On way to thrashing after Everton edges second penalty (2,5)
I believe the answer is:
en route
'on way' is the definition.
'thrashing after everton edges second penalty' is the wordplay.
'thrashing' becomes 'rout'.
'after' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'edges' suggests removing the centre (I've seen 'edging' mean this (edging means the letters on the edges)).
'second penalty' becomes 'e' (2nd letter of 'penalty').
'everton' with its middle removed is 'en'.
'rout' after 'en' is 'enrout'.
'enrout'+'e'='EN ROUTE'
'to' is the link.
(Other definitions for en route that I've seen before include "On the way - in France" , "In transit (French)" , "Along the way" , "While travelling" , "'On the way (2,5)'" .)