Klopp delighted to avoid Burton banana skin
Jurgen Klopp was a happy man as Liverpool put their Premier League defeat at Burnley behind them to make EFL Cup progress last night.
The Reds eased to a 5-0 win at Burton Albion, with two quick goals from Divock Origi and Roberto Firmino all but killing the tie well before half-time.
In the second half, Tom Naylor had the misfortune of scoring an own goal against the club he supported as a boy, before substitute Daniel Sturridge netted a late double.
Klopp said: “It was not as difficult as we could have imagined or expected it to be. I think it was the most difficult draw [in the second round].
“It was possible an [upset] could have [happened], so we were really serious. We were very professional and we did our job, so it was good.”
Everton manager Ronald Koeman insists he is not worried about Romelu Lukaku’s early-season form.
The Belgium international drew a blank on his first start of the season in the 4-0 EFL Cup at home to Yeovil.
Despite a number of chances, he looked short of the sharpness which brought him 25 goals last season and he was even outshone by sub Arouna Kone, who scored his first goals since January with a late double.
“I am not worried. That can happen for strikers,” Koeman said. “He did okay. Maybe he had to score one out of two good chances.
“Normally if he is on his best level he will score at least one goal (in this match), but I am not worried because he missed some minutes in the pre-season.”
Aaron Lennon’s opener and a Ross Barkley free-kick sealed Everton’s triumph.
Crystal Palace defeated Blackpool 2-0.
A first-half own goal and a powerful strike from Connor Wickham secured a routine victory for Alan Pardew’s side.
“We were a great cup team last year, both competitions, and we want to be again,” said Pardew. “That was highlighted by the strength of the team I picked. We’re through, (picked) no injuries, and had a few good debuts. Christian: he showed flashes of why we spent a record sum of money.
“Cabaye, McArthur were outstanding; Tomkins had a great (full) debut as well.”