No sticky opener for Toffees as rearguard spark four-goal show
EVERTON (4) vs AEK ATHENS (0)
EVERTON opened their Europa League group stage campaign in fine style in a game which saw both sides end the game with ten men.
The Toffees took an early lead through Joseph Yobo’s header on 10 minutes before his centre-back partner Sylvain Distin netted his first goal for the club seven minutes later.
Winger Steven Pienaar made it 3-0 win a rasping long-range effort.
AEK’s challenge faded further after Carlos Araujo was sent off on 54 minutes before Brazilian striker Jo added a fourth goal with eight minutes left.
But the night ended on a sour note for the Toffees after Louis Saha was sent off for lashing out at Juanfran.
Everton also completed the signing of former West Ham captain Lucas Neill yesterday on a one-year contract.