The win moved Everton into fourth spot in the English
Premier League (EPL) on Tuesday.
A lively opening saw Alex Iwobi fire Everton in front early
in the sixth minute before Ruben Neves replied for Wolves in the 14th minute.
Wolves had looked the more likely winners in a dull second
half but Keane’s towering header in the 77th minute sealed maximum points for
Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
Everton moved into the top four with 32 points from 17 games
while Wolves dropped a place to 14th spot with 22 points.
Without injured striker and talisman Dominic Calvert-Lewin,
Everton’s goal threat looked diminished.
But Iwobi scored his first English Premier League goal for
15 months and England defender Keane proved an unlikely match winner.
“I thought we showed brilliant character. We had a few
players missing today but showed the strength of the squad,” the former Burnley
defender said.
“We are a massive threat from set plays. It wins us games.
So, it is massive. I thought the lads did really well. Everyone worked their
socks off.”
Everton have scored nine headed goals this season, more than
any other team in the top flight.
Keane’s effort would have got a nod of approval from the
club’s former aerial wizards such as Bob Latchford and Duncan Ferguson.
When Andre Gomes had the ball out on the left there appeared
to be no immediate danger.
But his outswinging cross was met by a soaring Keane whose
thumping header arrowed into the corner past a helpless Wolves goalkeeper Rui
Patricio.
It was slightly harsh on Wolves who almost levelled again
when Neves curled a free-kick against the outside of the post.
“Details. Details. Details. It is happening to us, we have
to improve set-pieces focus,” Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo said after his
side’s third league loss in five games.
Iwobi has often flattered to deceive since joining from
Arsenal but his sixth minute opener was beautifully taken.
A sweeping move saw James Rodriguez pick out Lucas Digne and
his ball inside was met sweetly by Iwobi whose first-time shot took a slight
deflection off Conor Coady and past Patricio.
Wolves trailed for only seven minutes though as Neves showed
great skill to direct a volley past Jordan Pickford from Rayan Ait-Nouri’s
driven cross.
Everton were well-organised in the second half, however, and
Keane’s header continued their superb away form.
“If you win here you have to have a good performance. We had
a good game,” Ancelotti said.
“The game was in the balance. But we won, thanks to Michael
Keane who scored a fantastic goal.”