Full Time: Everton 3-0
Everton sailed through to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, after they handed Championship side Sunderland a 3-0 defeat at the Goodison Park, on Wednesday night.
It took 38 minutes for Everton to break the deadlock, when Dominic Calvert-Lewin slotted past Jason Steele with a low effort. The youngster doubled his team’s lead six minutes into the second-half, after being sent through by Sandro Ramirez. Substitute Oumar Niasse then made it three in the 83rd minute to confirm the inevitable.
Here’s how the Everton players fared on the night;
Everton Player Ratings
Maarten Stekelenburg – 6/10
Had precious little to do in goal and was a spectator for almost the entirety of the game.
Jonjoe Kenny – 6/10
The U23s captain was given his first start and he justified his selection with a fairly solid display at right-back.
Michael Keane – 7/10
A much-improved display from the summer recruit after Sunday’s sloppy showing against Manchester United. Steady and solid.
Ashley Williams – 6.5/10
The captain for the night too fared better than he did over the weekend, but his distribution wasn’t always up to the mark.
Mason Holgate – 7/10
Starting at left-back, the youngster didn’t look uncomfortable and made a couple of darting runs forward. Solid in defence.
Tom Davies – 7/10
Plenty of the trademark running and energy that everyone has grown accustomed to from the youngster. Assisted the third goal for Niasse with a fine cross.
Muhamed Besic – 6/10
Showed desire to get on the ball, but ended up losing it on a number of occasions. A better game after his horrendous outing in the Europa League, but still lacking.
Nikola Vlasic – 7.5/10
Struck a volley into the side netting early on. Released Calvert-Lewin with a smart flick for the opener. Added pace and directness to the Everton attack and was a constant threat before being taken off.
Davy Klaassen – 5/10
Came in with a lot of expectations in the summer, but is struggling to live up to them. Has the quality, but isn’t showing it at the moment.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 9/10
Scored the first two goals for the Toffees, with two very composed finishes. Unlucky to miss out on hat-trick, as he struck the post. Smart movement, piercing runs, looks a danger at the top.
Sandro Ramirez – 6.5/10
Had a shot saved midway through the first-half. Got the assist for the second goal. Showed glimpses of potential, but needs to make more of an impact.
Substitutes
Oumar Niasse – 7/10
On for Calvert-Lewin in the 66th minute. The last season’s outcast made a mark, scoring the third with a brilliant strike. Expect him to be involved more regularly going forward.
Ademola Lookman – 7/10
Replaced Sandro in the 73rd minute. Was a livewire after he came on, forcing a double save from Steele.
Aaron Lennon – NA
Came on for Vlasic for the final ten minutes.