AliousGarner Blasts Referee After Everton’s Cup Exit at Wolves Amid Moyes Selection Criticism
Everton crashed out of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night, suffering a disappointing defeat to Wolves at Molineux in a game that raised serious questions about David Moyes’ team selection and the players’ performance.
Moyes made sweeping changes from the side that played at the weekend, and his gamble backfired badly.
Pundit Alan Myers was quick to criticise the manager’s choices, while travelling Everton fans were left unimpressed after watching their side fall to a Wolves team that has yet to collect a single Premier League point this season.
Jack Grealish, introduced in the second half, injected energy and earned praise for his display, only highlighting how strange it was to leave him on the bench. Still, it wasn’t just tactics under fire—frustration boiled over regarding officiating as well.
Garner fumes at key call
James Garner, who returned to midfield and impressed with his effort, openly voiced anger about a moment he felt changed the game. Speaking after the match, the midfielder claimed Wolves’ second goal should never have stood.
“Their second goal was a foul on me. He stood right on my kneecap,” Garner told Everton’s club media. “I won’t go down easily, but the referee admitted something about it afterwards. We were pushing to get back in the game, and then that happens—it’s tough.”
Garner believed Everton were the stronger side after the break and could have found one or two goals to advance, but poor officiating and a sloppy first half left them chasing the game.
Recurring referee frustrations
This was not the first time Everton have felt wronged by refereeing this season, with similar complaints going back as far as the opening day at Leeds United and the Merseyside Derby. Yet while refereeing decisions continue to frustrate, there was an acknowledgement that Everton’s poor display and Moyes’ baffling team choices were the bigger issues.
Looking ahead
There were small positives—supporters were pleased with youngster Tyler Dibling’s debut—but the overall performance was far below the standard required. Wolves, despite also rotating their squad, looked sharper from the start and punished Everton’s lack of intensity.
With Everton now eliminated from the Carabao Cup, the focus turns to the Premier League. They face West Ham United on Monday night, and Moyes’ men will need to respond strongly with a convincing display to regain trust and momentum.
Alious
