Everton sealed their place in the EFL Cup third round with a 2-0 victory over League One Mansfield Town on the night where Seamus Coleman broke a club record.
David Moyes opted to make a number of changes to his side following the 2-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion in the club's first competitive game at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Coleman was among those who came into the starting lineup, ensuring he created history by featuring in a 17th consecutive season in an Everton shirt - more than any other outfield player in the history of the club.
Coleman and his teammates would have been frustrated at the half-time interval after being kept at bay by a stubborn Mansfield backline, but their patience ultimately paid off when Carlos Alcaraz produced a picturesque strike to break the deadlock in the opening stages of the second period.
With his team in front, Moyes opted it was the right time to introduce Tyler Dibling for his debut following his recent move from Southampton.
Dibling was brought on with Portuguese forward Beto, who tapped home in the closing stages to make sure of Everton's progression to the next round.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
Everton's Jack Grealish on August 27, 2025
Moyes would have been disappointed that his team failed to take their chances in the first period, although the Toffees ultimately did enough to avoid an upset and secure their passage to round three.
The tie allowed the likes of Jack Grealish and Thierno Barry to get more minutes in their legs following their arrivals this summer, while it also enabled another summer addition, Dibling, to make his debut ahead of the return to Premier League action this weekend.
Meanwhile, Mansfield boss Nigel Clough can be proud of their spirited display in front of their healthy travelling support, even if they were unable to offer too much of an attacking threat.
EVERTON VS. MANSFIELD HIGHLIGHTS
Alcaraz goal vs. Mansfield (51st min, Everton 1-0 Mansfield)
Everton finally break through, with Charly Alcaraz curling in a stunning goal! ? pic.twitter.com/QUBrpskFp9
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) August 27, 2025
Description
Mansfield's resistance is finally broken. Harrison Armstrong sets the back ball to the edge of the box, inviting Alcaraz to unleash a first-time shot that started outside the near post and curled into the net to beat the outstretched Roberts.
Beto goal vs. Mansfield (88th min, Everton 2-0 Mansfield)
Everton double their advantage to end Mansfield's hopes of equalising late on. James Garner plays a defence-splitting pass to pick out Harrison Armstrong, who squares the ball for Beto to tap in from close range.
MAN OF THE MATCH - CARLOS ALCARAZ
It was a close call between Alcaraz and Armstrong for our Man of the Match award, but we have ultimately given the matchwinner the nod.
Alcaraz was undoubtedly one of Everton's main attacking threats, and showed great technique to curl home the winning goal in the early stages of the second period.
Meanwhile, Armstrong deserves credit for providing two assists in Everton's successful EFL Cup outing.
EVERTON VS. MANSFIELD MATCH STATS
Possession: Everton 66%-34% Mansfield
Shots: Everton 14-3 Mansfield
Shots on target: Everton 6-0 Mansfield
Corners: Everton 5-1 Mansfield
Fouls: Everton 5-10 Mansfield
BEST STATS
A record broken and a record equalled by our skipper. ? pic.twitter.com/MUKuyrt3B0
— Everton (@Everton) August 27, 2025
WHAT NEXT?
After recording back-to-back wins at their new stadium, Everton will now head on their travels for Saturday's Premier League clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux.
Meanwhile, Mansfield will travel to the LNER Stadium for Saturday's game against Lincoln City, with the Stags looking to record a third successive win in League One.
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