Everton 1-1 Southampton (3-4): Player Ratings

Everton must wait at least another year for their first League Cup triumph after suffering penalty heartache to Southampton following a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park.

The Blues started brightly but failed to turn their dominance into goals, and Danny Ings punished their profligacy by putting the Saints ahead just before the break.

Substitute Theo Walcott equalised five minutes from time, but it was the visitors who prevailed from spot-kicks.

Here's how Marco Silva's men rated on Tuesday night from my view in the Bullens:

Maarten Stekelenburg - 3: horrendous attempt to dive for Ings' goal. Still doesn't communicate anywhere near enough with his back line. Distribution was also poor.

Jonjoe Kenny - 6: relatively solid, but still leaves gaping holes at the back and must work on improving his delivery. Until Seamus Coleman recovers from injury, his place in the side still seems secure, though.

Michael Keane - 6: solid enough without a great deal of defending to do. Should have done better with a late header, which he placed squarely in the Lower Gwladys.

Kurt Zouma - 6: likewise, not given much by Southampton to trouble him. Distribution was decent as usual, and battered home the most convincing penalty of the lot.

Leighton Baines - 5: a wonderful servant to the club and still has something to offer, but Baines won't have given Silva much of a selection headache ahead of Saturday's trip to Leicester City. His pace has gone and delivery is no longer what it used to be. Linked up well with Bernard at times, but Lucas Digne won't be sleeping rough on this showing.

Bernard - 6: one of Everton's brightest sparks out on the left in the first half, if lacking end product at times, but was on the periphery in the second period on the right flank. Tested Angus Gunn from just outside the box with one of Everton's best efforts in the opening 45 minutes. Fatigue also took its toll as the game wore on.

Morgan Schneiderlin - 5: didn't do much wrong, but just didn't make enough of an impact. You know what you're getting from Schneiderlin for the most part; he keeps the Blues ticking over but too many sideways passes prevent him from being a real game-changer.

Tom Davies - 5: another performance that leaves you wanting more from Davies. Gave his all, as he always does, but at times it seems he tries too hard. One late ball leathered well over the head of the tiny Bernard was a particular head-scratcher.

Ademola Lookman - 6: much like Bernard, Lookman started well but faded as the match progressed. Lacked composure when put through on goal in the second half, firing straight at Gunn. Far more impressive tonight than his recent cameos from the bench, though.

Kieran Dowell - 5: hooked at half-time with the Blues behind, having to failed to get a grip on the game. Worked hard, but wasn't involved enough; it would be a huge surprise were he to be named in the matchday squad on Saturday.

Cenk Tosun - 5: his usual industrious self, but also failed to really get into the game. Hard to remember any clear opportunities which fell the Turk's way; his desperate lack of pace was particularly to his detriment tonight against a strong Saints back line.

Substitutes:

Oumar Niasse - 5: classic Niasse. Gives his all, and played Theo Walcott in for his goal, but technically nowhere near good enough. Everton must look to strengthen up front in the January transfer window above all else.

Richarlison - 4: didn't make a great deal of difference in his substitute appearance, albeit looked at first glance as though he was fouled by Saints goalkeeper Angus Gunn when through on goal. Would have scored higher but for his truly woeful penalty - further proof that stuttering run-ups are a recipe for disaster.

Theo Walcott - 5: wasn't on for long, but stayed calm to score when in on goal against Gunn. Loses points for another poor penalty, which the Southampton keeper saved with ease.

Overall, more cup frustration for Evertonians, who will be wondering why Silva chose to rest the likes of Jordan Pickford and Gylfi Sigurdsson. Leicester City on Saturday is a must-win.