It may be a stretch to suggest that Everton’s season could turn on a 3-0 EFL Cup victory over fourth-tier Doncaster Rovers.
But the lessons Sean Dyche learned – and the statements made by a few members of this long-suffering Toffees squad – could perhaps be the start of a something a little brighter.
Everton’s miserable beginning to the Premier League campaign – losing 7-0 on aggregate to Brighton and Hove Albion and Tottenham Hotspur – has overshadowed what had been a pretty impressive summer in the transfer market.
Despite barely having two coins to rub together, Everton have managed to bring in one of the best young centre-backs around in £16 million Jake O’Brien, a highly promising midfielder in Tim Iroegbunam, a genuine goal threat in Iliman Ndiaye, and a man in Jesper Lindstrom who was among the most effective forwards in the Bundesliga as recently as 2023.
Tim Iroegbunam and Iliman Ndiaye shine in Everton win
All four started as Everton reached the third round of the Carabao Cup in midweek. And all four impressed.
O’Brien did not put a foot wrong – albeit against limited opposition – Lindstrom was a constant threat, Ndiaye scored a wonderful solo goal, and Iroegbunam ran the show with quality and swagger.
Only the slightest of touches from Dwight McNeil denied Iroegbunam a first Everton goal.
While the former Aston Villa youngster has started both of Everton’s league games so far, the other three summer arrivals are yet to be included in on Dyche’s team sheet for a Premier League fixture.
But with Michael Keane, Jack Harrison and Abdoulaye Doucoure struggling badly, perhaps a few eye-catching displays in the cup is the push Dyche needs to shuffle his pack.
“We had four new players out there,” Dyche says at his post-match press conference, via Beanyman Sports on YouTube. “Tim is a bit different because he’s had a full pre-season. I think he’s doing absolutely different class.
“To be having a full pre-season and doing what he’s doing, really pleased for him.
“We put (Ndiaye) wide because we think that’s a good position for him, and he’s shown that since he’s been here,” Dyche adds when asked about the former Sheffield United star’s shift to a left-wing role.
“You could see tonight, for Jesper (Lindstrom), it’s a different thing. There is a step to go and he’s learning that. Jake (O’Brien) as well, learning about the nuts and bolts here and the stadium, of course, in front of the fans.”
Sean Dyche lauds returning stars after Doncaster Rovers win
It wasn’t just the new arrivals who earned Dyche’s praise.
The Everton boss was glad to see veteran right-back Seamus Coleman and versatile midfielder James Garner come through unscathed after recent injury issues, both approaching that Doncaster clash with trademark professionalism.
There was even a goal for the much-maligned Beto.
“Jimmy Garner and Seamus haven’t had much training at all. For them to come in and play well has been different class,” adds the gravel-voiced gaffer.
“It’s not just about new players. It’s about every player. We want them to lay down markers. We have to go again, and go again, and go again. It’s a mini step forward because it’s a cup competition.”
Everton face AFC Bournemouth at Goodison Park this weekend.
Surely only The Toffees could go into the third league game of a new season already gearing up for a ‘must-win’ fixture.
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