Nuno Espirito Santo’s Wolves saw off a poor Everton side at Goodison Park on Saturday, securing their status as the best in the Premier League outside the “big six.”

The visitors put on a show for the travelling fans, and there were impressive displays throughout their side who look like seasoned top-flight campaigners rather than a newly promoted team.

“It’s a growing process which began more than 18 months ago,” said Espirito Santo of the club’s development.

“It’s the same people, the same players trying to find solutions and improve and grow in our game. 

“70 per cent of these players were with us in the Championship. We never forget where we came from and we still have a long way to go.”

Ruben Neves opened the scoring from the spot after a flagging Leighton Baines clumsily fouled Matt Doherty. The Everton left-back was taken off midway through the first half and didn’t look like he should have started.

Andre Gomes levelled the scores, powering a strike past Rui Patricio after taking a pass on the run from Cenk Tosun, but Raul Jimenez restored Wolves’ lead, heading home Joao Moutinho’s free-kick just before half-time. 

It was a deserved goal for the Mexican who was an effective focal point throughout, but the home side’s marking was non-existent.

“We knew Jimenez would attack that ball and we didn’t put even 50 per cent into that moment,” bemoaned Toffees boss Marco Silva.

“I can see Jimenez challenge for that ball and he was completely alone. It’s something that’s not part of our plan and not what we wanted to do.”

Leander Dendoncker finished Everton off in the second half after Diego Jota’s shot was blocked and fell into his path. Silva’s side have now lost three of their last four games in all competitions, but Wolves are unbeaten in four, winning three of them.

The next step for Espirito Santo’s outfit would be to qualify for European competition and given the quality of their players they have a good chance of doing so, if not this season, then next.