David Unsworth’s temporary tenure at Everton’s helm ended in a 2-1 defeat to Chelsea in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.The Blues trailed Antonio Rudiger’s 26th-minute header in an opening period of few chances - but posed much more threat after the break and went close through Wayne Rooney, Ademola Lookman and Kevin Mirallas, before Willian’s slick goal had seemingly sealed the tie in the last minute.
But sub Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s effort in added time maintained a moment of hope before the final whistle signalled the end of this particular cup campaign.
The standout news from the side selected by stand-in boss Unsworth was the inclusion of Beni Baningime, the Kinshasa-born midfielder who had risen through the Academy ranks since joining the Club as a nine-year-old.
Baningime, a regular in Unsworth’s Under-23s title-winning side of 2016/17, was joined by Jonjoe Kenny as the fellow Everton youth product kept his place on the right side of defence, the Toffees reverting back to a four-man rearguard.
Pace and width was evident in Unsworth’s much-changed team, with Kevin Mirallas and Aaron Lennon restored to the starting XI. There was also the welcome sight of fit-again James McCarthy making his first appearance of the campaign and, indeed, his first start since February.
Kitted in a tracksuit, Unsworth’s first action after appearing from the tunnel was to turn to his left and applaud the hoards of travelling Evertonians. From the outset he was patrolling his technical area, signalling and issuing instructions to his players, as a competitive, yet largely chance-less, opening to contest was played out.
Baningime settled into his debut well, showing some composed early touches sitting next to McCarthy and Tom Davies in an energetic, combative midfield-three. McCarthy in particular displayed no signs of the hamstring and knee injuries which have restricted his action in the last year as he pressed and harried opponents in typical fashion.
For all of the energy shown by both sides, it took until a 26th-minute set-piece for an opportunity to be created - and it was taken clinically by Chelsea.
Rudiger, lurking at the far post, was able to get enough purchase on his header to steer Charly Musonda’s short corner back across goal and under the crossbar.
Everton heads didn’t drop after falling behind and the men in grey continued to compete with the hosts as Mirallas cut in from the left and saw a fiercely-hit shot charged down by a Chelsea man.
Likewise, at the opposite end of Stamford Bridge a brave block was required by Ashley Williams to stop an effort from Willian troubling Jordan Pickford.
Despite conceding, the Everton goalkeeper had a relatively quiet opening half, his only real save of note being the low gathering of a daisy-cutter from Michy Batshuayi.
Davide Zappacosta flashed an effort into the side-netting but the Toffees went in at half-time trailing by a solitary goal and still very much in the tie.
And the Blues certainly reappeared with plenty of purpose; it took a sprawling save from Chelsea keeper Willy Caballeroto deny Rooney his third goal in as many matches, following Mirallas’ clever headed knock-down.
The Belgian winger created another opening for the Toffees shortly after, this time sending over a searching in-swinging cross which the lively Lennon prodded over the top at full stretch.
On 65 minutes, McCarthy, who had earlier been booked, was replaced by Dominic Calvert-Lewin in an adventurous substitution by Unsworth. The forward strode onto the pitch wearing a protective mask after suffering a broken nose in the weekend defeat to Arsenal.
The Blues now had Chelsea pinned back deep in their own half and twice in quick succession Caballero was called upon to make excellent saves, first palming away Phil Jagielka’s flicked header and then diving to his left to repel a curling attempt from Mirallas, which was unquestionably destined for the bottom corner.
With a quarter of an hour remaining, Unsworth traded Lennon for Lookman - and the England Under-20 World Cup winner’s first contribution was to link up with Baines and Mirallas before rifling inches wide.
He then went even closer with a long-range drive which clipped the top of the crossbar.
The second half had been all about Everton’s belief and desire to find a route back into the tie - but it took a brave, goal-saving tackle from Jagielka with 10 minutes remaining to stop Chelsea putting the game beyond the spirited travelling outfit.
Oumar Niasse was the third and final switch as the Blues battled on - only for Willian to strike after clever build-up with Fabregas down the Chelsea left.
Everton didn’t throw in the towel though and pulled a goal back when Calvert-Lewin bundled home with virtually the last kick of the game.
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