Everton 2-1 Wolves: Sunday Mirror match reports

Leighton Baines ultimately fended off the Wolves and the hounds, but no one in these parts will be fooled into thinking that Everton’s problems have been solved.

They had to come from a goal behind to secure only their second league win of the season and stem the growing discontent of their fans.

Phil Jagielka atoned for early uncertainty to equalise after Stephen Hunt had ­hammered in a penalty.

Yet Wolves’ defenders resisted everything Everton could muster until they, too, gave away a penalty and Baines claimed the three points.

Moyes saluted the application of his defenders – notably Jagielka, who had an injection in his fractured toe to skipper the team.

He said: “Jagielka will have to keep having injections to play because we can’t afford to give him any time off.

“The points were vital and we deserved them. We didn’t deserve to be a goal down and I can’t remember another chance Wolves had. There were three penalty shouts, two were given. Cahill was held back.”

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy unsurprisingly had a conflicting opinion. He said: “We deserved a point and their penalty was very soft.

If Ward was trying to pick Saha’s wallet he wouldn’t

have gone down as easy.”

The day had started with another protest from disgruntled supporters. A group of 250 marched on Goodison calling for chairman Bill ­Kenwright to go.

If the club had some relief

in the return from suspension of Marouane Fellaini, newly committed to a five-year ­contract, it was countered by an injury that forced out new England star Jack Rodwell.

Fellaini was soon involved, sorting out a self-inflicted mess in the Everton defence that had Moyes up on his feet remonstrating.

A semblance of order ­restored in the home ranks, and they almost went ahead in the 16th minute. Tim Cahill headed down Seamus Coleman’s centre, Louis Saha volleyed

the ball into the ground and Wayne Hennessey acrobatically tipped over.

The Frenchman was cleverly set up again only for his effort to be deflected wide.

Just when it seemed Everton were building momentum, they conceded a penalty. David Edwards tumbled under Fellaini’s tentative challenge, referee Jon Moss pointed to the spot and Hunt converted.

Everton’s response was ­immediate. Baines delivered the inviting free-kick and ­Jagielka climbed above the old gold wall to equalise.

A perfectly timed tackle by Christophe Berra denied Royston Drenthe and Cahill pleaded in vain for a penalty in a frenetic end to the half.

Hennessey parried Fellaini’s strike and Cahill appeared to be held back by Karl Henry as he attempted to pounce on the rebound.

Everton resumed their

assault after the break and Fellaini shot over as Wolves’ defenders converged on him. But Wolves saw out the storm and Everton began to run out of ideas.

Cahill had a good chance following Coleman’s surging run and Saha’s flick on, but Stephen Ward blocked the Australian’s attempt.

Drenthe then muscled his way into a promising position but again wasted the chance.

However, Everton’s persistence was eventually rewarded when Ward bundled over Saha and Baines stroked home the winner.

VERDICT: Everton just about deserved their win but were unconvincing, while Wolves were reminded they face another season of struggle to stay up.