Outclassed by Benfica but Everton will keep up the fight - Tony Hibbert

06 November 2009 10:00
Tim Cahill and Joseph Yobo after Everton's defeat to Benfica 300[LNB]TONY Hibbert admits Everton were simply 'outclassed' by Benfica in the second half of last night's Europa League match.[LNB]The Lisbon side won 2-0 with goals from Javier Saviola and Oscar Cardozo sealing the win and cementing their place at the top of Group I.[LNB]For the Blues it signalled a second consecutive defeat in Europe and the loss leaves David Moyes' men in second position with six points from their four matches.[LNB]Hibbert though was staying upbeat and said the squad would take the positives from the opening period into Sunday's Premier League match with West Ham United at Upton Park.[LNB]Hibbert said: 'What was missing from the performance? I wish I knew. I think in the first half we played some good stuff and we got at them, in the second half they just overplayed us and had the quality we lacked tonight.[LNB]'At half-time the manager just us to go back out and show what we were doing in the first half, I think we were good in the first half, putting them on the back foot a lot but they shone in the second half and outclassed us.[LNB]'I think tonight we should take the positives out of the first half, we really put them under the cosh but they showed their class and really they are a Champions League side so I think we can hold our heads up high and say we have given it a go.[LNB]'They have got class all over the place and we've had injuries, but don't get me wrong every club has had injuries, but it is something we have got to get through and keep on battling.[LNB]'Going to West Ham on Sunday is exactly what we need, the lads are looking forward to that now and it is another game, so just bring on West Ham and let's get it under our belts.'

Source: Liverpool_Echo