Overview
- Everton lost 3-0 in a shootout after a 1-1 draw after extra time, with Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs saving all three penalties he faced.
- Referee John Brooks awarded a late penalty for Trai Hume’s challenge on Adam Aznou, and James Garner converted to force extra time.
- Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris said he did not think the decision was a penalty, and former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett criticised it as the season’s worst call.
- Enzo Le Fee put Sunderland ahead in the first half, and Everton’s thin squad — reported as down to 12 senior players — highlighted ongoing depth issues despite Aznou’s lively cameo.
- Garner rejected suggestions that Everton’s season is over and said there was no new update on his contract beyond the existing option year.