Sean Dyche was pleased with how Everton overcame the “noise” around their alarming start to the season to take a “mini step forward” by beating Doncaster in the Carabao Cup.
Bottom of the Premier League having conceded seven without reply across their two opening matches, the Toffees desperately needed to lift the mood ahead of Bournemouth’s visit on Saturday.
Everton stuttered in the first half against League Two outfit Doncaster, but Dwight McNeil got a toe on a first-time Tim Iroegbunam strike shortly after half-time to settle nerves at Goodison Park.
Full debutant Iliman Ndiaye went on to add a superb solo effort before Beto prodded home late on to seal a 3-0 victory and progress to the third round.
“In many ways (it was satisfying), yeah,” Toffees boss Dyche said. “I think the first thing is the performance level.
“Without really opening too much in the first half, I thought it was a very solid performance and we were asking questions.
“Second half, a little bit more freedom came into the play, particularly in the top third, which is what I spoke to them about at half-time and I’m pleased they delivered that.
“We scored three goals – on another day could have had maybe another couple – so overall pleasing.
“You know, a lot of noise about our start, but I think it showed we’ve still got a group that are alive here and some good players.”
There is little chance of Dyche or his players getting ahead of themselves after overcoming Doncaster, but it was progress at the end of a chastening start to the Premier League season.
“We want all of the group to lay down markers,” the Everton boss said. “It’s not just about new players, it’s about every player.
“Can they keep evolving, if you like, for the next challenge? That’s what we’ve had to do many times.
“Challenges come, we have to go again and go again and go again, and there’s another challenge at the moment.
“So, that’s a mini step forward. The reason why I say a mini step forward is because it’s a cup competition.
“The league is the be-all and end-all. We all know that, so our next step is going into Saturday and deliver a performance that can win on Saturday.”
Doncaster had started their first trip to Goodison Park since 1985 brightly but the gulf in individual quality between Premier League and League Two showed in the end.
Boss Grant McCann said: “I thought we were good first half. I thought we played well, kept the ball well, caused some problems, had a good few efforts at their goal, particularly from set plays. We looked inventive.
“But look, second half probably just sums up the difference in the quality.
“I feel like I’ve got a brave team who will obviously overcome this and react to this and look forward to Saturday (at Port Vale).”
[(Shimizu S-Pulse) Weakness]: 1. Shimizu S-Pulse are 13th in the J1 League table. Facing 2nd-placed Kashima Antlers, they will find it hard to win this match due to their declining form, indicating doubtful motivation.2. Shimizu S-Pulse defender Yuji Takahashi and forward Sena Saito will miss this league game due to injuries.3. Shimizu S-Pulse were winless with 2 draws and 3 losses in the last 5 g...
Liverpool table fresh Guehi bidAccording to The Athletic, Liverpool have submitted a fresh bid worth £35 million ($47m) to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. The Reds had earlier seen two bids rejected by the Eagles, but they remain hopeful that this time the offer will be accepted.Fenerbahce eyeing move for EdersonTurkish Super Lig giants Fenerbahce are eyeing a move for out-of-favour Manc...
Roma medical for Liverpool fullback TsimikasAS Roma are holding a medical for Kostas Tsimikas today.The Liverpool fullback is leaving Anfield after finding himself third-choice this season behind fellow left-backs Andrew Robertson and Milos Kerkez.La Gazzetta dello Sport says the Greece international is expected in Italy today to finalise his move.Tsimikas will undergo a medical ahead of signing a...
FBL-ENG-PR-CHELSEA-FULHAMMarco Silva has demanded an explanation from the Premier League after lambasting three "shocking" refereeing decisions in Fulham's 2-0 Premier League loss at Chelsea.WHAT HAPPENED?The Whites thought they had taken the lead against their west London rivals Chelsea when 18-year-old Josh King coolly slotted past Robert Sanchez. However, the goal was chalked off by referee Rob...
[(Shonan Bellmare) Strength]: 1. Shonan Bellmare are one of the bottom teams in the table, taking 25 points and being in the relegation zone. They are strongly motivated to grab points.[(Shonan Bellmare) Neutral]: 1. Shonan Bellmare drew the last 4 home games, revealing mediocre home performances.[(Shonan Bellmare) Weakness]: 1. Shonan Bellmare lost 1-0 to Fagiano Okayama on the road in the last g...
Manchester United Training Session And Press Conference - UEFA Europa League Final 2025Chelsea have completed the signing of Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United.WHAT HAPPENED?Garnacho has signed a seven-year contract with the Blues after the two Premier League clubs agreed a deal worth a fixed £40 million fee ($54m) with a 10 per cent sell-on clause, Goal understands. The 21-year-old ha...
Marc Guehi Crystal Palace 2025-26Liverpool have launched a fresh bid for Marc Guehi as they hope that Crystal Palace will finally accept their proposal and agree to sell their star defender before the summer transfer window closes on Monday. The Reds have been linked with a move for the England international throughout the summer and the champions are determined to secure his signature.WHAT HAPPEN...
West Ham United v Lille OSC - Pre-Season FriendlyAston Villa are close to signing West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta on an initial loan with an obligation to buy next summer.WHAT HAPPENED?Villa are on the brink of agreeing a £47 million (€54m/$63m) package for Paqueta which includes a loan fee and add-ons, according to Fabrizio Romano. The report also states the 28-year-old has ac...
[(Nagoya Grampus) Strength]: 1. Nagoya Grampus currently have only 28 points and are near the bottom of the league table. To avoid relegation, they need to earn points.[(Nagoya Grampus) Neutral]: 1. Nagoya Grampus' 7 successive games ended with OVER.[(Nagoya Grampus) Weakness]: 1. Nagoya Grampus lost 2-4 to Sanfrecce Hiroshima in their last Emperor's Cup game, with poor performance.2. In the lates...
Cody Gakpo Liverpool 2025Premier League champions Liverpool have confirmed that star attacker Cody Gakpo has put pen to paper on a new long-term contract, which has extended his stay at Anfield beyond 2028. The Dutchman who joined the club in January 2023, during the Jurgen Klopp era, has established himself as a regular starter under new boss Arne Slot and has now committed his future to the Reds...
