Everton 3 Doncaster 0: Blues claim needed win in EFL Cup tie

It has been a difficult start to this 2024-25 campaign for Everton, to put it mildly, with those two chastening defeats to Brighton and then at Tottenham.

Seven goals conceded and none scored have left the Blues bottom of the Premier League table, potentially looking at another tough and demanding battle against relegation.

Well, that could all still be true because of course this victory tonight at Goodison Park was against considerably weaker opposition than any Premier League side.

However, let us try to be positive and look at the things that went well this evening and which hopefully the Toffees can try and build upon going forward.

Sean Dyche gave three of his new signings who had not previously started a chance to impress from the start against the League Two team.

Iliman Ndiaye, Jesper Lindstrom and Jake O'Brien all got the nod as the manager rung the changes for this cup tie.

The home team started slowly and it appeared as though there was a lack of confidence perhaps inevitable after such a shocking start to the campaign.

Goodison was packed again and there was a sense of nervousness about the Old Lady as the Everton supporters hoped to see some evidence that their side could and would improve.

Chances were few and far between and in a scrappy first half Jordan Pickford had to make one save while the away team nearly conceded a goal themselves before Lindstrom hit the woodwork when he really should have scored.

Goalless at halftime was not what the home fans wanted to see and there was a definite need for the Blues to improve significantly.

There was an improvement and it was led by players such as Tim Iroegbunam - the pick of the Blues players - and Ndiaye who was growing in terms of his influence on the match.

Dwight McNeil had moved inside into midfield and he and Iroegbunam combined to open the scoring with some confusion over who's goal it was.

It was given to McNeil and although Doncaster had a great opportunity to level it, Ndiaye later added a superb second to seal the match.

Then Beto scored a third and that was really it. The Toffees had finally broken their duck this season not only winning a game for the first time but also netting their first goals.

It was pleasing to see the new attacking signings get a prolonged start at last and in the case of Ndiaye make a telling contribution.

Now, the challenge is can these players sustain the improved showing and momentum of a win, into this weekend's crunch fixture against Bournemouth.