Exclusive: Gareth Barry says Lille point crucial to Everton FC's Europa League hopesIt was no classic, says the Toffees midfielder - but the Blues can now control their own destiny in Group H
OSC Lille v Everton FC in the UEFA Europa League,at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy,Lille,France.
Gareth Barry hailed an important point in Lille – as resilient Everton FC maintained their unbeaten Europa League record.
The Blues remain top of Group H after the stalemate at the Stade Pierre Mauroy, where neither side was able to muster much in front of goal during a largely forgettable encounter.
However midfielder Barry believes the draw could prove to be important for Everton’s hopes of progressing into the knock-out stage as group winners.
He said: “It’s definitely not going to go down as a classic game but in terms of where we are in the group and the way we’ve performed in the Europa League it was a very good point.
“To come here, play against a good team and keep a clean sheet meant we were reasonably happy in the dressing room.
“Obviously we’re greedy at times like this and want to win games but in the grand scheme of things it was a decent result.
“We expected them to come out a little bit more in the second half and maybe hit them on the counter. It did happen once or twice and Aiden (McGeady) was a bit unlucky. But overall we played it pretty safe. We defended well.”
The result meant consecutive clean-sheets for the Toffees for the first time in a stuttering campaign so far, and Barry welcomed that sign of improvement.
“The biggest positive was another clean sheet,” said the 33-year-old. “They don’t come along too often on the road in Europe so we’re pleased with that.
“We want to try and go to Burnley on Sunday now and get three in a row. If we do that at Turf Moor there’s every chance we’ll get three points.
“We’re in a strong position in the group but we won’t get cocky. It only takes one result in one of the other games and you can be looking over your shoulder again. It’s important that we’ve got two games at Goodison and continue our good form there.”
The Blues defence had to deal with a lively display from Lille striker Divock Origi, who will play for rivals Liverpool next term after agreeing a £10m move in the summer.
Barry admitted he was impressed by what he saw of the Belgium international.
“He certainly surprised us with his pace and how direct he was in the first 15 minutes or so,” he added. “We’d seen a few clips but until you face someone you’re not sure how sharp they are. I’m sure when his time comes in the Premier League he’ll do a good job.”
Source: Echo
