Everton 1-1 Southampton (3-4): Bounced

Everton’s league cup malaise continued today at home against Southampton, this time by way of a limp 1-1 (3-4 penalties) loss. The Blues “enjoyed” the majority of the possession and shots on target, but yet again, a wastefulness in front of goal saw the visitors take the spoils.

Marco Silva elected to ring in 7 changes, with Ademola Lookman getting a start and Bernard finally receiving his full Everton debut. Both wingers were lively in the first half, and Everton largely dominated play before apparent Blues’ bogeyman Danny Ings slotted home. Morgan Schneiderlin failed to close him down, Maarten Stekelenburg could only offer very slight resistance, and the first half went to the Saints.

Everton were quick to make alterations in the second half. Oumar Niasse replaced Kieran Dowell at halftime, while Richarlison and Theo Walcott eventually came on for Ademola Lookman and Morgan Schneiderlin.

Despite playing the final 10-15 minutes with five attackers on the pitch, it simply was not effective nor anywhere near enough. Theo Walcott would end up drawing Everton level late on, but he and Richarlison both missed penalties in the shootout, rendering Stekelenburg’s save on Matt Targett irrelevant.

The Blues have wasted yet another opportunity to make a run in a domestic cup, in a year where it looked to set up particularly well for them. Check out the live blog link above for goals and that Richarlison penalty.

Everton that.