Ronald Koeman said he couldn’t criticise his players after luck deserted Everton in their EFL Cup exit to Norwich City.
The visitors only had two shots on target throughout the 90 minutes but netted both as Steven Naismith scored on his return to Goodison Park and Josh Murphy beat Maarten Stekelenburg with a stunning attempt from outside the box.
Everton, hitherto unbeaten this season, had 17 efforts on goal and six on target but couldn’t find a way past another former Blue in Canaries goalkeeper John Ruddy.
And, while disappointed to bow out of the competition, Koeman was pragmatic about his side’s performance.