“Gary O’Neil Admits Wolves Struggled to Handle Everton’s Unmatched Physicality”

Physicality Proves Decisive in Everton’s Win Over Wolves

 

Sean Dyche’s Everton are known for their physical presence—a team built on strength and size, often described as a “land of the giants.”

 

Just days after suffering a 4-0 defeat to Manchester United, Everton turned their fortunes around with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Wolves at Goodison Park.

 

The result further piled pressure on Wolves manager Gary O’Neil, whose side now teeters closer to relegation.

 

Reports suggest that O’Neil will remain in charge for at least one more game.

 

However, with only two wins from 14 Premier League matches and a league-worst defensive record of 36 goals conceded, his tenure is under intense scrutiny.

 

The sheer power and physicality of Everton’s squad exposed glaring weaknesses in Wolves’ defense, leaving O’Neil’s side with no answers.

 

O’Neil: Wolves Could Not Handle Everton’s Strength

 

Reflecting on the defeat, O’Neil acknowledged his team’s inability to contend with Everton’s physical dominance.

 

“We weren’t able to cope with Everton’s physicality,” he admitted in his post-match press conference. “Long balls, crosses into the box—we just couldn’t handle it.

 

There’s a lot of work to be done to give this group a better chance in upcoming games. We need to find a way to create a platform for them to compete more effectively.”

O’Neil emphasized the basics, noting that his side’s struggles are rooted in conceding goals from situations they should be able to manage.

 

“As I’ve said many times, the other stuff is irrelevant if we’re giving away goals from fairly straightforward situations,” he added.

 

A Game to Forget for Wolves

 

The match unraveled quickly for Wolves. Ashley Young, Everton’s oldest-ever outfield player, opened the scoring just 10 minutes in.

 

Orel Mangala added a second, marking his first goal for the club. Wolves’ misfortune deepened with two own goals from Craig Dawson, a typically reliable defender, sealing the 4-0 rout.

 

This marked the second consecutive game in which Wolves conceded four goals, following a similarly painful 4-1 home loss to Bournemouth.

 

For a team struggling defensively, such performances have only amplified concerns about their Premier League survival.

 

O’Neil Fights to Save His Job

 

The upcoming clash against West Ham United could define O’Neil’s future at Wolves. Labelled as a potential “El Sackico,” this match carries high stakes for both managers.

 

While some may argue it’s early in the season to consider it a “six-pointer,” the implications for both clubs are significant. “Bournemouth are a pressing team, and we couldn’t handle that.

 

Everton are a physical team, and we couldn’t handle that either,” O’Neil reflected. “We’ve found ways to be competitive in some games, but losing 4-0 to Everton is a tough blow for the group and the supporters.”

 

He also took a moment to acknowledge the traveling Wolves fans, whose loyalty has remained steadfast despite the team’s struggles.

 

“The supporters have been incredible, and I understand their criticism. We need to do better for them,” he said.

 

Managerial Uncertainty

 

As Wolves prepare for Monday’s match, speculation about O’Neil’s future continues.

 

Reports indicate that West Ham, who are also under pressure, have lined up potential replacements.

 

Names like Sergio Conceição, the former FC Porto manager, have emerged as candidates.

 

Conceição is reportedly interested, with other options such as Roger Schmidt and Edin Terzić also being considered.

 

For now, O’Neil remains focused on turning Wolves’ season around. However, time and patience are running thin.

 

Monday night’s clash with West Ham is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in a season already fraught with challenges for both teams.