Wolverhampton Wanderers’ battle for Premier League survival received a vital boost on Saturday as Marshall Munetsi scored his first goal for the club in a dramatic 1-1 draw against Everton at Molineux. The draw allowed Wolves to edge six points clear of the relegation zone, keeping their hopes of safety alive in what has been a challenging season.
The match, which saw both teams cancel each other out, began with Everton striking first in the 33rd minute through Jack Harrison. His long-awaited goal, a deflected effort that found its way past Wolves’ goalkeeper José Sá, was the winger’s first in 35 Premier League appearances.
However, Wolves responded swiftly. Just seven minutes later, Munetsi, who joined the club from Stade Reims on deadline day, scored his first-ever Premier League goal. A brilliant run by Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, who weaved past two defenders, set up the Zimbabwean, who kept his composure to slot home the equalizer.
Despite Munetsi’s promising performance, manager Vitor Pereira made the decision to substitute him at the break, bringing on Pablo Sarabia. Pereira explained that the midfielder “felt something” during the first half, and with a crucial run of fixtures ahead, the Wolves boss opted not to risk his fitness. The news sparked concern among fans, but Pereira’s reassurances that the injury was not too serious came as a relief.
The second half saw both teams create opportunities, but neither could find the decisive goal. Everton, under the guidance of David Moyes, remained unbeaten in their last eight matches, but Wolves held firm to secure the point.
While the draw did not push Wolves further up the table, it was a crucial point in their survival fight. Munetsi’s contribution, making him just the third Zimbabwean to score in the Premier League, was a rare bright spot for the team, who are currently in 17th place. They now sit six points clear of the relegation zone, with upcoming matches against Southampton and West Ham offering further chances to strengthen their position.
As Wolves look to continue their fight for Premier League survival, they’ll be hoping Munetsi’s injury scare proves to be a minor concern, with the midfielder expected to play a key role in the team’s remaining fixtures.
