EVERTON 2
RICHARLISON produced a barnstorming debut – but Wolves hit back twice to give both clubs optimism for this season.
Marco Silva looked tense in the away dug-out, but the new Everton boss was soon pumping the air when £50million buy Richarlison took just 17 minutes to get off the mark with a close-range finish.
Fellow Portuguese coach Nuno Espirito Santo (right) saw his side get a huge break when Phil Jagielka was sent off before half-time.
It was a gift for the hosts as Jagielka was under no pressure when he miscontrolled the ball on the edge of his box before scything down Diogo Jota.
To add to Everton’s woe, Wolves star Ruben Neves curled the resulting free-kick into the top corner.
Richarlison, 21, was the only new face starting for Everton, but he carried the visitors on his own at times with an inspired display after linking up again with his old Watford mentor Silva.
It was a superb debut, which peaked in the 67th minute with a bold run and low curling shot into the bottom corner.
Yet Wolves showed tenacity to hit back for a second time as their own impressive youngster Neves, 21, dictated play in the middle. Neves chipped a cross that allowed Mexico striker Raul Jimenez to power in a header to level 10 minutes from time.
And, given rocketing Premier League transfer fees, it won’t be long before Neves – a £16m signing a year ago from Porto – earns his own remarkable price tag.
For, despite a £70m summer spend after promotion, Neves remains the driving-force at Wolves.
They were looking for their first top-flight victory since February 2012 at QPR.
Two relegations and two promotions later, Wolves are an entirely different proposition now under their wealthy Chinese owners Fosun. Super-agent Jorge Mendes’ contacts helped lure established Portugal internationals Rui Patricio and Joao Moutinho. Both started, along with Jimenez and Spanish wing-back Jonny Castro Otto. The hosts had more of the early possession, but failed to trouble the visitors’ England keeper Jordan Pickford. Everton might have taken the lead in the 10th minute when Seamus Coleman seized on a mistake by Willy Boly, but his left-foot shot was straigh was b crunc
But when
Fro free-ki Boly’s Micha to fire
Wol their bedde
The minut when from never
The minut