|
BILYALETDINOV LEADS EVERTON TO VICTORY
In his first starting assignment for Everton
since moving from Lokomotiv Moscow, Diniyar Bilyaletdinov was a shining
star for the English side as they defeated AEK Athens 4-0 in Group I play
of the Europa League.
| |
|
|
Diniyar Bilyaletdinov Photo REUTERS
|
Warmly welcomed by the Toffees faithful supporters at Goodison
Park, the Russian international was pencilled into his customary spot
on the left wing with manager David Moyes juggling his line-up and shifting
Steven Pienaar to the opposite side.
From the starting whistle AEK was being driven back as Everton probed
early to break the deadlock. Just shy of the tenth minute Steven Pienaar
unleashed a treacherous shot that AEK 'keeper Sebastian Saja did well
to push aside, giving up a corner.
The former Railwayman captain trotted over to the right corner and sent
a pin-point effort to the back post that Joseph Yobo sent in from five
metres. Only seven minutes later Everton doubled the margin, with Diniyar
Bilyaletdinov sending a corner in once again, this type from the left
that Maraoune Fellaini tried to turn in before it was deflected to Sylvain
Distin, who finished quickly from close range.
Everton put the match away eight minutes before the break as Diniyar Bilyaletdinov
sent diagonal ball to Steven Pienaar on the opposite side of the pitch,
who then powered the ball to the bottom right corner from twenty-two meters.
Seven minutes after the break, the night was complete for the winger as
he was substituted for Yakubu to the appreciated cheers of Everton fans.
The match ground down with it ostensibly over when AEK's Carlos Araujo
was shown a straight red-card, forcing his side to play a man down the
final thirty-five minutes.
Jo rounded out the scoring for Everton with eight minutes in the clock
as he lashed the ball in from eleven metres and with the exception of
Louis Saha being sent off late, it was a stunning night for the Merseyside
club with Diniyar Bilyaletdinov leading the way.
Prepared by John Davies
Sport
Express Daily, 18 Sep 2009
|
|
