Keane’s late header sends Toffees into top four

IT WAS nearly 10 years ago, with Carlo Ancelotti in the final stages of his tenure at Chelsea, when Everton last secured three points at Molineux.

Here was further evidence of Everton’s upward trajectory under their Italian manager as his team moved back into the Premier League’s top-four with a first win here since April 2011.

Michael Keane’s headed goal 13 minutes from the end secured Everton another impressive victory, despite the absence of forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin, as Wolves’ season threatens to unravel.

Everton have won six of nine away games this season under Ancelotti and perhaps his lofty ambition to return the club to European football is achievable after all.

Results for Wolves have become a concern for Nuno Espirito Santo, whose side are struggling without talismanic striker Raul Jimenez.

Richarlison was on the Everton bench after missing the FA Cup tie against Rotherham United, leading to Gylfi Sigurdsson playing as the central figure of a front three.

It was another member of the trio, Alex Iwobi, who opened the scoring after six minutes. Lucas Digne, making his first appearance since November after ankle surgery, sent in a cross and Iwobi’s finish was clinical, planting a first-time shot past Rui Patricio.

Wolves, though, were level eight minutes later. Wing-back Rayan Ait-Nouri whipped in a fierce cross, but Ruben Neves showed brilliant technique to volley the ball home.

Ancelotti introduced Richarlison for Sigurdsson with 14 minutes left, but it was another substitute, Andre Gomes, who provided the crucial contribution. Gomes bent in a wonderful cross, with Keane rising above Romain Saiss to head into the corner. (© Daily Telegraph, London)