Source: Liverpool_Echo
Everton 4, AEK Athens 0
David Moyes saw his Everton side chalk up a much-needed victory after securing the signature of former West Ham full-back Lucas Neill shortly before the match.[LNB]Injuries have ravaged the squad so Neill is a welcome addition after his contract expired at Upton Park and he became a free agent.[LNB]With three defeats in their opening Barclays Premier League campaign, Everton were looking for boost outside of domestic competition.[LNB]Moyes need not have worried as his side were in control from the start in this Europa League match with Joseph Yobo, Sylvain Distin and Steven Pienaar all scoring before half time. Jo added a fourth in the second half.[LNB]However, the night ended on a sour note with substitute Louis Saha sent off in stoppage time for lashing out at Juanfran.[LNB]Russian midfielder Diniyar Bilyaletdinov marked his first start by having a hand in the first three and was given a rousing reception when he came off in the second half.[LNB]AEK were on the back foot after only seven minutes when Pienaar tried to release Jo only for Sanel Jahic to make a timely interception.[LNB]It was a taste of what was to come as Pienaar came within inches of putting Everton ahead two minutes later with a fierce shot.[LNB]Goalkeeper Sebastian Saja parried his effort around the post. Bilyaletdinov delivered the corner and Yobo peeled away from his marker to open the scoring.[LNB]Everton went 2-0 ahead in the 17th minute and it was another corner from the Russian that led to the goal.[LNB]The Greek side failed to deal with it and Marouane Fellaini was the first to react in a crowded area.[LNB]Even though he failed to get a decent touch, AEK were all at sea and the ball broke to Distin, who made no mistake from close range.
