Clinical Everton Down Wolfsburg

Wolfsburg failed to open their Europa League account after losing 4-1 on the opening matchday against Everton.

Wolfsburg were looking to send a message at the start of the new Europa League season, but ended up sending the wrong one after suffering a heavy 4-1 to Everton in their opening game in Group H.



Having started brightly, Wolfsburg found themselves a goal down after Everton converted their first opportunity. Smart combination play from Leighton Baines and Steven Naismith ended with the Scottish striker guiding the ball goalwards. Ricardo Rodriguez was credited with an own goal after he got the final touch.



The home side tried to seize on scoring the opener, but couldn't apply enough prolonged pressure. Dieter Hecking's team gradually battled their way back into the game, but continued to make too many poor decisions in the final third.



Romelu Lukaku then forced a smart save out of Diego Benaglio with a low free-kick from a central position, before Everton doubled their lead in injury time of the first half. Kevin Mirallas's shot was well saved by Benaglio, but the rebound fell to Baines and with Wolfsburg's defense flat-footed, the England left-back crossed for Seamus Coleman to head home from close range.



Nightmare restart



Wolfsburg got off to the worst possible start in the second half. Robin Knoche misjudged a pass by Maximilian Arnold and then fouled Aiden McGeady. Referee Luca Banti awarded a penalty even though the initial contact appeared just outside of the box - Leighton Baines sent Benaglio the wrong way to make it 3-0.



Determined to get back in the game, Wolfsburg were hampered by Howard. First, Caligiuri saw his effort saved, and then Luiz Gustavo couldn't find a way past the American goalkeeper from close-range. Rodriguez then whipped a brilliant free kick towards the left-hand corner, but Howard was there again to make a brilliant stop.



Everton continued to sit deep and absorb Wolfsburg's pressure, and the Bundesliga side just couldn't find a way past the US shot-stopper. Aaron Hunt's drive was batted away, before Naldo sent a free kick wide of the goal frame.



In the final twenty minutes, de Bruyne curled a low drive towards goal but the outstretched hand of Howard kept the ball from going in.



With the time running out, Everton completed their clinical rout by scoring a fourth. Kevin Mirallas finished low past Benaglio on the break and although Rodriguez whipped in a free kick with the last of the game, Wolfsburg looked a side well short of the quality needed at this level.