EUROPA LEAGUE: Everton 4 AEK Athens 0UEFA COULD not have found a more accommodating place to introduce their controversial new set of referees in the Europa League.
Everton have been dismal in the Premier League this season, in cruise control in Europe, and they strolled to victory over AEK Athens. Everton were simply too good, too strong and too committed for a woeful Greek team and, in Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, the home team had a player who had a full debut of rich promise.
Moyes’ multiple concerns over the six officials – one referee, two assistant referees, one fourth official and two additional assistant referees to give them their correct titles – were initially unfounded. If anything they came to his assistance as Everton put their league form aside to establish an early commanding lead. The Everton manager gave a full debut to his recent €10 million signing from Locomotiv Moscow on the left of midfield with Steven Pienaar replacing Leon Osman on the right. On a night that Everton were short of defensive cover they announced the signing of Australia captain Lucas Neill on a free transfer from West Ham.
Moyes had likened the Russian international to Kevin Sheedy on his arrival. That appeared a blatant attempt to pull on Evertonian heart-strings at the time but in terms of Bilyaletdinov’s left foot on a dead ball, first impressions last night suggested the comparison may not be so far-fetched.
AEK were disrupted early when the central defender Geraldo injured a knee while making an awkward challenge on Jo. By the time he hobbled back into the fray the Greeks were behind, Bilyaletdinov sweeping a corner to the back post and the unmarked Joseph Yobo, who duly dispatched a simple header beyond Sebastian Saja in the visiting goal.
Eight minutes later Everton were awarded another corner courtesy of the additional assistant referee, via his mic. Bilyaletdinov delivered accurately once more, Marouane Fellaini had a goalbound attempt blocked and Sylvain Distin prodded the ball over the line for a first Everton goal since his move from Portsmouth.
Everton’s third owed everything to superb technique. Bilyaletdinov was involved for a third time with a cross-field pass to Steven Pienaar. The impressive South African had several options but elected for the finest, turning in an instant and finding the bottom corner from 25 yards.
The Greeks’ night deteriorated further 10 minutes into the second half when their right back, Carlos Araujo, was shown a red card for violent conduct. Jo completed the rout with a deserved goal eight minutes from time when he spun on to a pass from Louis Saha – sent off in injury time for a clash with Juanfran – and the Brazilian found the bottom corner.
EVERTON:Howard, Gosling, Yobo, Distin, Baines, Pienaar (Saha 67), Cahill (Osman 46), Rodwell, Fellaini, Bilyaletdinov (Yakubu 52), Jo. Subs not used: Nash, Baxter, Wallace, Mustafi. Sent off: Saha (90). Booked: Cahill.
AEK ATHENS:Sebastian Saja, Jahic, Arce, Geraldo (Nsaliwa 13 (Manduca 46)), Araujo, Juanfran, Makos, Kafes, Scocco, Leonardo (Yahaya 71), Blanco. Subs not used: Arampatzis, Hersi, Nemeth, Georgeas. Sent off: Araujo (55). Booked: Kafes.
Referee:R Malek (Poland).
