Escape from AlcarazAntolin Alcaraz was already having a decidedly difficult first half (understatement klaxon), when he wafted a horrible back-pass towards Tim Howard, selling his goalkeeper badly short. Lurking Kiev striker Dieumerci Mbokani was inches from profiting but Howard just about got there in time to clear. It could well be for Roberto Martinez what Kevin Brock's back-pass in 1984 was for Howard Kendall, albeit this time the erring defender had a let off. It certainly signalled a point at which things couldn't get any worse in the opening stages of this tie, when fear ran through the home ranks with wild abandon.
Everton were a different prospect as the game wore on, and the Paraguayan too narrowly avoided going down in Royal Blue infamy.
A captain's performanceEverton were in the mire at times, and that's when a team needs its leaders most. Phil Jagielka is often accused of being a a little too quiet for a captain, but the skipper led by shining example and helped to drag the hosts back into the tie. One minute he was bursting forward, criminally ignored by Romelu Lukaku when he would have gone through on goal but for a simple pass, the next he was defending with his usual vigour.
If this is to be a turning point for Everton then the centre back, who has been one consistent this term as others around him have struggled, will play a pivotal part in it. He has tasted last 16 heart-break in Europe before. He clearly doesn't want to taste it again.
Ossie the game changer is backLeon Osman and Steven Pienaar are in the twilight of their Everton careers, but both have been missed this season. The former's introduction in the second half made a big difference, as his manager suspected it might; passionately encouraging the midfielder in the moments before he crossed the white line.
Osman had a habit of rising from the bench to turn the tide last term, and before long against Dynamo he had won the penalty which gives his side the advantage going to Kiev next week.
Pressurised situations in the later stages of cup competitions call for wise heads. That's just what Everton have in a schemer who may be celebrating his testimonial year, but still has plenty to offer.
A tale of two hugely different moodsIn 45 minutes we saw the best and worst of Goodison, the best and worst of Everton; once again perpetuating the eternal chicken and egg dilemma. Who should inspire who? The men on the pitch or the paying punters in the stands?
Neither was particularly accommodating in that respect for about half an hour. Everton were woeful and as their nervy, laboured play rumbled on the agitation from the stands grew audibly. Anyone who thinks the players didn't sense that unrest is deluded. Martinez's men tried to force it and as a result ponderous moves were concluded with desperate punts forward which served only to surrender possession.
It only takes a little spark though. Romelu Lukaku had been one of the chief culprits of a shocking start but his free kick, tipped over the bar, lit the touch paper. From then the momentum started to turn. The Gwladys Street led the charge and all corners swiftly followed, as did those on the pitch. In synch with the players, the Goodison bear-pit can overwhelm opponents- even with a surprisingly sparse 26,150 in attendance. No matter - finally the pit had been stirred.
Tempo – or rather the quick upping of it – seemed to be key. More is required on Sunday.
The closing stages will be no strollEverton have had it all their way so far in the Europa League. At times they've swept teams aside, at others they've soaked up the pressure and hit on the break. Against Dynamo Kiev they were truly examined, and had to work hard for their salvation. This was a side without one of their best players in Younes Belhanda, and with just a smattering of supporters cheering them in the away end. It's going to be very different in the NSC Olimpiyskiy next week, even with one section of the ground empty. Sergei Rebreov's men will present the sternest test yet, and if the Blues can come through and fight their way into the quarter finals then there is no reason they can't go all the way to Poland in May.
Greg O’Keeffe / Guardian
