Europa League: Martinez shields defence as Everton crash out of Europe
DYNAMO KIEV 5 EVERTON 2
(Dynamo Kiev won 6-4 on aggregate)
EVERTON boss Roberto Martinez downplayed his side’s defensive failings as the Toffees crashed out of the Europa League after suffering a crushing defeat at the hands of Dynamo Kiev last night.
An equaliser from striker Romelu Lukaku on the night maintained Everton’s lead in the tie, although by the time Phil Jagielka netted late on the host’s superiority rendered it no more than a consolation.
“A couple of times we made some defensive mistakes but there was also some incredible finishing from the opposition. Some of the goals, it would be difficult to see them again in the same game,” said Martinez.
“I agree there were instances when we could have defended better but there is not a lot you can do about goals that go right into the top corner. It was the kind of night where everything they tried went into the back of the net.
“We always looked like a threat going forward and that we could score goals but the type of game it was, there were opportunities for both sides and our chances didn’t go in.”
Everton’s demise came in the same week as Arsenal and Manchester City exited the Champions League, while Chelsea fell the week before and the likes of Tottenham and Liverpool also failed to fire in Europe.