branthwaite’s poke from close range, only to witness Kilman bundle the rebound in for his second career goal, the first coming against Everton two years ago. It would be the only shot on target in the first half.
"A lot of Sean Dyche’s plan is based on the stamina, physicality and organisation of his team, although Wolves were defeating this blueprint with their passing and speed of movement. The Everton manager said the team were tired.
"His back five was disjointed and slow on an afternoon of toil for James Tarkowski, Michael Keane
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