After two stinging defeats in the Premier League, zero goals scored and seven shipped in a debilitating start to the season, Everton’s mission was clear: dispatch Doncaster Rovers from the Carabao Cup, chalk up a first win, and prepare for Bournemouth’s visit on Saturday in far better heart.
They achieved this, in a scrappy performance riven with tension until Iliman Ndiaye danced through the Rovers rearguard and pinged a cute finish in off Ian Lawlor’s right post to make it 2-0 on 74 minutes. Victory was confirmed by Beto’s late strike, and was reward for Sean Dyche for fielding a strong XI including Jordan Pickford, Michael Keane and Dwight McNeil.
