In their opening match of the Reliance Foundation presents Premier League Next Generation Cup, Wolverhampton Wanderers FC defeated fellow Premier League (PL) opponents Everton FC by a score of 4-0 on Wednesday at the Reliance Corporate Park (RCP) in Navi Mumbai.
To reclaim possession, their midfield worked hard to cover the entire pitch, moreover they took advantage of set-piece opportunities to get the upper hand.
The first goal of the game was secured by forward Nathan Fraser nodding in a cross, and Wolves’ lead was doubled in the 43rd minute by Alfie Pond’s second headed goal of the game. Everton didn’t seem to be able to change the game’s momentum in their favour since the Wolves prevented them from controlling the ball for an extended period of time and had a tight grip on the action.
When the club played its first league game, Fraser finished off another crisp finish from within the box to score a brace. However, the Wolves didn’t stop there. At the hour mark, number 7 Tyler Roberts scored once more to round out a performance that was as convincing as they come.
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Wolverhampton Wanderers FC and Everton FC coach speaks up
“We started the game poorly. It was a different climate and environment for the boys to perform in. We didn’t start the game well enough. We lacked intensity and purpose with our press. I think we made the game quite easy for Wolves,” Everton coach Lauris Coggin said after the game.
“Obviously, the reflection is that it was a good experience overall, playing against a more senior Wolves side, which is a very strong side, so for our lads to have an opportunity to play against a very good side a little bit more senior than us is definitely a very good experience,” he further added.
When it comes to the difficulties that lie ahead for his team, Wolves coach James Collins is still being realistic. He agreed that they benefited from facing a familiar opponent in the opening game, but he promised that going forward in the competition, that would not be the case.
“We knew Everton and we knew our opponents really well. From now on, we won’t know our opponents really well. So, from now on each game will be a different challenge. We will take each game as it comes and respect each opponent. We have come to this tournament to try and do well and it will be a very different challenge,” Collins signed off.
On Saturday, May 20, at RCP, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton will play RFYC and Sudeva Delhi FC, respectively.
Brief Scores:
Wolverhampton Wanderers 4 (Nathan Fraser 5’ 48’, Alfie Pond 43’, Tyler Roberts 60’) – 0 Everton FC
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