BREN WINS WITH A BIG SLAM DUNC
CARABAO CUP Everton set for new era but it’s same old story LAST NIGHT’S ACTION
EVERTON fans celebrated Carlo Ancelotti’s arrival as boss and the start of a new era – but it was the same old heartbreak for their cup ambitions.
Not long after news broke about the Italian agreeing to a Merseyside switch, the Toffees were out to secure a spot in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
Their bubble looked burst when James Maddison and Johnny Evans had Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester two goals clear inside half an hour.
But Everton rallied, with Tom Davies pulling one back and a stunning effort from Leighton Baines taking the game to penalties.
Cenk Tosun missed the Goodison men’s first kick before Baines went from hero to zero when he saw his effort from 12 yards saved – Jamie Vardy eventually putting the Foxes through to a clash with Aston Villa.
Ancelotti will be in the stands for Saturday’s clash with Arsenal, where caretaker Duncan Ferguson will remain in charge. The Italian will officially take charge after that game, naming the Scot and son Davide as assistants.
And while he may have been alarmed at the sloppy start the Toffees made, the manner of their comeback will have impressed.
Ferguson said: “I’m devastated and the players are too but we have great potential. There is a great team spirit here and there’s something to build on.
“The players have given me every ounce of energy they have over the past three games – and I thank them for that.”
Maddison fired Leicester into the lead after 26 minutes when he latched on to a
Ricardo Pereira pass and just three minutes later their lead was extended when Vardy flicked on from a corner and Evans thundered home.
Everton should have halved the deficit when Bernard dinked a free-kick into for Yerry Mina but his effort was too close to keeper Kasper Schmeichel.
The Mersey men badly needed a spark and Davies provided it when he scored in 70 minutes with a volley from Richarlison’s cross.
Finally Everton were firing and Dominic Calvert-Lewin headed over from Mose Kean’s cross.
Off came Ferguson’s jacket for the final push and he was celebrating again when Baines cracked home the leveller. But the celebrations did not last long.
The last time Rodgers lost a domestic cup game was the 2015 FA Cup semi-final against Aston Villa. And after last night’s draw, it will be the same Midlands rivals they will have to overcome to make it to Wembley this time.