Source: Team_Talk
Wolves and Toffees share spoils
Wolves took another step towards Premier League survival by holding in-form Everton to a 0-0 draw at Molineux on Saturday afternoon.[LNB] Louis Saha hit the woodwork and Leon Osman spurned three good chances as Everton failed to make the most of a number of early opportunities to enhance their European claims at Molineux.[LNB]But Wolves were competitive throughout and fully merited a point from a feisty encounter.[LNB]Both sides had good openings in the second period with Ronald Zubar going closest for Wolves after a brilliant run into the box.[LNB]The result extended Everton's impressive run to just two defeats in 18 games but was a setback to their hopes of snatching a Europa League spot.[LNB]The Toffees were without the on-song Mikel Arteta after deciding to rest him as a precautionary measure to protect a slight groin injury.[LNB]His place was taken by Jack Rodwell in the only change made by either side after impressive midweek wins.[LNB]Everton had travelled on the back of victory over Champions League-chasing Manchester City while Wolves eased their relegation fears with an emphatic win at West Ham.[LNB]Everton had the better of the first-half chances but Wolves were always in the contest and gave as good as they got in a full-blooded second period.[LNB]Wolves appeared to start enthusiastically with Kevin Foley breaking into the area on the right but Matt Jarvis side-footed his cross wide and Everton then took control.[LNB]Osman had the first of his three good chances in quick succession after five minutes.[LNB]Steven Pienaar played a one-two with Saha and then picked out Osman with a square ball across goal but the midfielder failed to make firm contact and Marcus Hahnemann saved.[LNB]Another opportunity opened up for Osman after Wolves failed to clear a John Heitinga throw-in but he shot wide.[LNB]Saha also shot tamely at Hahnemann after Pienaar let a Phil Neville cross run and Osman had a third effort deflected into the goalkeeper's arms.[LNB]Wolves showed some attacking threat with David Jones making a dangerous run into the box and Zubar fluffing a header from a Foley cross.[LNB]Leighton Baines tried to test Hahnemann from distance after an Osman cross was headed out by Michael Mancienne but the American saved comfortably.[LNB]Everton's top scorer Saha showed brilliant control to chest down a long ball from deep and to turn and shoot but his fierce 20-yard drive clipped the crossbar and went over.[LNB]Wolves had two chances before the break but Jody Craddock shot well over and Jones curled a free-kick straight at Tim Howard.[LNB]Osman picked out Saha with a superb cross early in the second half after Heitinga had seized upon a loose ball but Craddock just did enough to prevent the Frenchman directing a header on target.[LNB]Baines tried his luck from a free-kick at the edge of the box but his shot was deflected for a corner off the wall and Tim Cahill headed wide from the resulting cross.[LNB]Wolves had an opening when a Foley throw made its way to Jarvis but he fired wildly into the stand.[LNB]Wolves appeared to grow frustrated as a number of decisions went against them but Neville complained to the referee about the treatment some of the Everton players were receiving from the hosts.[LNB]Wolves pieced together a nice move but Foley curled an effort over after being teed up by Jones 18 yards out.[LNB]Zubar had an even better chance after combining well with Kevin Doyle on the right and cutting inside Heitinga but he blazed over.[LNB]Chances continued to be created at either end with Pienaar twice getting into good positions for Everton but miskicking each time.[LNB]Wolves substitute Adlene Guedioura attempted a spectacular overhead kick but missed the target.[LNB]Zubar then found himself in good space in the box but was unable to beat Heitinga and an extraordinary goalmouth scrum ended with Doyle shooting over.[LNB]Everton substitute Dan Gosling almost had a chance to snatch victory for Everton in the last minute but Hahnemann bravely claimed the ball at his feet.[LNB]Cahill then twisted himself to get a shot past Hahnemann but Craddock ensured it went wide.
