Losing is never fun, and we all know it; as much as I hate to be the person saying it, Everton’s loss against Wolves in the third round of the Carabao Cup wasn’t a complete failure.
Sure, losing out on the opportunity to win a trophy does sting, but you know what else stings? Fitness and injury worries. Everton’s left back room has struggled to stay fit this season, and Jarrad Branthwaite is still out injured. If the Toffees advanced further in the tournament, the chance of injury at other positions would have also increased. The team is already thin, so any other injury to a star player in the Carabao Cup would have been catastrophic.
Fitness wise, not playing in the middle of the week has its perks. Jack Grealish is a prime example of a player who could never get into rhythm at City after returning from injury due to the sheer number of matches that they played. Having players like Grealish fresh and available for every league game will be vital for Everton’s chances of making it to Europe.
Nevertheless, getting knocked out of this competition after a good start of the season definitely hurts. Questions will and have been asked about David Moyes and his lineup selection, but with the Carabao Cup now firmly in the rear view mirror, the Toffees will have the chance to field better squads on a consistent basis in the Premier League.
Most fans would prefer a top half finish over a cup run that ens in the semi-finals anyways.