Both managers were under intense scrutiny heading into Wednesday’s fixture after their sides conceded four goals apiece at the weekend.
As O’Neil faced taunting from Wolves’ own fans, with Craig Dawson netting two own goals, home boss Sean Dyche witnessed Everton put in a much more convincing performance than of late as they moved five points clear of the relegation zone.
The hosts thought they had doubled their lead six minutes later when James Tarkowski directed home a towering header from Dwight McNeil’s cross. However, the goal was ruled out by referee Michael Salisbury who ruled Orel Mangala offside and interfering with play after checking the pitchside monitor.
Wolves did have their share of early chances but the in-form Matheus Cunha’s low strike from the edge of the box and Jorgen Strand Larsen’s poked effort were kept out by Jordan Pickford.
O’Neil’s men were made to pay for those missed opportunities as their porous defence failed to clear the ball, allowing Mangala to pounce and smash in a first time finish from 20 yards out.
It got better for the home side in the second half, aided by a helping hand from Dawson, who inadvertently converted into his own net twice from McNeil’s deliveries, as the visitors slumped to 19th place and three points adrift of safety. Everton broke that barren run with perfect start courtesy of Ashley Young’s delightful 25-yard free-kick, which curled round the wall and nestled into the bottom