Disappointingly, the game's outcome was highly influenced by an unfortunate decision which lead to the sending off of Zenit Defender Nicolas Lombaerts midway through the second half. Lombaerts had expertly deflected an Everton strike away from goal with his chest and face, but cries from the Everton Bench (as well as those from Goodison Park) for a hand ball prevailed and the referee reached for his red card, and pointed to the center spot. On the ensuing penalty, Arteta struck the ball over the top, although little justice was served, and Zenit was forced to play with 10 for the remainder of the fixture. In the ensuing minutes Zenit was lucky to watch a shot by Everton midfielder Lee Carsley deflect off the post. And in the final seconds of the half Everton failed to find the back of the net once again, this time a frantic dive by Zenit's keeper saved a sure goal from an Arteta directed set piece.
The second half remained back and forth, with Zenit relying on counter attacks as Everton was directed by the Spaniard Arteta. Everton proved to be too much for Zenit's 10 men and were undone by the in the final minutes of the half as Tim Cahill capitalized on Zenit's inability to clear the the ball from their own box.
With a spot guaranteed in the UEFA Cup Knockout Stage, Everton can now focus on the Premier League, which will come to the relief of both the players and manager as Everton has important games against Fulham and West Ham in the coming week. I am looking forward to the Everton Fulham match. Lets see if Clint Dempsy can continue to prove that he is a striker that should be feared in the Premier League as he goes up against Everton and Tim Howard.
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