Everton’s journey in the FA Cup ended dramatically on January 10, 2026, when they were eliminated by Sunderland following a penalty shootout. The match, held at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, saw the Toffees put in a disappointing performance, ultimately losing 3-0 in penalties after a tense battle that ended in a 1-1 draw after extra time.
Head coach David Moyes made several changes to his lineup, hoping to invigorate his squad. Among those given a chance to shine were Tyler Dibling, Merlin Rohl, and Adam Aznou. The match took a pivotal turn when James Garner equalized for Everton with a late penalty, canceling out Enzo Le Fee’s first-half goal for Sunderland.
Aznou’s introduction in the dying minutes of regular time proved crucial. The Moroccan left-back, who had seen limited action since his summer transfer from Bayern Munich, won the penalty that allowed Garner to level the score. His performance raised questions about the team’s future selections, particularly regarding Vitalii Mykolenko, who struggled throughout the game.
Player Performances and Key Moments
Despite Everton’s eventual exit, several players stood out during the match. Jordan Pickford delivered a commendable performance in goal, earning an 8 for his efforts, while James Tarkowski also received an 8 for his defensive contributions. Garner’s penalty conversion, which brought the score to 1-1, underscored his value to the team.
On the contrary, Rohl’s struggles continued as he received a low rating of 3. His missed opportunity in the first half, where he opted to shoot from 35 yards instead of utilizing a clear chance, exemplified his ongoing difficulties since joining Everton. This performance has led many to suggest that Rohl may not have a future at the club.
Aznou, who was brought on to replace Rohl, quickly made an impact, showcasing attacking intent and contributing significantly in the late stages of the match. His positive display may influence Moyes’s decisions in upcoming fixtures.
Match Summary and Future Implications
The match concluded with a tense penalty shootout, where Everton failed to find the net in their three attempts, resulting in a 3-0 defeat in penalties. This early exit from the FA Cup adds pressure on Moyes and his squad as they regroup for league play.
The loss raises questions about Everton’s overall strategy and player selection moving forward. As the team prepares for the next league match, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Moyes adjusts his lineup and tactics, particularly concerning the future of players like Rohl and the promising Aznou.
The defeat marks another challenging moment for Everton this season, as they continue to seek consistency in both performance and results.
