When Rafa Benitez was announced as the new manager of Everton Football Club, it was apparent that he’d need a quickfire start devoid of controversy.

News of his appointment had not gone down well with Toffees supporters due to his allegiances to the red side of Merseyside but fortunately, Benitez was able to prevent negativity and prove them wrong.

Everton started the season in flying fashion and after the opening four matches of the season, they were level on points with the league leaders.

Yet, proceedings have gone downhill since. They have lost Dominic Calvert-Levin, Richarlison, Seamus Coleman and Jordan Pickford to injury.

They were swatted aside with ease by Aston Villa last weekend and now they are out of the Carabao Cup too.

The Goodison Park outfit had a genuine chance of winning this competition but they went out in the worst way possible; on penalties.

As expected, Benitez fielded a team that combined youth and experience, but unfortunately, it was his senior heads that let him down the most against QPR.

Twice the Rs took the lead but Everton fought back before losing on penalties.

One of the worst displays came from £100k-per-week Alex Iwobi. The winger has done little to justify his £34m price tag since arriving from Arsenal with just five goals to his name at Everton.

He wasn’t involved in any of the goals against QPR as he turned in a languid display.

With Demarai Gray not starting and Richarlison ruled out, this was an ideal opportunity for the Nigerian to prove his worth, especially against Championship opposition.

However, he flopped for Benitez in a performance that severely let the manager down.

During his 90 minutes on the field, Iwobi completed two dribbles and also provided two key passes but typically, his end product was ultimately lacking.

His pass success rate of 75% was extremely disappointing while the winger was also feeble in physical situations.

Iwobi won just 22.2% of the defensive duels he was involved in, winning only two all night. In surrendering possession 13 times, he also lost the ball every 3.1 touches.

Against a team in the second-tier, the former Arsenal gem should have been running rampant. Sadly, he never looked like threatening their backline.

AND in other news, Everton rocked by big blow after weekend development, Benitez will be seething…