Everton end Dubai tour with friendly win - but was Ronald Koeman hungover?

Everton wrapped up their mid-season Dubai training camp with a comfortable 4-0 win against Chinese side Shenzhen FC.

Enner Valencia scored twice for the Toffees with Ross Barkley and Arouna Kone also on target to complete a routine victory.

Goalkeeper Mateusz Hewelt then saved a penalty in the second half to ensure he kept a clean sheet.

17 players were used throughout the 90 minutes, with Kone, Valencia, Phil Jagielka, Ross Barkley and Mason Holgate playing 90 minutes.

The victory completed a five-day break away from the UK for the Blues, with the squad flying home on Saturday ahead of next week’s game against Sunderland.

There was also the opportunity for some downtime during their break in the Middle East, with Koeman, his management team and playing squad enjoying a night out at Meydan Races.

The next morning Koeman and his coaching staff were pictured wearing sunglasses while watching Everton’s friendly win, raising speculation that they had enjoyed themselves a little too much the night before.

Sadly the was not the reason behind the shades. A sandstorm erupted during the game at the Nad Al Sheba Sports complex meaning Koeman and co had to wear sunglasses in order to see the action.

Speaking after the match Koeman said he was pleased with how the week away had gone.

“We played well and made some good goals.

“The boys showed a great attitude. It’s the end of the week and most of the players are a little bit tired but they showed a professional attitude that you want to see as a coach. I’ve liked that the most from this week.

“It was a good save for the penalty [from Hewelt] and it’s always nice to have a clean sheet. Overall the boys worked hard in difficult conditions.

“Everything has gone well and we’ve had a good week.

“Some players who have not played a lot in the last few weeks got a chance to play today,” Koeman added. “You like to everybody in a good physical state.

“We will get some players like James McCarthy and Kevin Mirallas back for next week. Aaron Lennon was ill for two days.

“We start again next week to prepare for the Sunderland game.”