Everton secured a 1-0 victory over Championship side Wolves to advance into the next round of the Carabao Cup.
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Everton were in control for large parts of the game against Wolves, and it never really looked like the Championship side were going to score.
David Moyes opted to make a number of changes to the team ahead of the game, but the squad players who came in performed to a strong level.
Jake O'Brien, Michael Keane, Tyler Dibling, Hayden Hackney, and Jack Grealish came into the XI after being on the bench against Tottenham previously, and Everton just about had enough to advance into the next round.
The Toffees started slowly, struggling to create too many clear-cut chances in the opening 45 minutes. O'Brien came closest early on, glancing his header from a corner into the side netting, with some of the Hill Dickinson Stadium faithful believing he had found the back of the net.
Shortly after, Thierno Barry was found in behind the defence after a clever pass from Hackney, but Joao Virginia rushed off his line to make it difficult for the Everton striker to get a clean shot off.
Just before the break, Barry had another opportunity to open the scoring. James Garner floated a clever ball to the back post for Barry to meet it. The French striker leapt and produced plenty of power in his header, but Virginia pulled off one of the best saves he'll ever make in order to deny Barry.
After the break, Everton continued to control proceedings, but once again found it difficult to create too many opportunities. Brennan Johnson, who came on for Barry up front, failed to convert Everton's best chance of the second half as he latched onto a phenomenal through ball from Dibling, with Virginia once again making the save.
Seconds later, Wolves were in at the other end, but Dibling made a 50-yard defensive run to get back into position, before producing a crucial tackle to deny him.
Everton eventually found the winner as Dibling found himself inside the penalty area. He poked the ball into the feet of Charly Alcaraz, who sold the defender as he cut inside onto his left foot, expertly placing the ball into the far corner.
Onto the player ratings.
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Jordan Pickford - 6
Much improved from the Tottenham game in terms of his distribution. Had very little to do in terms of big saves. A comfortable evening for the England goalkeeper.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles - 7
Strong performance from Ainsley Maitland-Niles. He was up and down the wing all game, being an option in the final third but also remaining strong defensively. Makes a huge difference having an experienced right-back.
Jake O’Brien - 7
Did himself no harm with his performance at the back. Touched the ball more times than any other player, winning everything in defence while being comfortable in possession.
Michael Keane - 7
Dealt with everything that came his way. Another clean sheet for the Toffees even with both centre-backs changing, so the defence deserve credit.
Vitalii Mykolenko - 7
Another strong performance from Vitalii Mykolenko, who is having a good season. Was looking to get forward regularly and wasn’t troubled defensively.
James Garner - 6
Was a creative threat for Everton from set-pieces and in open play. Few sloppy moments and wasn’t needed to be the defensive monster like he was against Tottenham. Not a bad performance, but fine.
Hayden Hackney - 7
Probably an eight for the first half and a six for the second half. Constantly looking to make things happen by pushing on into the final third. Does leave Everton exposed at times, but I’m sure it’s more instruction than wandering off.
Tyler Dibling - 9
Everton’s best player. A constant threat down the right wing, and he showed he can do the dirty work too. Two chances created, three completed dribbles, nine ground duels won.
It was a big night for him and he delivered, also producing the assist for the goal. Kept the ball when needed but also looked to take on his man and make things happen.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall - 5
Thought it was a poor game for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. Didn’t create a lot and was a bit sloppy. Would have probably been smart to give Alcaraz a run-out, but another 90 minutes for him. Might need a rest.
Action Images via Reuters
Action Images via Reuters
Jack Grealish - 6
Thought Jack Grealish was very average by his standards. Didn’t offer us a lot in the final third and slowed the game down a little too much. Still needs to get upto full fitness.
Thierno Barry - 5
I’ve backed Barry recently when some have questioned his performance levels. I think some of the comments have been harsh, but I didn't think he was poor against Wolves.
The header was difficult and not a ‘sitter’ like some described, but it was his all-round game that let him down on Wednesday night.