Everton survive Carabao Cup scare thanks to new signings

Beto of Everton (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Beto of Everton (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

Everton survived a scare on Wednesday night as they had to come from behind to beat lower-division opposition in the Carabao Cup.

Everton woes

It has been a very troubled start to the season for Everton, and one which once again has their fans very nervous for the season ahead. After narrowly escaping relegation last term they have started this season with three straight league defeats and no goals.

This didn’t bode well going into their away trip to Doncaster Rovers in the second round of the Carabao Cup, and if ever there was a giant-killing in the making it was this one. And it almost proved to be the case when Joe Ironside put the League Two side ahead on the stroke of halftime.

Manager Sean Dyche has been criticised from many angles so far in this opening month of the season, and it looked like he would face intense pressure until two new signings saved the tie, and a grilling for the manager from the media and supporters.

Portuguese striker Beto, signed from Udinese, showed his class when after being introduced at halftime, scored the leveller midway through the second half, and this sparked the Toffees into life. The game was still in the balance but with Doncaster starting to feel the pressure it was two minutes from time that the game was won. Arnaut Danjuma grabbed a dramatic winner to send the visitors through, and an away trip to Aston Villa in the next round.

Beto enthusiastic

The game was broadcast on live television and after the game Beto spoke to the Sky Sports cameras. “I am really happy to score on my debut, to help the team, win the game, and I am looking forward to the next one and playing with these teammates. And keep winning. I am excited about my debut in the best league in the world and I just want to play.”

Everton will be glad of his enthusiasm and will hope that this will rub off on his colleagues as Everton are in desperate need of an injection of excitement. One potential transfer target before the window closes is Maxwel Cornet from West Ham United. The winger played under Dyche while the manager was in charge of Burnley so it would be a good match, and with Alex Iwobi possibly on his way out to Fulham, this would be a decent signing to fill the gap.

The Everton faithful have been beyond patient as they wait for a spark that will lift them away from their terrible run of form that has seen them almost lose their Premier League status, as well as a lack of money being spent to avoid another season similar to what they have endured over the recent past.