Everton’s winless start to 2026 continues as Sunderland dump the Blues out of the FA Cup.
David Moyes’ side failed to put up much of a fight against the Black Cats in the first half, but improvements were seen as the game developed.
A lack of available senior players has certainly hindered the Toffees over recent weeks and there’s very little indication of improvement without movement in the window.
Enzo Le Fee handed Sunderland the early advantage with his goal inside the opening 45 minutes.
However, the introduction of Adam Aznou saved Everton from going out of the competition in regular time after winning a penalty for James Garner to slot home.
Who was your most underwhelming player for Everton? 🫣
Surely there's only one to take the crown here…
As the game was decided through spot kicks, here is Everton News’ player ratings after the Blues exited the competition on penalties.
Jordan Pickford – 7
If it wasn’t for Jordan Pickford then the game would have been over before the half-time whistle.
The Sunderland academy product did not stand a chance for the goal that gave Sunderland the advantage.
Nathan Patterson – 4
Plenty of effort from the Scot, but not a huge deal of quality.
Everton are considering a January exit for Nathan Patterson, but a replacement will be required first.
James Tarkowski – 5
Rewatch Sunderland’s goal and decide for yourself just why James Tarkowski feels the need to drop as deep as he does.
Jamie Carragher criticised Tarkowski’s positioning and he was culpable once again of trying to block in a ridiculously deep position.
We’ve got no words… have you? 😡
Some terrible displays out there again
Jake O’Brien – 5
Struggled against Eliezer Mayenda when the ball was on the ground.
Vitaliy Mykolenko – 5
Got himself into the right positions, but there was a lack of quality when it came to Vitaliy Mykolenko finding a teammate with his cross.
James Garner – 8
One of very few players who actually looked interested for Everton. Got his reward with the opportunity to level the score in the last minute of normal time.
Merlin Rohl – 3
Did not deal with the long throw in for Enzo Le Fee’s opening goal. Offered very little in what was a poor showing.
Tyler Dibling – 2
Too slow. Too lackadaisical. Just simply not good enough for a player who cost Everton £40m.
It has not been an easy start to life for Tyler Dibling, but he is doing himself no favours in these opportunities handed his way by Moyes.
Harrison Armstrong – 6
Like Garner, Harrison Armstrong showed plenty of desire throughout the game even if the quality was not necessarily there.
Dwight McNeil – 4
As was the trend across most of the team, another player who offered very little for Moyes.
Beto – 2
Offered virtually nothing for Everton. A terrible penalty to cap off a terrible performance.
Substitutes
Thierno Barry – 3
Had a good opportunity to head home, but failed to hit the target. Shocking penalty in the shootout.
Adam Aznou – 8
Well, how about that for an impact? Adam Aznou welcome to Everton! The left-back came on and transformed the game for Everton.
Elijah Campbell – N/A
Reece Welch – N/A
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