A look at some of the moments you may have missed from Everton's Carabao Cup win over Mansfield Town
Tyler Dibling looks on during the Carabao Cup second-round match between Everton and Mansfield Town at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Tyler Dibling looks on during the Carabao Cup second-round match between Everton and Mansfield Town at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Everton’s win over Mansfield Town was historic for a number of reasons. It was the first cup game at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium, the first match to be played under floodlights at the ground and, with a crowd of 48,583 the club’s largest League Cup attendance since a Merseyside derby in January 1987.
For those behind-the-scenes the main source of satisfaction will simply have been the success in avoiding an awkward night - something David Moyes wrote could not be taken for granted in his pre-match programme notes. A look at what happened to Manchester United proved his point.
Goals from Carlos Alcaraz and Beto prevented an upset on the banks of the Mersey.
And here are some moments you may have missed from the Carabao Cup tie.
Everton’s stars stay late to meet the supporters
Some of Everton’s summer signings have created a buzz around the squad. Among them are Jack Grealish, whose name inspired more loud cheers when he was announced in the starting line-up, and latest addition Tyler Dibling, who caused a wave of excitement to spread through the crowd when it became clear he was going to be introduced in the second half for his debut.
They have been two high profile signings for the Blues and so there was little surprise they should attract clamour from supporters after the final whistle. Despite the late finish, both were happy to give their time to fans upon leaving the stadium, stopping to sign autographs and take pictures.
Penalty shoot-out keeps the supporters transfixed
The delayed kick-off may have turned this into an even-later finish than anticipated but there was another distraction that kept supporters in and around the ground after the match.
Crowds of supporters gathered in the concourses on their way out, while others formed in groups of home and away fans outside the bars and pubs on Regent Road, all captivated by the penalty shoot-out between Grimsby Town and Manchester United.
There were plenty of cheers when the League Two side emerged victorious from the spot kick marathon.
Signed shirts flying out the club for sharp-shooting supporters
Another shoot-out that ended in cheers took place at half-time. Everton are again running the crossbar challenge competition at the break - something they brought back while still at Goodison Park.
Anyone who strikes the bar from the edge of the box wins a signed shirt and the amount in circulation must have cost the club a pretty penny. One of the two contestants struck the bar last night - after both did it at half-time in the Brighton match on Sunday.
Supporters had huge success in the competition last season and have continued that trend into the new stadium.
Michael Keane as a #10?
That success was welcome entertainment at the break after a nervy end to the first half for the Blues.
David Moyes was justified when he later said he had been pleased with the opening 45 minutes - chances were created and Everton did dominate.
The final five minutes became a nervy affair, however, as Mansfield received a jolt of confidence and enjoyed a period of sustained pressure. No real opportunities were created and the most dangerous moment was cleared by Vitalii Mykolenko at the back post.
The break came at a handy time for the hosts though, who at one point ended up with centre back Michael Keane stalking forward and setting up camp in the final third in what looked like an attempt to push an extra body into the attack while Everton knocked the ball around.
Keane has often been labelled as a potential number nine due to his finishing prowess, but a number 10 was a new-one.
Jack Grealish takes up concerns with referee
Grealish again endeared himself to supporters with his efforts on the pitch as he battled in both halves. He sparked applause for his defensive contributions and was a threat going forward, creating a golden chance for Dwight McNeil before skewing his own good opportunity well over.
Some of his best moments appeared to be in response to frustration after he was caught by a lunge that went unpunished by referee Thomas Bramall as Mansfield attempted to get to grips with him.
Grealish appeared to be frustrated by the lack of protection and took up his concerns with the referee minutes later before trying to take matters into his own hands.