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No matter what you call the competition, Everton underwhelmed once again as they struggled to break down a resolute Norwich City side.
Manager Ronald Koeman made six changes to the side that beat Middlesbrough over the weekend. However, instead of energizing the team, all the changes destabilized the setup and play was mostly disjointed.
Even Idrissa Gueye, despite maintaining his regular work rate, looked lost as Tom Cleverley proved to be a less-than-adequate replacement for Gareth Barry. That combined with Ross Barkley dallying too long on the ball and Gerard Deulofeu wasting over half a dozen chances all combined to bring Everton down.
First former Evertonian Steven Naismith scored a lucky goal, his scooped shot as he fell looping perfectly over goalie Maarten Stekelenburg. And then in the second half as the Blues pushed forward in the vain attempt to find an equalizer, Josh Murphy wove between defenders on the edge of the box and fired home to seal the game.
Video courtesy of Full Matches & Shows