Everton’s first visit to their shiny new stadium started with calm, calculated precision.
The teamsheet said it all: no experiments, no stunts, just a dependable lineup designed to get the season rolling.
David Moyes, predictably, wasn’t about to risk it all in a cup match against a team as organised and determined as Mansfield.
While some managers like Ruben Amorim shuffle their cards early in a competition, Moyes plays it safe.
There’s a method here: gambling with the EFL Cup now would make little sense, especially when a solid cup run could eventually lead to a memorable day.
A Chance to Rewrite History
Everton’s recent record in the League Cup is, frankly, embarrassing.
They haven’t reached the final since 1984, lagging behind clubs like Swansea, Luton, Blackburn, Sheffield Wednesday, and Oxford — all of whom have managed at least one victory.
For a club with Premier League ambitions, fixing this historical oversight is long overdue.
Moyes acknowledges the need to dream, even while keeping league priorities in focus.
In his programme notes, he wrote: “Being a Premier League club has to be our priority.
However, we all watched Newcastle win this competition last year and Crystal Palace win the FA Cup.
They broke the feeling it could only be a certain group of clubs who could win the major competitions.”
Early Jitters and Stadium Teething Issues
The first half against Mansfield felt sluggish. After the emotion of the grand opening against Brighton, the energy was slightly flat, and kick-off was delayed by 15 minutes as fans trickled in.
There are still teething problems in the stadium, and the pitch reflected a similar learning curve.
Everton’s ambition sometimes clashed with patience, as Mansfield’s organised and committed approach kept them huffing and puffing.
Moyes, ever the disciplinarian, stayed on the edge of his technical area, leaning forward with that characteristic glare, silently demanding more.
He doesn’t shout, but everyone knows standards aren’t being met.
Moments of Quality Amid the Struggle
There were sparks. Charly Alcaraz’s shot forced a fantastic save from Liam Roberts, and Jack Grealish had flashes of magic, though one chance sailed over the bar.
Harrison Armstrong, a young talent Moyes is enjoying developing, had opportunities to shine but needed sharper execution.
Mansfield, however, rarely threatened seriously. Everton eventually broke the deadlock in the 51st minute: Armstrong’s clever awareness set up Alcaraz, who fired beautifully into the roof of the net.
A second goal followed, with Armstrong again providing the assist, this time for Beto.
New signing Tyler Dibling also made his debut, hinting at a bright future for the young midfielder.
Building Momentum and Optimism
The 2-0 victory was straightforward but significant.
It was a statement of calm control and a glimpse at what Moyes hopes to achieve with Everton this season — solid foundations, promising talent, and perhaps, for the first time in decades, silverware dreams starting to feel attainable.
Everton 2-0 Mansfield
Everton: Travers, Coleman, Tarkowski, Keane, Mykolenko, Garner, Armstrong, McNeil, Alcaraz, Grealish, Barry
Subs used: Dibling, Beto, Ndiaye, Iroegbunam, O’Brien
Goalscorers: Alcaraz, Beto
Manager: David Moyes
Mansfield: Roberts, Knoyle, Bowery, Cargill, Blake-Tracy, McDonnell, Reed, Moriah-Welsh, Hendry, Dickov, Evans
Subs used: Hewitt, Bolton, Maris, Sweeney
Goalscorers: N/A
Manager: Nigel Clough
