Queens Park Rangers 2(8)-(7)2 Everton: Instant Reaction | Blues crash out of Carabao Cup

Everton were dumped out of the Carabao Cup by Queens Park Rangers on penalties after the clash at Loftus Road went into fulltime tied 2-2.

With Everton's lack of squad depth getting tested early in the season, manager Rafa Benitez had to rely on a number of squad players for this trip to Loftus Road, with a spot in the Fourth Round of the Carabao Cup on the line.

Led by veteran manager Mark Warburton, QPR were never going to be pushovers and started the game hot and never really relented the pressure despite the Toffees creating more chances.

It was the hosts however who took the lead soon after the quarter-hour mark with former Southampton striker Charlie Austin scoring. Captain on the day Lucas Digne pulled the Blues level on the half-hour mark though getting in behind the backline to tuck home.

However, it was QPR who scored again soon after that with Austin grabbing his second goal and the hosts went into the break lading 2-1. Andros Townsend did well pulling the Blues level for a second time, again tapping in from close range like he did in the previous round.

That was it for the scoring in regular time though the Blues had a couple of golden opportunities to win it late on, and off to penalties we went.

Both sides were perfect after five penalties each and in sudden death, it took another three spotkicks before Tom Davies’ shot was saved in the bottom right corner and Jimmy Dunne hammered home in front of the rapturous crowd.

So after a great start to the season, Everton have now lost two on the trot after being defeated 3-0 at Villa Park over the weekend, The Blues return to home comforts on Saturday as Norwich City come visiting.