Everton player ratings as Beto and one more poor in Southampton loss

Everton player ratings from Chris Beesley after the Carabao Cup showdown with Southampton

Everton player ratings as Beto and one more poor in Southampton penalty shootout loss

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Everton crashed out of the Carabao Cup on penalties after Ashley Young’s effort was saved by Southampton’s Alex McCarthy following a 1-1 draw in this third round tie. All of the first 10 spot-kicks were converted, ensuring the shoot-out went to sudden death but while James Bree held his nerve to become scorer number 11, the Blues’ oldest ever outfield player was denied from 12 yards out.

Earlier, captain for the night Abdoulaye Doucoure headed the hosts, who made eight changes, ahead from close range but another header from the opposition skipper Taylor Harwood-Bellis levelled proceedings and the result ensures Everton have still yet to win against Premier League opposition this term.

Here is how Chris Beesley rated the players.

Joao Virginia 6

Made a smart stop to deny Ryan Fraser early in the second half having not had much to do other than pick the ball out of the net for Taylor Harwood-Bellis’ equaliser before the break when he will have been disappointed that his team-mates left the Southampton captain unmarked to head home. Didn’t look close to saving any of the penalties in the shoot-out.

Roman Dixon 6

Full of youthful enthusiasm but understandably a little raw at times, the teenager was bright and breezy, pushing forwards with purpose from right-back on his home debut but booked for a late challenge on Ryan Fraser.

Dwight McNeil 6

The player who has created more big chances than anyone in the Premier League so far this season started at left-back where predictably he looked more comfortable going forwards than defending but then following Everton’s double substitution, he reverted to his recent number 10 role. Coolly rolled in the second penalty.

Jake O’Brien 6

Still finding his feet, he looked solid enough and as you’d expect with his massive frame, he was an imposing figure, although there will be questions over who was supposed to be picking up the Saints skipper for his leveller.

Michael Keane 7

Made a cool interception to deny Adam Armstrong and after a tough start to the season, he was more like his aerially dominant self in both boxes and it was his header that picked out Doucoure for his goal. Nailed the first penalty.

Orel Mangala 7

Sitting in front of the back four, the Belgium international occupied what is usually the Isrissa Gueye role and looked fairly steady with some fancy footwork late in the first half adding a little flourish.

Harrison Armstrong 7

An encouraging first start for the 17-year-old from West Derby, Everton’s latest home grown hero, who looked neat and tidy on the ball as well as offering youthful energy and putting in what proved a popular slide tackle on Joe Aribo.

Abdoulaye Doucoure 8

The captain for the night led by example and headed Everton in front from close range with his tenacious covering of lots of ground one of the few familiar features in a much-changed line-up, as well as threading through a clever pass to Lindstom for his big chance in the first half.

Jesper Lindstrom 5

Spurned two golden opportunities to score in one-on-one positions that really should be converted by an attack-minded player at this level, the first, to double Everton’s lead, came after being played through by Doucoure but despite timing his run perfectly, his tame effort was gathered by Alex McCarthy and then after the break he fired too close to the keeper again when picked out by Beto before being booked for a late challenge in the latter stages. Finally converted of the post with the fourth penalty.

Iliman Ndiaye 6

Always a threat with his twinkling toes but the magic moments were in fits and starts with him moving from the left wing to up front after Beto’s exit. Rolled in the third penalty.

Beto 5

Lively but didn’t do enough as he tested Alex McCarthy early on and had a clutch of decent opportunities, but needed to show more conviction against Nathan Wood who has outmuscled him at times, although as the team’s only out-and-out striker it seemed slightly odd to see him hooked just after the hour mark with the score level.

Ashley Young (on 62 for Beto) 6

Slotted in at left-back for the final half an hour, putting in a meaty challenge on Tyler Dibling late on. Saw his sudden death penalty saved by McCarthy.

Jack Harrison (on 62 for Armstrong) 6

Offered some fresh legs down the right wing and put himself about. Emphatically despatched Everton’s fifth pressure penalty.

Tim Iroegbunam (on 79 for Doucoure)

Late cameo as Keane took the armband.

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