Everton Triumphs 2-0 Over Peterborough in Dyche's Aftermath

Everton began their post-Sean Dyche era with a 2-0 victory over League One Peterborough in the FA Cup third round, following a dramatic day at Goodison Park. Dyche’s unexpected sacking came just three hours before the match, leaving Under-18s boss Leighton Baines and club captain Seamus Coleman to take charge as interim managers. Portuguese striker Beto broke the deadlock just before half-time, capitalizing on a brilliant through ball from 17-year-old Harrison Armstrong.

Beto rounded Peterborough’s goalkeeper, Nicholas Bilokapic and calmly slotted the ball in. Earlier, Beto had sent a header straight at Bilokapic, and midfielder Orel Mangala had rattled the crossbar with a volley. Peterborough created a few chances with Cian Hayes’ effort blocked by Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Ricky-Jade Jones’ shot saved by goalkeeper Joao Virginia. In injury time, Iliman Ndiaye sealed the win with a penalty, bringing his goal tally for the season to four.

Despite the victory, Everton showed few signs of an immediate bounce after Dyche’s dismissal. The team struggled to break down Peterborough, who sit 19th in League One and lacked fluidity in their attacking play. Beto’s goal underscored what the team had been missing in terms of attacking threat. The match also featured an injury to on-loan striker Armando Broja, who went off on a stretcher after a tackle from Peterborough’s Emmanuel Fernandez.

Everton will await updates on Broja’s condition and the appointment of a new manager. The game also missed a father-son moment as experienced Everton full-back Ashley Young played in the second half but his son Tyler stayed on the bench for Peterborough.