Kone, Lennon, Barkley score as Everton bounce back at Carlisle in FA Cup
Kone, Lennon, Barkley score as Everton bounce back at Carlisle in FA Cup
An inexperienced Liverpool side were frustrated by West Ham as their FA Cup fourth-round tie ended in a goalless draw at Anfield.
Liverpool have to play with West Ham again, who had previously beaten them twice in the league.
Showing 10 changes, Liverpool dominated proceedings at Anfield, but could find no way past West Ham stand-in goalkeeper Darren Randolph.
Klopp named inexperienced youngsters Cameron Brannagan, Brad Smith, Kevin Stewart and Joao Teixeira in his line-up as he made 10 changes to the side who overcame Stoke on penalties last Tuesday to reach the League Cup final. The Liverpool manager was keen to rest key players ahead of Tuesday’s trip to Premier League leaders Leicester, as his side faced their ninth match of a busy January.
On Saturday, they were unable to find their way to victory, despite creating several good chances in the second half, with Teixiera and Christian Benteke both failing to beat goalkeeper Darren Randolph when well placed.
Klopp, though, felt his young players justified their inclusion in the side, and indicated that they are likely to feature in the replay at Upton Park, to take place the midweek after next.
“We will have a team for the replay at West Ham, and maybe it won’t be too far away from this team,” said Klopp.
“You can ask me about Joao Teixiera and Cameron Brannagan, but if you want to mention names, there are others too. Five weeks ago, Kevin Stewart was at Swindon and not playing too often.
On Sunday, Arouna Kone, Aaron Lennon and Ross Barkley scored as Everton avoided an FA Cup banana skin with an uncomplicated 3-0 fourth-round win at fourth-tier Carlisle United on Sunday.
Playing at home for only the second time after their Brunton Park home was flooded, Carlisle were hoping to add to Everton’s woes after the Merseysiders’ League Cup semi-final defeat by Manchester City in the week.
