Match report: Everton FC defeat Lille in impressive Goodison rout
Everton top Group H following their 3-0 win
On Saturday night Leon Osman shook the room at his testimonial dinner, as he grabbed the mic and treated the audience to an energetic Will Smith rap.
The Everton FC midfielder may not be quite so fresh a Prince anymore, but as he said on the night – and then underlined with aplomb against Lille tonight – he’s certainly not finished yet.
Roberto Martinez agrees, and he offered the one-year contract extension to prove it.
In response Osman delivered on stage once again.
An opening goal to warm the heart on a chilly night was followed by a glowing performance from the Toffees, who continue to stamp their authority on the UEFA Europa League.
The Blues have been pitted against sides with plenty of Champions League experience in Group H, but they put four past Wolfsburg at Goodison Park and now three past a usually watertight Lille defence.
It took a little time for Everton to build momentum. While they started the more convincing of the two teams, they were still guilty of a few errors in possession which contributed to a scrappy opening period.
Romelu Lukaku, though, seemed intent on proving that he is back to his best. He had a chance within seconds of the opening whistle, drawing a fine save from Vincent Enyeama and moved with far more energy and purpose than in recent weeks.
Gradually the Blues asserted themselves, and once they got going there was no stopping them.
In contrast, Lille offered little in attack.
It seemed to be a straight challenge of whether the hosts could crack the stoic defence of Rene Girard’s side, and just before the half-hour they rose to it.
Impressive as ever, James McCarthy galloped forward turning defence into attack with each stride of his long legs.
He showed his maturity to slip a pass to Aiden McGeady instead of shooting, and the winger delivered a teasing cross which missed the lingering Steven Naismith but dropped to Osman.
The 33-year-old chested the ball down, steadied himself and bent a delicious strike into the top left hand corner of the Park End net.
It was a compelling way to celebrate his new contract.
In his recently published autobiography, Osman admitted his concern over the future, with his previous deal set to expire in the summer.
The thought of playing elsewhere, he reflected, was not a welcome one.
But it’s only right that the midfielder will likely remain a one-club man for the rest of his career.
He may not always have been universally adored by the Goodison faithful, but he has remained a going concern at the top level on merit.
It got better just before the break.
Once again McCarthy was instrumental, winning the ball back and creating a chance which Lille had to clear behind for a corner.
Then something very rare happened – Everton scored from the flag-kick.
McGeady, who was growing in stature, provided the incisive delivery and the hot-streak of Phil Jagielka continued, as the skipper bulleted a header beyond the despairing grasp of Enyeama.
The Blues continued their dominance after the break. Another sweeping move, with a nice contribution from Lukaku, saw Leighton Baines square it to Naismith, and the Scotland international’s quick feet did the rest.
His first touch left defender Marko Basa rooted to the spot and he turned to smash a fierce effort into the roof of the net.
A word too for Baines. The left-back has now contributed nine assists and two goals in his last 12 games for the Blues.
No wonder that ‘best full-back in the world’ tag won’t go away.
It had to be a special display to make Lille look so porous. They only conceded twice in their opening eight Ligue 1 games, and although they have faltered a little since then, Everton were ruthless in exposing their flaws.
Manager Martinez could even afford to replace the lively McGeady, giving Christian Atsu some much-needed minutes, and midfielder Gareth Barry got the chance of a breather as the clock ticked down.
Everton need just one more point from their two remaining games, away to Wolfsburg and at home to Krasnodar, to ensure progress into the knockout stage of this competition.
Their performances so far have suggested a side well suited to European competition.
Unbeaten, unbowed and still unmatched in their group they march on.
Source: Echo
