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Everton 0 Norwich 2: Steven Naismith haunts old club at Goodison Park as Canaries edge EFL Cup clash

Former Toffee popped up with first-half strike before Josh Murphy put game to rest with sterling effort

Published: 21:38, 20 Sep 2016
Updated: 13:31, 21 Sep 2016

STEVEN NAISMITH returned to haunt old club Everton as Norwich dumped the Toffees out of the EFL Cup.

Ronald Koeman sent out a strong side against the Championship outfit but was left scratching his head as Naismith's first-half effort put Norwich in front.

Steven Naismith helped Norwich to a vital win against his old clubCredit: Reuters

Josh Murphy made sure of the win with a cracking goal from outside the boxCredit: Reuters

Josh Murphy made sure of the result with a terrific strike from outside the box late on, and Everton will now be looking to pick themselves up for their Premier League trip to Bournemouth at the weekend.

Romelu Lukaku was rested as West Ham loanee Enner Valencia was handed a debut, with Gerard Deulofeu and Aaron Lennon also back in the side.

But it was Norwich who left Goodison Park with the win, with the title contenders recording their fourth successive win in all competitions.

Naismith kept the celebrations against his old side fairly low keyCredit: Getty Images

Murphy was thrilled with his excellent goal against the ToffeesCredit: Reuters

FACTS, STATS, GOALS AND LOLS

Enner Valencia made his full debut after arriving from West Ham on loan and with toe injury victim Romelu Lukaku out was deployed in his favourite position up front.
Seamus Coleman was made captain for the first time in his Everton career with Phil Jagielka on the bench although he has skippered Republic of Ireland.
Everton and Norwich met in round four of the League Cup at Goodison last season as the Toffees went through 4-3 in a penalty shoot-out after a 1-1 draw.
Nelson Olviera, having finally found a home after being loaned out four times in four years by Benfica, made an impressive debut before going off injured at half time.
Norwich flew against history – they had not beaten Everton at Goodison since September 1993, when the Canaries won 5-1.

Ronald Koeman was not happy with his team's performanceCredit: PA:Press Association

West Ham loanee Enner Valencia made his debut for EvertonCredit: Getty Images

Tom Cleverley got his first start of the season after boss Ronald Koeman made six changes and delivered some neat passes as he tried to make an impact on his new boss.
Ronald Koeman showed himself to be the Goodison Guardiola as he encouraged his attackers to keep switching positions to fool the opposition.
Idrissa Gueye was described as “perfect by Ronald Koeman at the weekend and against Norwich once again showed he is the bargain of the year at £7.1M from Aston Villa.
Roberto Martinez never sounded as aggressive as successor Ronald Koeman, using his programme notes warned his high–fliers keep getting stuck in.
Fair play to the Everton fans who, after a stunned silence, applauded former favourite Steven Naismith after scoring in his first return since January’s £8M departure.

Everton 0 Norwich 2: Steven Naismith haunts old club at Goodison Park as Canaries edge EFL Cup clash

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