The team at WhoScored have rounded up the top five performers from the EFL's opening weekend action in Round One of the Carabao Cup...

Jed Ward (Walsall) – 9.82 - Walsall vs Bristol City

Jed Ward produced one of the performances of the round as Walsall stunned Championship side Bristol City 1-0 at Ashton Gate. It was the highest ever rating for a goalkeeper in the EFL Cup on WhoScored record.

The 23-year-old goalkeeper made 10 saves and kept a clean sheet, becoming only the second goalkeeper since 2019-20 to record 10+ saves and a shutout in the same match.

Bristol City dominated with 72% possession, more than 30 shots and 13 corners, but Ward repeatedly denied Lorent Tolaj, Jed Wallace and Rob Dickie before producing a stunning late reaction save from a deflected Max Bird effort.

It was a display of elite shot-stopping under relentless pressure and the foundation of a cup upset.

Marc Bola (Watford) – 8.72 - Watford vs Crawley

Marc Bola was solid at the back, but he shone at the other side of the pitch with a spectacular attacking contribution in Watford’s 1-0 win over Crawley Town.

The left-back struck a sensational 99th-minute winner from around 25 yards with his weaker right foot, rifling a half-volley into the top corner to spare Watford a penalty shootout.

His all-round numbers were equally impressive: 86% pass accuracy, 11 defensive contributions, three tackles, six clearances, two interceptions and a perfect record in both ground duels (4/4) and aerial duels (4/4).

With Watford firing 36 shots and growing increasingly frustrated, Bola delivered the moment of quality that finally settled the tie.

Jarrod Bowen (West Ham) - 8.68 - West Ham vs Portsmouth

Jarrod Bowen was the driving force behind West Ham’s comeback from 1-0 down to beat Portsmouth 3-1 at the London Stadium.

The captain scored a superb long-range effort before turning provider five minutes after the break with a precise cross for Valentín Castellanos’ second goal.

Bowen finished with 1 goal, 1 assist, 4 big chances created, 2 successful dribbles and 48 touches, directly influencing the two goals that transformed the contest.

In front of a record first-round crowd, he produced exactly the sort of performance supporters expect from their captain.

Harry Whitwell (West Brom) – 8.67 - West Brom vs Rotherham

Harry Whitwell made a major statement in West Brom’s 4-1 victory at Rotherham by scoring his first senior goal and helping create the opener.

The 20-year-old midfielder played only the first half but still registered 1 goal, 1 assist, 3 chances created, 2 shots on target, 5 passes into the final third and 2 successful dribbles.

His clever movement into the box, sharp link-up play with Jimmy-Jay Morgan and willingness to drive forward from midfield stood out throughout West Brom’s dominant opening 45 minutes.

For a player making just his third senior start, it was an eye-catching breakthrough performance.

Mohamed Toure (Norwich City) – 8.67 - Norwich vs MK Dons

Mohamed Toure blew MK Dons away with a devastating start in Norwich’s 4-1 win at Carrow Road.

The Australian striker scored after just 40 seconds, blasting a powerful finish into the top corner, and then set up Anis Ben Slimane six minutes later after winning possession high up the pitch.

His goal and assist arrived by the 6:27 mark, making him the quickest player to score and assist in a League Cup match since 2018.

Toure ended the evening with 1 goal, 1 assist, 3 chances created, 2 shots on target and 8 touches in the opposition box, using his pace, power and direct running to overwhelm the MK Dons defence from the opening whistle.

Five of WhoScored's top performers in Carabao Cup Round One

Five of WhoScored's top performers in Carabao Cup Round One