Everton FC 0 Krasnodar 1: what we learned from Europa League game including how the kids are alrightThe key talking points following the Blues' dead-rubber defeat against Krasnodar
The kids are alrightThe headline writes itself, really, although evidence suggests these kids are more than just alright.
Roberto Martinez decided to pick a squad of bit-part players interspersed with Academy graduates; or, more accurately, a squad of Academy graduates interspersed with bit-part players.
Ryan Ledson was handed his Everton debut while Tyias Browning and Conor McAleny made their first starts for the senior team.
Luke Garbutt played at left-back while Chris Long, Kieran Dowell and Gethin Jones all made substitute appearances in the 1-0 defeat.
Martinez had 11 Academy graduates in the matchday squad and, despite the result, the performance of those who got a run out was enough to excite.
Ledson was eager in the tackle, his engine already far beyond his years; Garbutt, meanwhile, could give Leighton Baines cause for concern on this performance. Dowell, an early substitute for the injured Christian Atsu, was intelligent both on and off the ball.
No wonder Gareth Southgate made the trip to Merseyside on Thursday evening. He would have left intrigued; Everton fans should leave delighted at what the future may hold.
Garbutt is the pick of the bunchGiven Garbutt's relative experience compared to some of his fellow youngsters – although, at 21, he's an old man in comparison to Ledson, Dowell and friends – it should come as no surprise the left back was the most assured member of the starting 11.
He has been capped by England Under-21s eight times – three more than appearances for Everton. It has been a curious career so far.
But Thursday was the night he marked down just what he's capable of. Driving runs, a magnificent set-piece delivery and a brilliant left foot. Sound familiar?
He made 14 crosses – the rest of the team made seven combined – and was a clear outlet. His four key passes also matched the output of his team-mates.
Food for thought for Roberto – and the comfort in knowing any misfortune to Baines wouldn't necessarily spell doom and gloom.
Joel fluffs his linesWith Tim Howard in the spotlight over performances in recent weeks – rightly or wrongly – Joel Robles had the opportunity to step into it and shine.
There has been no question over Howard's place in the first-team and, at 35, could potentially go for another five years - at least. But there will be life after Howard, and it could be the Blues' no.2 who fills the American's gloves when that time comes.
The 24-year-old made a few good saves – bloodying his nose in the process – but when presented with a one-on-one against Ricardo Laborde, fluffed his lines.
How apt he bled from the nose as he was caught way too far off his line, sold a dummy and then left a big gap at the near post for the Colombian to sweep home.
The groan from Goodison Park, and the look on Robles' face, told the story. Having been used throughout the domestic cup competitions during his time at the Blues, this could be a harmful 90 minutes to his first-team ambitions – both short-term and long-term.
Revenge against Villarreal is on the cardsThe Blues' top spot was secured with a game to spare – and therefore, their position as seeds – but the full picture of Monday's draw for the last 32 wasn't fully revealed until now.
There's some tricky draws there which would offer the Blues no reward for finishing first, with Sevilla and Roma the obvious ones to avoid.
But Borussia Moenchengladbach's win over FC Zurich confirmed Villarreal would finish second, and therefore be unseeded.
How about a chance of revenge for the Blues, nearly 10 years after being robbed in Spain?
At least Pierluigi Collina has retired.
Christian Atsu can't catch a breakThis game offered a chance for Christian Atsu to make his mark on the Everton first-team, a chance to impress the boss - and fans - on the right wing.
In the week, the Ghanaian said: “It’s been quite difficult since I came here but I believe things will be okay and go well. I’m working hard for the team and I believe the fans haven’t seen the best of me yet."
But in his short Everton career, little has gone right. That was typified when he limped off with a hamstring injury after just 10 minutes.
Excellent at the World Cup and, indeed, for Vitesse last season, the Blues haven't been given a chance to see his best since joining on loan in the summer.
It's fair to say Atsu hasn't been given a chance to either - and this injury simply confirms it.
By Kristian Walsh / Echo
