Everton’s poor start to 2026 continued on Saturday as the club crashed out of the FA Cup at the hands of Sunderland.
David Moyes’ side again fell short at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, losing to Sunderland on penalties after the game ended 1-1.
Who was your most underwhelming player for Everton? 🫣
Surely there's only one to take the crown here…
James Garner, Thierno Barry and Beto all missed in the shootout, with Sunderland winning 3-0.
It’s a tricky period for the Toffees with fans starting to grow a little agitated over what they are seeing, and Moyes must soon find a response.
Here are a few takeaways from yesterday’s game.
- READ MORE: David Moyes annoyed after Everton players allowed the one thing he didn’t want vs Sunderland
Adam Aznou gave a refreshing cameo display
Everton fans have been left perplexed by the management of Adam Aznou since he signed in the summer from Bayern Munich.
And the performance he gave against Sunderland has only left people even more puzzled.
He finally made his debut against the Black Cats, coming on towards the end of normal time – and he made an instant impact by winning his side a penalty.
It was soft, and almost certainly would have been overturned if VAR was in play. But Aznou deserves plaudits for keeping the Everton attack alive.
Aznou surely has to be handed more minutes after THAT display…😫
He showed more in his cameo than Mykolenko has all season
It was a lively showing from the youngster on his first appearance, and Moyes’ praise for Aznou after the game will hopefully point to more chances now.
Pathetic penalties
Everton’s performance in the shootout was woeful, and penalty practice is in order at Finch Farm.
Garner did convert in normal time to give Everton a chance in the game, so there cannot be too much criticism of him for missing in the shootout.
The spot-kicks from Barry and Beto though were extremely poor, with fans slamming both for their stuttering run-ups.
As strikers, they’re supposed to be more clinical in those situations.
But given how both have played this season, plenty of supporters worried when they stepped up – and those fears were justified.
- READ MORE: Everton ratings vs Sunderland as 2/10 player deserves David Moyes’ wrath after dismal showing
Tyler Dibling concerns remain
Tyler Dibling made his 14th Everton appearance against Sunderland – and it was another underwhelming outing from the youngster.
He has struggled to start games this season following his big-money move from Southampton in the summer, and perhaps this has had an effect on his confidence, and certainly there is no momentum for him right now.
But many fans remarked yesterday how poor Dibling’s body language was against Sunderland.
Dibling had no zip about him and at times appeared to lack urgency.
When things aren’t coming off for you, at the very least you have to show things like urgency and work-rate but many feel he isn’t doing that.
It could well be as a result of his management, and undoubtedly it’s far from an ideal scenario for Everton.
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