EFL Cup: Alex Iwobi the shining light as ten-man Everton avoid Huddersfield pitfall

The ex-Gunner made his tenth goal contribution in an Everton shirt on a night that could have ended differently for the Toffees

Alex Iwobi scored his first goal of the season for Everton to help Rafael Benitez’s men triumph 2-1 over a spirited Huddersfield Town in the EFL Cup.

Everton fans have complained often that they had not seen the best of Iwobi since his £34 million move to the Goodison Park from Arsenal in the summer of 2019. The Super Eagles playmaker made a total of 149 appearances for the Gunners, scoring 15 goals and laying on 27 assists.

But in 67 appearances in all competitions, the 25-year-old had only helped in a total of nine contributions – four goals and five assists – during the two and a bit campaigns of his Everton stay.

But he was one of the Toffees’ best stars earlier on at the John Smith’s Stadium on Tuesday and was on hand to give the visitors the lead on the half-hour mark.

But Huddersfield responded brilliantly to going behind and deservedly got their equaliser through a Tom Lees’ header on the stroke of halftime.

The tide of the tie then turned further against Everton when referee Matt Donohue showed Moise Kean a straight red card for violent conduct a few minutes into the second 45.

But Everton showed their class when Andros Townsend finished brilliantly to restore the Premier League side’s lead with only ten minutes left on the clock.

With the victory over Carlos Corberan’s men, Rafael Benitez continued his fine start as Everton manager.

The Toffees have lost none of their matches this season, coming from behind to beat Southampton on the opening Premier League weekend before being forced to a 2-2 draw by Leeds United on Sunday. Iwobi came from the bench to provide an assist in the win over the Saints.