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Everton returned to European play with a 4-1 win at home over Wolfsburg. Nearly second second straight clean sheet -- thanks in large part to Tim Howard -- and some excellent play to create the goals. All in all a good night at Goodison Park. Here's my stream of consciousness from Thursday's match.
- Opening five minutes featured Everton struggling in possession and passing very poorly. Nerves perhaps?
- 15' - GOOOOOOOAL!!! Everton had been improved after a rough start and really picked apart Wolfsburg with some excellent passing. McCarthy's pass to Baines was great, excellent job by the fullback to find Naismith and then a little bit of luck with the deflection.
- Who else panicked when Ross Barkley got hurt? I know I did. Steven Naismith has been MASSIVE taking over in the central attack role.
- Goal definitely calmed Everton down and got their confidence up.
- WEE SEAMUS!!! 2-0 at the break? I'll take it!
- PENALTY!! Nice way to open the second half! Contact was outside the box...but at full speed the officials ruled it was in the area. We'll take it.
- LEIGHTON BAINES!!! 3-0!!!
- 57' - What a run by Lukaku to peel off the defender and clear space for Mirallas ... if only McGeady had seen him.
- 61' - Nicklas Bendtner ... LOLOLOLOL
- Wolfsburg have been all over Everton since the third goal. Tim Howard and some timely blocks are keeping this lead for the Blues.
- 69' - Eto'o for Lukaku. Great timing on the sub as the big Belgian was looking a bit gassed.
- Tim Howard save. Tim Howard save. Tim Howard save. He's having on of his really good days ... and we've needed him.
- Hi Darren Gibson! Welcome back!
- 4-0!! SUPER KEVIN MIRALLAS. What vision and what a pass from Eto'o to find Mirallas, even better finish as he opened his hips and tricked the goalkeeper into thinking he was going far post.
- 4-1. What a sick free kick from Ricardo Rodriguez. Howard didn't even move as there was nothing he could've done to stop it.
- What a performance! Sure, the defense was a tad shaky a times but Howard was in control and backed them up well.