Everton’s dismal start to season suffers latest calamity after Carabao Cup shoot-out defeat

Everton’s early season crisis deepened when they crashed out of the Carabao Cup after a shoot-out with fellow Premier League strugglers Southampton.

After the first 11 penalties were all successfully converted, Ashley Young, the most experienced man on the pitch, saw his spot kick saved by Alex McCarthy to put Southampton through.

It was the second season running that Everton have gone out of the competition after losing a shoot-out – last season they lost to Fulham.

While it increased the pressure for Dyche, the victory provided was some welcome relief for Southampton boss Russell Martin, who has been under-fire after four straight League defeats following their return to the top flight.

With League points already a priority for both clubs, both managers rotated their squads – Dyche making eight changes and Martin making 10.

Southampton enjoyed the bulk of possession in the early stages but it was Everton who carried the greater attacking threat with Beto having a shot saved by McCarthy and McNeil heading over Jesper Lindstrom’s corner.

Many of Everton’s goals last season stemmed from set-pieces and it was no surprise when they took the lead from that route after 20 minutes.

McCarthy flapped at McNeil’s delivery, Jake O’Brien turned the ball back from beyond the far post, Michael Keane headed it on for Abdoulaye Doucoure to nod in from close range.