Southampton and Everton played out a dull Carabao Cup third round tie before Russell Martin’s side eventually won on penalties.
Both Russell Martin and Sean Dyche made a number of changes to their sides, with the Premier League the obvious priority for both teams.
Southampton and Everton are the only two sides yet to pick up a point in the top flight this season and it showed as a low quality 1-1 draw in normal time came courtesy of goals from set-pieces.
Abdoulaye Doucoure put Everton ahead before Taylor Harwood-Bellis headed an equaliser in the 32nd-minute as he captain the Saints on his return to the starting XI.
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Alex McCarthy showed Russell Martin he still has plenty to offer Southampton
One change that Martin made to his side was to bring veteran goalkeeper Alex McCarthy back into the fold.
The 34-year-old’s Southampton career looked over as he did not feature in the match day squad for much of last season but he stepped up when Gavin Bazunu got injured in April to help the Saints to promotion.
Up until the Deadline Day signing of Aaron Ramsdale, McCarthy had started both games under Martin in the Premier League and the stopper looked a player with a point to prove as he was reinstated against Everton.
McCarthy saved Ashley Young’s penalty to win the tie and made a string of good saves throughout the 90 minutes to keep the scores level.
Former Brighton striker Glenn Murray was on duty on Sky Sports’ Soccer Special where he was particularly impressed by McCarthy’s save to deny Jesper Lindstrom in the second-half, saying: “Lindstrom for the second time this evening! He had so much time but McCarthy has made a superb save.
“He’s sending a message to Russell Martin.”
McCarthy may have to settle for being Southampton cup goalkeeper
Whilst the display at Goodison Park will have done McCarthy no harm, Ramsdale is now the undisputed number one following his £25 million move from Arsenal.
McCarthy has always been a shot-stopper but his inability to play out from the back means he cannot be depended on by Martin.
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A huge mistake against Newcastle United on the opening day of the Premier League season only served to highlight that.
However, McCarthy ensured he will have another run out shortly by helping Southampton progress to the next round of the Carabao Cup.