Everton were knocked out of the FA Cup on Saturday afternoon as Cauley Woodrow’s 95th-minute winner secured Luton Town’s passage into the fifth round.
Luton took the lead in the first half as the ball ricocheted off Vitali Mykolenko’s back and flew into the back of the net.
Jack Harrison managed to restore parity in the clash with a well-struck effort that squirmed underneath Tim Krul’s body but Cauley Woodrow had the last laugh with a late winner.
Sean Dyche will have been disappointed with the application of his Everton players as they struggled to wrestle control of the match and allowed the visitors to dictate possession.
It wasn’t until the last 30 minutes when the Toffees truly threatened Krul’s goal and did have chances to win the match, but Beto – among others – were victims of squandering opportunities.
Of course, Everton were ultimately punished and were knocked out of a competition that Dyche wanted to go far in.
Here are three things we learned from the defeat to Luton Town…
Joao Virginia is an excellent back-up to Jordan Pickford
Joao Virginia was showered with praise for his performance in the victory over Crystal Palace in the last round and he can hold his head high following his latest showing.
Despite conceding twice from a set-piece, the 24-year-old made some vital saves to keep Everton in the contest, particularly in the second half.
He made two flying saves to deny Carlton Morris and Elijah Adebayo while impressing with his distribution having placed 11 of his long balls accurately, as per Sofascore.
In what was a ‘superb’ display by the Portuguese, he once again showed Dyche that he is capable of pushing Jordan Pickford for the number one jersey.
Everton are vulnerable from set-pieces
Although this is something supporters already knew, Everton’s vulnerability from set-pieces was broadcast once more.
In the Premier League this term, they’ve conceded the joint second most goals from a set piece situation (8), as per WhoScored, and the Toffees continued that trend here.
Both of Luton’s goals came from a corner and although Mykolenko was unfortunate to concede the first, the second should have been dealt with far better.
A goal-mouth scramble ensued in the box and as Everton failed to clear their lines, Woodrow slammed home his chance to seal the victory.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Beto don’t work in a partnership
Dyche decided to experiment with Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Beto as a striking duo but it didn’t go to plan.
As two tall and physical strikers, the Toffees need to be firing balls into them and they didn’t do that enough against Luton.
Everton look far better with just one up top and Abdoulaye Doucoure roaming in behind rather than playing two forwards who are far too similar to each other.
Although Beto caused Luton problems at times with his strength and hold-up play, Youssef Chermiti – who came on for Calvert-Lewin with 12 minutes to go – may wonder how he didn’t start.
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