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DAVID MOYES was left exasperated after Michael Keane received a red card for pulling Tolu Arokodare’s dreadlocks.
Frustration within the Everton camp escalated when Wolves secured a point, providing Rod Edwards with further momentum in their fight for survival. The Toffees ended the match with NINE men after Jack Grealish was sent off for a second yellow card.
Jack Grealish receives his marching orders in the second red card of the gameCredit: PA
Michael Keane is shown a red card in a shocking moment for him and manager David MoyesCredit: Getty
Keane’s dismissal may be remembered as one of the most peculiar in Premier League history.
Neither the defender nor his Everton manager could comprehend the decision after referee Thomas Kirk, officiating just his second top-flight match, was summoned to the pitch-side monitor by VAR Chris Kavanagh.
The replays revealed that as the Toffees defender contested a header with striker Arokodare, the latter used his dreadlocks to gain leverage, leading to Keane's red card in the 83rd minute.
Just a minute before the end of regular time, Grealish was brought down, and as he got back on his feet, he sarcastically applauded the official.
These chaotic moments overshadowed the performance of teenage star Mateus Mane, who scored a brilliant equalizer in the 69th minute.
Edwards' team had been energetic and lively from the outset, evidently buoyed by their first Premier League victory in 20 attempts with a 3-0 win over West Ham.
They left Merseyside with renewed confidence, believing they now possess the momentum to achieve the improbable and secure their safety after ten matches under new manager Rob Edwards.
They faced a side that was still recovering from a heavy 4-2 defeat at home to Brentford.
In the opening minutes, England's No. 1 Jordan Pickford vocally criticized his teammates for their sluggishness and errors.
However, by the 17th minute, Wolves found themselves trailing, despite not deserving to be behind given Everton's shaky performance.
Within the Everton dressing room, there is a belief that Keane is the best finisher in the squad, and he certainly reinforced that reputation.
Dwight McNeil delivered a free kick, Tim Ireogbunam flicked it sideways, and Keane powered in a magnificent half-volley.
Everton could have easily been two goals ahead by the 29th minute, with Keane coming close to scoring his second of the night.
After his goal, the Toffees finally began to assert themselves, aided by the return of 18-year-old Harrison Armstrong from a loan at Preston, as Moyes' squad was severely impacted by injuries and the AFCON absence of Idrissa Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye.
Michael Keane rises to head home Everton's openerCredit: Getty
Mateus Mane celebrates his goal for WolvesCredit: Getty
The match could have been out of reach had Keane not hit the post with a header from James Garner’s free kick.
However, while the home side doesn't typically capitulate, they also fail to decisively dominate opponents when given the opportunity.
They lost their focus, and Edwards’ side refused to back down. Just two minutes after substitute Strand Larsen replaced defender Ladislav Krejci in a bold tactical move, Mane scored a brilliant equalizer in the 69th minute, thanks to a well-timed through ball from the Norwegian.
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Eze Chidiebere Paul
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