Report and highlights from the Carabao Cup third-round clash at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium between Queens Park Rangers and Everton as Mark Warburton's side reach the last 16 of the competition after a win on penalties
Wednesday 22 September 2021 06:05, UK
QPR saw off Everton 8-7 in a dramatic penalty shootout to reach the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
The Championship side had twice taken the lead in normal time at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium thanks to a Charlie Austin double, but goals from Lucas Digne and Andros Townsend twice levelled the game.
Eventually, it was Rangers who reached the next stage of the competition, though, as Tom Davies missed the 15th penalty of the shootout - following 14 successful efforts - and Jimmy Dunne stepped up for QPR to settle the tie.
QPR were coming off the back of back-to-back defeats in the Championship, but you wouldn't have known by the confidence they showed as they buzzed around the pitch in the first half.
Sam McCallum, Ilias Chair and Chris Willock, in particular, were causing problems down the left side, and it was their combination which led to Austin's opener on 18 minutes, as McCallum's cross was palmed into the path of the striker by Asmir Begovic, who strained all his neck muscles on the rise to nod the ball back over the line.
That goal seemed to wake Everton up a little, and moments after Alex Iwobi missed a glorious opportunity to put them level after an error from Yoann Barbet, they did find the equaliser on 30 minutes as Townsend's smart ball over the top found the run of Digne, who slotted coolly inside the near post.
That did not deter QPR, however, and four minutes later Austin restored their lead, glancing a header from Chair's cross past Begovic and into the bottom corner.
The second half began as breathlessly as the first period ended, and within two minutes of the restart Everton were back level again. QPR failed to deal with a corner properly that was swung into the near post, and Townsend was alert in the box to prod it home after Seny Dieng had parried the ball into his path.
Everton controlled the rest of the proceedings but couldn't find the necessary breakthrough as the game went to penalties.
After the first 14 attempts were put away it was Davies who saw his effort saved by Dieng, and Jimmy Dunne stepped up to slot home the decisive kick, sealing an 8-7 shootout win and QPR's passage into the fourth round.
QPR's Mark Warburton: "I thought we were very, very good from the first whistle. We were incisive and played on the front foot. We conceded early in the second half and rode our luck a bit, but we hung on and then the shootout went our way.
"To a man our players deserve so much credit. The penalties from both teams were high quality, but they showed great character. It's what a cup tie is about, and it was a great evening for the fans."
Everton's Rafa Benitez: "I think we did quite well. We had 17 attempts away from home. We fight back twice so we showed character and attitude. But still we have to be better in both areas. We concede too easily and missed chances that made a difference in the game.
"You cannot say too much because the team was working so hard. We had enough chances to win the game. We were pushing all the time. Hopefully, it will be just a bit tiredness and we will see (with injuries). The players gave everything on the pitch."
One man who didn't deserve to be on the losing side was Townsend, who looks a man reborn at Everton this season. He twice dragged his side back into the game with a lovely assist for Digne then a poacher's effort for the second. If he can maintain this type of form then he will continue to prove a bargain for Rafa Benitez this season.
QPR head to West Brom for a Sky Bet Championship clash on Friday night, live on Sky Sports Football from 7pm ahead of a 7.45pm kick-off. Everton are back in Premier League action on Saturday as they host Norwich at Goodison Park at 3pm.
The fourth-round draw will take place after Manchester United's third-round clash with West Ham on Wednesday night; kick-off 7.45pm. The draw will be live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.
