Everton vs Mansfield Town third round of the Carabao Cup at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. They did pull off a great 2-0 win! The match was the first-ever floodlit game at the stadium. To let fans still trying to get into the stadium, there was a 15-minute delay. Although they were behind for the majority of the match, Everton had an impressive attacking display led by new signing Charly Alcaraz and Beto.
The game started at a slow tempo, as both teams got into their groove. It was Alcaraz that broke the deadlock just six minutes into the second half. The midfielder’s opener galvanized the side and the home support, igniting a performance that elicited waves of pressure and possession against a wilting Toronto side.
Beto netted his second goal in a blue shirt soon after. He scored from just in front of the goal with an assist from Harrison Armstrong. It proved to be the decisive goal, as Mansfield found it extremely difficult to develop any dangerous openings against an impressive Everton team.
Armstrong, as it turned out, had a golden opportunity to make it 3-0 before halftime. Sadly for him, he shot straight at Mansfield’s keeper Roberts, squandering a great opportunity. Everton continued to look for a chance to attack. When Dwight McNeil tried his luck from a free-kick, Roberts made sure with a powerful hand, tipping it over the crossbar. Jack Grealish came close as well but sliced his effort high and wide.
Everton did well to control the game but allowed too many opportunities to heavily favor United. When Seamus Coleman’s cross was deflected over the endline, Beto wasted yet another chance to test Roberts and put them behind his flick. Iliman Ndiaye’s shot flashed into the side-netting, as Everton were left aghast at the missed chance, while still pressing for a third.
After 60 minutes of gameplay, Everton brought on Tyler Dibling, newly signed from Southampton for £35 million. His arrival added a whole new dimension to the team’s attack. The young talent, who came in with a €3 million price tag and high expectations as the club record transfer, offered new life and creativity on the field.
Mansfield failed to get a foothold in the game at any stage. The visitors found it difficult to test Everton’s rearguard. It was hard for them to get going against a buzzing ITU team.
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