The Carabao Cup Second Round delivered some fantastic drama and strong performances with a number of Premier League players catching the eye.
Carabao Cup Second Round: Five Premier League players who impressed
Tim Iroegbunam – Everton
Tim Iroegbunam has been one of the few positives in a tough start to the season for Everton with the 21-year-old having hit the ground running at Goodison Park.
Part of the PSR-motivated myriad of deals earlier this summer, there were some who suggested Iroegbunam’s move to Everton was primarily financial – and not football – led. However, the midfielder has cemented a role in Sean Dyche’s side and has impressed with his long-legged ball-winning in the Everton engine room.
Against Doncaster this week he racked up a whopping 11 tackles, won 19 ground duels, created two chances, provided an assist and completed 7/8 attempted dribbles. He’s been one of the surprise packages of the summer window so far.
Most tackles in a Premier League match so far this season:
◉ 9 – Tim Iroegbunam vs Brighton
Most tackles in a Carabao Cup match so far this season:
◉ 11 – Tim Iroegbunam vs Doncaster
A strong start to life on Merseyside for the 21-year-old. 👏 pic.twitter.com/TVBaswwxOo
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) August 29, 2024
Jordan Ayew – Leicester City
Jordan Ayew ensured his full debut for Leicester was one to remember after opening his goal account for the Foxes in stunning style.
The experienced forward signed for Leicester from Crystal Palace for £5m and introduced himself to the King Power Stadium with a sweet strike from distance. It was the highlight moment of a good performance from the Ghana international, who also set up Wilfred Ndidi for a goal in Leicester’s 4-0 win over Tranmere Rovers.
A first #LCFC goal for Jordan Ayew – and what a strike! 🤯 🤯 pic.twitter.com/oKroV1iPi2
— Leicester City (@LCFC) August 27, 2024
Jean-Philippe Mateta – Crystal Palace
Back to his best and back in the goals, it seems a long time ago that Jean-Philippe Mateta was struggling to score in a Crystal Palace shirt. The Frenchman scored 19 goals in all competitions last season and opened his account for 2024/25 with a Carabao Cup brace this week.
Mateta, who scored seven times in eight appearances for France’s Olympic team this summer, netted an outstanding overhead kick as Palace thrashed Norwich City 4-0 at Selhust Park. He added a second with a powerful effort and also added an assist in a fine evening’s work.
“BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM!” 🎶
Jean-Philippe Mateta smashes home an overhead kick 🤯 pic.twitter.com/rjvlUSUkge
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) August 27, 2024
His transformation under Oliver Glasner has been remarkable and this performance offered the perfect response to Palace’s pursuit of Eddie Nketiah.
Joachim Andersen – Fulham
Joachim Andersen has returned to Fulham and the Cottagers are delighted to welcome back the Danish defender.
Andersen was a standout in Fulham’s 2-0 win at Birmingham City as he won 100% of his defensive duels (3/3), made four clearances, and completed 7/8 trademark long balls forward. One of those passes freed forward Jay Stansfield in behind to score against the side where he spent last season on loan.
Cameron Archer – Southampton
Cameron Archer is hoping to kickstart his career at Southampton after a tough time at Sheffield United last season. The forward’s move to Bramall Lane failed to work out as Sheffield United struggled badly in the Premier League and he will hope for better fortunes after joining the Saints this summer.
The 22-year-old opened his account for Russel Martin’s side with a brilliant brace in their entertaining 5-3 win at Cardiff City. He first goal was a smart turn-and-finish, before converting clinically from a one-on-one situation.
Clinical 🏹
Your Player of the Match, @Cameronarcher_ 👏 https://t.co/nmZJhf5qQg pic.twitter.com/wNBkFbzSU1
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) August 29, 2024
Goncalo Guedes – Wolves
Does Goncalo Guedes have a future at Wolves? Gary O’Neil has said that he expects the Portuguese forward to remain at Molineux and the 27-year-old could be integrated pack into the plans.
A £27.5m signing from Valencia in August 2022, Guedes has made just 13 league appearances for Wolves since that move and has spent time on loan at Benfica and Villarreal across the last two seasons.
Goncalo Guedes, back at Wolves after two loan spells, and back scoring goals! ⚽️⚽️#wwfc #bbcfootball pic.twitter.com/YuKBWYsrj4
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) August 28, 2024
This week, he scored his first goals for Wolves in 19 months after bagging a brace in the club’s 2-0 Carabao Cup win over Burnley. After receiving a standing ovation upon his substitution, this could be the start of an unlikely comeback tale.
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