Everton loan players recap: Pennington solid in return, Dowell & Onyekuru frustrated

Everton’s on-loan forward Henry Onyekuru endured another miserable Champions League outing as his Anderlecht side were soundly beaten 3-0 at home against Celtic. The Nigerian player was held without a shot and had only one key pass while being starved of the ball for most of the game.

Back in the Championship, Matthew Pennington made a welcome return to action after sustaining an ankle injury early in the season. The defender came on for Leeds at the break after Liam Cooper was sent off just before halftime, already 2-0 down. He was unable to stem the bleeding though, with Cardiff City going on to win 3-1 with a brace from Everton striker target Kenneth Zohore, solidifying their lead on top of the Championship.

After the game, Leeds manager Thomas Christiansen had some positive words for Pennington -

“We have to replace Liam. Pennington did a very good and serious game when he came in [tonight].”

Meanwhile, Sunderland had another abysmal performance as they were soundly spanked 5-2 away at Ipswich Town. Tyias Browning dropped to the bench but it made no difference whatsoever for the Black Cats. Callum Connolly was also an unused substitute for the hosts.

Kieran Dowell had six shots and four key passes, but saw his Nottingham Forest side succumb to poor finishing and lose at home 3-1 to Fulham. Midfielder Joe Williams had another good game for Barnsley, drawing 1-1 at home against Queens Park Rangers. Williams had a shot on goal with two key passes as well while commanding the center of the pitch.

Antonee Robinson stayed on the bench as Bolton Wanderers lost 2-0 away to Bristol City. Liam Walsh was not in the matchday squad for Birmingham City, who won to get former Evertonian Lee Carsley his first win since he replaced Harry Redknapp.