On 9 January 2025, Everton faced Peterborough United in the FA Cup third round at Goodison Park. The match concluded with a 2-0 victory for Everton, marking a significant moment in their cup campaign.
Everton’s Starting XI
Everton’s lineup featured a mix of experience and youth. João Virgínia started in goal with a defensive line comprising Nathan Patterson, Michael Keane, Jarrad Branthwaite, and Vitaliy Mykolenko. The midfield included Idrissa Gueye, who captained the side, Orel Mangala, and Iliman Ndiaye. Upfront, Harrison Armstrong and Beto led the attack.
Peterborough United’s Starting XI
Peterborough United, managed by Darren Ferguson, fielded Nicholas Bilokapic as their goalkeeper. The defence consisted of Emmanuel Fernandez, George Nevett, Jadel Katongo, and James Dornelly. Harrison Kyprianou captained the side in midfield alongside Archie Collins and Christopher Hayes. The forward line featured Callum Conn-Clarke and Ricky-Jade Jones.
Key Moments of the Match
In the first half, Everton dominated possession and created several opportunities. Their efforts paid off in the 42nd minute when Beto found the net, giving the Toffees a deserved lead. Peterborough struggled to penetrate Everton’s defence, and the home side’s solid backline thwarted their attempts.
In the second half, Peterborough made tactical changes to regain control. However, Everton maintained their composure and continued to press forward. The match was sealed in stoppage time when Iliman Ndiaye converted a penalty in the 98th minute, securing a 2-0 victory for Everton.
Managerial Changes at Everton
Significant managerial changes at Everton overshadowed the match. Just hours before kick-off, the club announced the departure of manager Sean Dyche. In his absence, Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman took charge of the team on an interim basis. This sudden change added an element of uncertainty to the fixture, but the team managed to secure a win under the temporary management duo.
Family Ties on the Pitch
An intriguing subplot to the match was the potential face-off between Everton’s Ashley Young and his son, Tyler Young, who plays for Peterborough United. Both were named on the bench for their respective teams, highlighting a unique family dynamic in professional football. This scenario added a personal touch to the fixture, capturing the interest of fans and media alike.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, Everton advanced to the next round of the FA Cup, aiming to build momentum in their cup run. Peterborough United, despite the loss, gained valuable experience facing Premier League opposition and will look to focus on their league campaign.
