Sean Dyche’s previous vulnerability resurfaces as Everton falls to defeat playing their own style.

Although a last-minute goal was scored, it was not the most thrilling occurrence in recent Merseyside football history. Both Liverpool and Everton are experiencing a sense of sadness, with Liverpool grieving the impending departure of Jurgen Klopp and Everton feeling disappointed for different reasons. As they were eliminated from the FA Cup, Luton Town’s fans sang about their excitement to play at Wembley, a place that holds fond memories for them after last season’s play-off final.

Yet if Everton claimed they merited a free kick when the Hatters took the lead and could point out that Cauley Woodrow’s decider came 14 seconds into the 96th minute – only five had been signalled – neither grievance had much weight. Luton had more cohesion and chances, more dynamism and drive. Perhaps they had more in reserve, too, with two substitutes, Luke Berry and Woodrow, playing pivotal parts in the decider.

Although Sean Dyche’s teams typically excel at set-pieces, they were outplayed in this aspect. Luton scored both of their goals from corner kicks, similar to how they had succeeded in their first Premier League victory against Everton in September.

Everton can hope that, while losing the battles, they win the war. These sides are engaged in a broader battle for 17th place in the eventual standings. Dyche’s record offers optimism but made this a grimly predictable occasion. The trade-off in appointing him is that he can overachieve in the league and underachieve in knockout competitions. He has played in an FA Cup semi-final but has never managed in one. This latest setback joined a lengthy list of unimpressive exits throughout his coaching career.

This also means that Everton has not won a major trophy in 30 years. Joe Royle, who was the last manager to lead Everton to a trophy, was present during the match, and the team can now begin preparing for the 30th anniversary of their 1995 victory.

At first, Everton turned to their past for comfort. In the past, they have advanced to the final of the FA Cup every time they have defeated Luton. However, they did not make much effort to secure a fourth win. Both teams were facing potential replays in the third round and a quick rematch in the fourth, but Luton managed to avoid this outcome.

Berry’s cross was received by Carlton Morris, and although his initial header was blocked by Arnaut Danjuma, Woodrow managed to score his second goal of the season from close range.

The way Everton lost felt familiar. Luton took the lead in the 39th minute when Alfie Doughty’s corner deflected off Vitalii Mykolenko. It seemed like a typical case of poor finishing that resulted in an unintentional goal. For Everton, it was frustrating to see their former player Ross Barkley push Dominic Calvert-Lewin, especially after the striker’s controversial red card in the previous game against Crystal Palace. However, it was harder to argue that this incident was a major injustice. Barkley received boos from the crowd while Andros Townsend, who had left more recently, was welcomed back with applause at Goodison.

Barkley put on a satisfactory performance, but most of Luton’s danger came from Doughty’s impressive delivery. Morris connected with a corner in the second half, powering a header that was saved brilliantly by Joao Virginia. Everton’s substitute goalkeeper made another fantastic stop to push Elijah Adebayo’s shot wide after he broke free from their defense.

Morris has achieved one victory at Goodison this season. However, had it not been for Nathan Patterson’s crucial clearance on the goal line, he may have secured a second win after Townsend’s impressive run. Both Morris and Barkley were substituted before the match ended, but the former Everton players still had reason to rejoice.

Their old club did not. In the most traditional of competitions, Dyche played an old-fashioned 4-4-2. Calvert-Lewin and the summer signing Beto started together for the first time and combined, only for the profligate Portuguese to sidefoot wastefully wide after the ball fell to him six yards out.

Beto, who had been struggling before, produced a moment of excellence 10 minutes into the second half by sending a crossfield pass to Jack Harrison. Even though his equalizing goal was well executed, it needed some help from Luton: first Amari’i Bell slipped, allowing Beto to shoot, and then Tim Krul fumbled, causing the ball to barely make it over the goal line.

The game offered Everton a potential opportunity to turn things around, but they were unable to capitalize on it. As has happened before, Everton was without the injured Abdoulaye Doucoure, which proved to be a significant loss. Despite some opportunities created by Calvert-Lewin for Beto, Everton’s goal drought continued for the 15th consecutive game. Dyche has an unusual belief that the longer the drought goes on, the closer he is to breaking it, but this was not the day for that to happen. Unfortunately, the FA Cup will not provide him with any more opportunities this season.

Unfortunately for Everton, this competition has already lost some of its Premier League competitors. This may be seen as yet another missed chance for the team. While they have more pressing matters to attend to, the most noteworthy moment of their week was not due to their own performance, but rather, Klopp’s announcement.

Source: independent.co.uk