IT is safe to say the mind was allowed to wander at Goodison Park last night. Amid the festive chill, Everton’s low key Europa League defeat by BATE Borisov will have only heightened dreams of a trip to warmer climes in the knockout stages.
Not that much was really expected of a game which would have no bearing on either sides’ European fate; it developed into an occasion for experimentation and not entertainment.
The match would prove an unremarkable closing chapter to a European campaign which may yet hold exciting times for Everton.
Last night’s subdued final Europa League Group I match was devoid of action and only served to officially ratify David Moyes side’s progress in the knockout stage of the competition.
Aleksandr Yurevich’s low drive past Carlo Nash, which won the game for BATE, was the exception to the rule in a tie which will not live long in the memory.
The game was unfortunately all too predictable with a home team including names unfamiliar to many Everton supporters, and an opposition still in pre-season training, the match had the feel of a summer saunter about it – even if the temperature dropped below zero.
Games with more spark, life and ultimately with more significance await the Goodison Park outfit and the thought of the stellar names Everton may be pitted against in the round of 32 would have been the only thing keeping the supporters warm last night.
Goalmouth action was in short supply though the endeavour shown by the raft of Everton youngsters brought into the side can not be faulted, they just lacked the guile to penetrate their Belarusian visitors.
As secured before kick-off, Everton finish the Group in second place with nine points.
Manager Moyes made the unusual step of naming his starting line-up for last night’s clash on Wednesday, saying he felt it only right the Everton fans knew the side ahead of this ‘dead-rubber’.
With the Goodison Park outfit’s qualification into the knockout rounds of the Europa League already secured, Moyes was able to make nine changes from the side who thrillingly drew 3-3 at Chelsea on Saturday.
Making their full debuts were youngsters Shane Duffy, 17, Jake Bidwell, 16, Jose Baxter, 18 and Kieran Agard, 20 whilst Carlo Nash’s patience playing deputy to Tim Howard was rewarded with his first start.
It was perhaps telling of the emphasis Moyes placed on youth in this match that even Seamus Coleman fell into the category of players with ‘experience’.
There was of course a sprinkling of ‘old heads’ amongst the clutch of fledgling stars and Leon Osman’s return from injury was a welcome sight – his leadership in midfield was where Everton dominated play early on.
Whilst some people will have been turned off given the line-up, made in light of Everton’s place in today’s typically laborious round of 32 draw from Nyon already secured, for the others, including the manager, Thursday night’s Europa League Group I encounter was all about the future.
Whether given time to reflect on where the European road may lead Moyes’ men next or to assess the credentials of those emerging from the grounds of Finch Farm, last night’s match at Goodison did have something to offer, although it was not immediately clear.
It too offered a chance to celebrate how Everton have navigated what can be generously described as a ‘tricky’ group.
The superstars of Benfica proved a notch above on both occasions but a comprehensive victory over AEK Athens at home, followed by wins in Belarus and Greece, all achieved in the midst of a crippling injury crisis, must be hailed as notable feats of spirit and man management.
That Everton are now looking at potential glamour ties with heavyweights Juventus or Shakhtar Donetsk is testament to them punching above their weight having emerged from the European backwater of SK Sigma Olomouc in the play-offs.
