Merseyside | Everton battle to win over Mansfield

Everton 2 - 0 Mansfield

Carlos Alcaraz produced a moment of real quality to send Everton through to the third round of the Carabao Cup with victory over Mansfield.

Author | Sarah W

Stadium | Hill Dickinson Stadium

The hosts had spurned a series of opportunities before the Argentine midfielder broke the deadlock on 50 minutes, guiding a precise first-time strike into the corner from Harrison Armstrong’s pass. Substitute Beto made certain of progress with a close-range finish late on.

David Moyes has spoken of targeting a cup run, seeing it as a more realistic route to success than the upper reaches of the Premier League, and this win sets up a meeting with Wolves in the next round.

A closer look at what happened at Everton’s new stadium

Kick-off at the Hill Dickinson Stadium was delayed by 15 minutes to allow fans safe entry, and Mansfield created the better openings in a goalless first half. Alcaraz forced Liam Roberts into a smart save with a low drive, while the goalkeeper also clawed away Dwight McNeil’s free-kick. 

Everton continued to press, with James Tarkowski heading wide and both McNeil and Jack Grealish unable to convert from promising positions.

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Grealish, making his presence felt on loan from Manchester City, looked the most likely to spark a breakthrough and drew a sharp stop from Roberts soon after the restart. Within minutes Alcaraz had struck with a composed side-foot finish.

Mansfield, from League One, offered little threat to stand-in Everton keeper Mark Travers. Regan Hendry saw one attempt headed clear by Tarkowski, but the Premier League side remained in control. Beto’s tame effort was comfortably saved before the striker added a second in the final minute, again set up by Armstrong.

Grealish leading the new era at Everton?

Grealish sub

Everton are beginning to settle into life at their new Bramley-Moore Dock home, despite some early teething problems off the pitch such as difficulties with digital ticketing.

Back-to-back victories without conceding have given David Moyes’s side a strong platform following the move from Goodison Park, and Wednesday’s game, the first under the floodlights at the new ground, was largely controlled by the hosts.

There may yet be further additions before the transfer window closes, but Moyes already has a team that looks organised and intent on turning their new surroundings into a fortress. Concerns remain over missed chances, while Thierno Barry, a 22-year-old summer arrival from Villarreal, appears to need time to adjust after his high-profile move.

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The standout positive has been the early impact of Jack Grealish, who is fast becoming a favourite among supporters. The 29-year-old endured two frustrating seasons on the fringes at Manchester City but is now relishing the freedom afforded to him on Merseyside. His intent and invention are drawing audible anticipation whenever he picks up the ball, and his form could yet push him back into contention for England selection ahead of the World Cup.

The affection for him was underlined when chants of “super Jack Grealish” rang out across Bramley-Moore Dock as he departed after an hour, replaced by fellow England hopeful Tyler Dibling, making his debut following a £40m move from Southampton.