**Everton’s EFL Cup Journey Ends with 2-0 Defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers**
*23/09/2025*
Everton’s EFL Cup campaign has come to a disappointing end in the third round after a 2-0 loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux Stadium.
David Moyes made wholesale changes to the lineup that started against Liverpool at Anfield, with some of the selections raising eyebrows. Notably, Seamus Coleman was deployed on the left flank, while the entire frontline that started at Anfield was rested for this match.
The Blues looked off-colour and struggled to fashion any clear-cut chances in the first half. They fell behind to a Marshall Munetsi goal around the half-hour mark. Sensing the urgency of the situation, Moyes decided to make significant substitutions shortly after the break, introducing Beto, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Jack Grealish, and Iliman Ndiaye. However, the hosts adopted a defensive stance, dropping back in numbers and limiting Everton’s openings.
James Garner came closest to restoring parity, rattling the woodwork from a free-kick and forcing a strong save from Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone with a powerful shot from outside the box. However, Tolu Arokodare dealt the fatal blow to Everton’s Carabao Cup hopes by chipping the ball over Mark Travers’ head just three minutes before the end.
While there was some merit in rotating the starting XI for this game, Moyes arguably made one change too many. The players given a rare opportunity to stake their claim in the starting lineup failed to make a major impression and showed little desire to impose themselves on the game.
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### Player Ratings from the Match
**Mark Travers – 5**
Replaced Jordan Pickford in goal tonight. His save from Jhon Arias’ volley was parried into Marshall Munetsi’s path, who finished from close range. He was caught out of position for the second goal, unsure whether to rush out or hold his line. Eventually, he was beaten in a one-on-one situation by Arokodare’s chip.
**Jake O’Brien – 6**
Enjoyed more freedom to roam forward compared to recent games. His crosses were threatening in the first half, but he faded into a quiet second half.
**James Tarkowski – 5**
Partially at fault for the second goal, allowing Arokodare to break behind Michael Keane. With teammates pushing high, Tarkowski should have played a higher defensive line to reduce space behind.
**Michael Keane – 6**
Could have closed down Munetsi better after the initial save but otherwise had a strong game. Also posed a threat in Wolves’ penalty area, hitting a great header saved by Johnstone.
**Seamus Coleman – 5** (replaced by Vitalii Mykolenko, 78’)
A strange decision to start Coleman at left-back instead of Garner or Aznou, given Moyes wanted to rest Mykolenko. Coleman looked rusty and off the pace, making only his second appearance this season (previously against Mansfield Town in the cup).
**Tim Iroegbunam – 5**
Struggled on the ball and was unable to find teammates in dangerous positions.
**James Garner – 7**
One of Everton’s brightest players this season, Garner was the team’s most likely source of goals tonight. He hit the crossbar with a free-kick and forced a strong save from Johnstone with a powerful shot from outside the area.
**Tyler Dibling – 5** (replaced by Iliman Ndiaye, 59’)
On his first start for the Blues, the teenager showed glimpses of talent but had a quiet night. Possibly affected by the occasion, he was largely passive in the first half.
**Charly Alcaraz – 6** (replaced by Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, halftime)
Arguably the liveliest of Everton’s offensive quartet in the first half. Created a few decent moments but lacked the final pass or killer touch. Perhaps unlucky to be among the first substituted.
**Dwight McNeil – 3** (replaced by Jack Grealish, 59’)
Has become a difficult watch over recent months. Started on the left; Coleman, a decade older, appeared far more energetic. A crucial wide pass two minutes before halftime killed a promising counter-attack. Also guilty of ball-watching.
**Thierno Barry – 4** (replaced by Beto, halftime)
Given a chance to impress after Beto’s poor showing at Anfield, Barry failed to seize the opportunity. His body language was questionable, and he earned a booking for kicking the ball away in front of the linesman. Needs to improve.
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### Substitute Performances
**Beto – 5**
Offered better holdup play than Barry but was otherwise unremarkable. Limited chances came his way.
**Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 5**
Made a frustrating return to the ground where he scored a memorable goal in Everton’s 3-2 win last month. Could not replicate those heroics.
**Iliman Ndiaye – 5**
Showed silky skills on the right flank, frequently roaming into dangerous positions. However, he lacked composure in key moments, notably skying a shot from the back post.
**Jack Grealish – 6**
Fouled three times within two minutes of coming on, highlighting the physical attention he received from Wolves players. Despite minimal space, he battled hard.
**Vitalii Mykolenko – 6**
Limited time to make an impact but was beaten for pace on the second goal. Should ideally have started the game if fully fit.
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Overall, Everton’s Copa exit was a collective disappointment. The wholesale changes disrupted cohesion, and the lacklustre performances from fringe players failed to justify Moyes’ decisions.
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