David Unsworth made his bow as Everton caretaker manager in Carabao Cup loss to Chelsea… from a defensive dilemma to trusting youth, what Sportsmail learned

  • David Unsworth went with what he knew when selecting his first Everton side
  • Everton clearly are still do not know who the best pairing of centre halves are
  • The new man in the dugout looks set to be a tracksuit wearing kind of manager
  • He tried to pack the midfield out against Chelsea which left them short in attack

David Unsworth did not hold back in his first game in temporary charge as Everton boss and made some bold moves in hope of stopping their recent rot.

But the very different-looking Everton side couldn't manage a result as they exited the Carabao Cup after losing 2-1 away at Chelsea.

Sportsmail's SAM CUNNINGHAM was at Stamford Bridge to assess Unsworth's first game in the dugout.

David Unsworth lost 2-1 to Chelsea in his first game as caretaker manager of Everton

David Unsworth lost 2-1 to Chelsea in his first game as caretaker manager of Everton

PICK WHAT YOU-TH KNOW


Beni Baningime, a 19-year-old defensive midfielder, was handed his debut by David Unsworth. The Congolese has been with Everton since he was nine-years-old and was part of the Under 23s side who won the Premier League 2 title under Unsworth last season. Full back Jonjoe Kenny, 20, who has also been at Everton for 11 years and came through their youth system, was picked at right back.

19-year-old Beni Baningime was handed a start, someone Unsworth worked with as U23 coach

19-year-old Beni Baningime was handed a start, someone Unsworth worked with as U23 coach

DEFENSIVE DILLEMA

One of Ronald Koeman’s major issues was the centre of defence. He toyed with pairing combinations of the ageing Phil Jagielka, the erratic Ashley Williams and £25million summer signing Micheal Keane, trying the trio together for his final, fateful defeat against Arsenal last weekend. 

Keane was out for the Carabao Cup tie, with a four-man defence restored and Jagielka and Williams, their main partnership last season, starting. They were nowhere to be seen for Chelsea’s opener. Williams was booked in the first half.

SMART V CASUAL

While Antonio Conte purred in his technical area in a tailored navy suit, tie, white shirt, and freshly polished shiny black shoes, Unsworth spent much of the match with his hands in the pockets of his modest baggy black nylon zip hoody and joggers, or crossed in front of his chest, the look completed with black trainers. 

He was animated on the touchline and vocal with his players, regularly yelling instructions at individuals or calling them over for orders.

Unsworth opted to sport a club tracksuit in contrast to his smart counterpart Antonio Conte

Unsworth opted to sport a club tracksuit in contrast to his smart counterpart Antonio Conte

LENNON RETURN

Aaron Lennon was handed his first start of the season — and more significantly his first since being detained under the Mental Health Act at the end of last season. 

The 30-year-old winger had made three substitute appearances under Koeman but Unsworth gave him a starting berth and he looked fit and sprightly on the flank and did not shirk his defensive duties.

Aaron Lennon made first start since being detained under the Mental Health Act last season

Aaron Lennon made first start since being detained under the Mental Health Act last season

FLOODED MIDFIELD

Everton were set up with Lennon and Kevin Mirallas on either side of Wayne Rooney, yet the pair spent much of the match further back, joining with the three central midfielders — Baningime, James McCarthy and Tom Davies — to pack the midfield and prevent Chelsea from bypassing them easily. It meant they were often short going forward but were compact without the ball.

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