Everton secured their place in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening following a 2-0 home victory against League One side Mansfield Town.

Second-half goals from Charly Alcaraz and Beto separated the two sides, with the Toffees now set to face Wolverhampton Wanderers away in the next round.

​On the night, there were several impressive individual performances from Everton. Several squad players took their chance to make a case for regular minutes moving forward. 

However, the following three players left the biggest impression on the night:

Seamus Coleman

​Well, what can you say about our captain Coleman? 36 years of age and coming into the side for the first time this season, having only played around 20 minutes of competitive football in 2025, he slotted back in at right-back like he’d never been away.

​Some might suggest that it was against lower league opposition, but to complete 90 minutes for the first time in 12 months takes some doing, especially from someone who has suffered with several injuries in recent years.

​Going forward, despite playing and completing 90 minutes on Wednesday, you wouldn’t expect Coleman to automatically become a first-team regular again, given his age and limitations in being able to play back-to-back games. But he’s proven there’s still some left in the tank, even if we would still expect his game time to be limited throughout the 2025/26 season.

​The skipper will still play a vital role both on and off the pitch as Everton look to have a successful season ahead in their brand-new home.

Charly Alcaraz

​A player who very much splits the opinion of Everton fans, Alcaraz has featured regularly so far this season in the opening two Premier League games. He started the league opener away to Leeds and appeared as a second-half substitute against Brighton at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

​However, his performance against Mansfield was impressive, and the Argentinian broke the deadlock on 51 minutes with a strike from just outside the penalty area, after slotting past Liam Roberts’ goal at the South Stand.

​On the night, Alcaraz played in the central role just behind the lone striker, proving again that it is his best and preferred position. Given the competition for places now in the attacking areas, Alcaraz may have to settle for a squad role for the immediate future. However, at 22, there’s room for growth and he’s pushing for a more prominent role.

Harrison Armstrong

​Many would agree that the standout performance on the night, by far, was from 18-year-old Harrison Armstrong. A player who impressed in small cameos last season, he joined Derby County on loan for the backend of the 2024/25 campaign and enjoyed a successful period with the Rams.

​On the night, Armstrong played in a deeper role alongside James Garner in central midfield, but often switched positions with Alcaraz by moving further forward. The local star did provide both assists for the goals and received huge praise from the South Stand late on during the celebrations for the second goal.

​There has been speculation throughout the summer transfer window that Armstrong may leave on loan. Championship side Preston North End are the latest team reportedly showing an interest in the teenager. This would certainly be a positive move for Armstrong in being able to go out and play regular first-team football in a competitive league like the Championship.

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