Everton continued their poor run to this season's Europa League as they played out a 2-2 draw with Apollon Limassol at Goodison Park on Thursday, according to the Guardian. Adrián Sardinero opened the scoring for the visitors in the twelfth minute.A few minutes later, Wayne Rooney found the equalizer, putting Everton in the contest before Nikola Vlasic doubled the lead for the hosts. Just two minutes left to stoppage time, Héctor Yuste leveled up the scoreline for Sofronis Avgousti's side. No doubt, it was a disappointing outcome for Everton as they needed a win to stay afloat in the group.
The post-match interview, the Toffees manager Ronald Koeman said his team was "afraid to play football" against a lowly Limassol team and couldn't hold onto a win despite playing at home. Following the match outcome, Everton is in the cellar of the group with just one point, while Apollon Limassol is third with two points. Here's an analysis of the match.
Everton outlook
Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - Jordan Pickford (5.90). Defender - Jonjoe Kenny (6.18), Mason Holgate (seven points), Ashley Williams (6.12), Leighton Baines (6.76). Midfielder - Morgan Schneiderlin (7.64), Idrissa Gueye (6.47), Tom Davies (6.30), Gylfi Sigurdsson (7.68). Forward - Sandro Ramírez (6.28), Wayne Rooney (7.62).
Used substitutes - Nikola Vlasic (7.47), Davy Klaassen (six points), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (six points).
Teams strength and weakness: Everton players were often displaced from possession. They created chances up front through long passes and individual efforts. However, they committed several individual errors.
Style of play: the Toffees favored long shots, long thrusts and through balls.
They attacked through the middle.
Apollon Limassol outlook
Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - Bruno Vale (7.14). Defender - João Pedro (7.21), Valentin Roberge (5.54), Héctor Yuste (seven points), Giorgos Vasiliou (6.75). Midfielder - Alef (6.57), Antonio Jakolis (six points), Esteban Sachetti (6.43), Allan (6.52), Adrián Sardinero (7.81).
Forward - Anton Maglica (6.59). Used substitutes - Emilio Jose Zelaya (six points), Jander (6.19), André Schembri (5.90).
Team's strength and weakness: Apollon Limassol players were creative in the attack through individual efforts and long passes. However, they gave away lots of free kick within their half.
Style of play: Sofronis Avgousti's men played with width and favored long shot situations. They largely launched attacks from the flanks.
Who's the Man of the Match?
Midfielder Adrián Sardinero's early goal was responsible for demoralizing Everton's defense in the first half and it apparently gave Apollon Limassol full confidence over the hosts. The Spaniard completed a total of forty-three touches.
Next matches in Group E
Everton will once again play at home against Olympique Lyon on Thursday 19 October. The same night, Apollon Limassol will face Atalanta on the road.
