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Rafa Benitez insists Everton must improve defensively and find the right balance with attack after crashing out of the Carabao Cup on penalties to QPR

Everton boss Rafael Benitez stressed the need for the Toffees to improve in defence following their Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Sky Bet Championship side QPR.

Tuesday's third-round tie at the Kiyan Price Foundation Stadium saw Benitez's men crash out on penalties after a 2-2 draw.

Everton, who were beaten 3-0 at Aston Villa in the Premier League last weekend, twice trailed to Charlie Austin headers, with Lucas Digne and Andros Townsend netting equalisers.

Everton crashed out of the Carabao Cup in 8-7 penalty shootout loss to QPR on Tuesday
Manager Rafael Benitezu00a0stressed the need for his side to improve in defence after the cup exit

Manager Rafael Benitez stressed the need for his side to improve in defence after the cup exit

In the subsequent shoot-out, Jimmy Dunne converted the winning penalty after Tom Davies' kick had been saved by Seny Dieng as QPR triumphed 8-7.