Standard too high as Toffees come unstuck in Europe

EVERTON’S sorry start to the season continued last night as David Moyes’ side crashed out of their second cup competition in the space of eight days.

After being dumped out of the Carling Cup last Wednesday by Blackburn, Everton’s UEFA Cup hopes have also now been crushed at the first hurdle by Standard Liege.

A far-post tap-in from Axel Witsel gave the Belgian side the lead last night, and although Phil Jagielka gave the Toffees hope, Milan Jovanovic grabbed the winner from the spot after being bundled over by Leighton Baines.

“We’ll have to pick up our league form and hopefully have a decent run in the FA Cup instead,” said Jagielka.

The defender suggested Everton’s failure to win the home leg against Standard, who pushed Liverpool all the way in qualifying for the Champions League, was a major factor in the tie.

“I think we let ourselves down in the first leg, maybe gave ourselves too much to do tonight,” said Jagielka.

“We played well but their tactics worked. They played on the counter and obviously won the game.”

Jagielka was not prepared to be drawn on whether the penalty which put Standard 2-1 up on the night should have been awarded.

Milan Jovanovic was caught by Leighton Baines and went down, with ref Peter Sippel pointing to the spot.

“I’m not too sure,” he said. “We’re just disappointed he got through.”

Everton face fellow slow starters Newcastle in the Premier League this weekend, and Jagielka said: “We’re disappointed but we’ve got to kick on now for Sunday.”

The defender also denied manager Moyes’ contractual situation had any bearing on the result. Moyes will reach the end of his contract at the end of the season and has not yet signed an extension.

“The gaffer will sort his own contract out in his own time,” Jagielka said. “I’m sure he’s going to stay.”

Moyes believed Liege captain Steven Defour should have been sent off for his angry reaction to having a foul called against him early in the first half, after he felled Louis Saha.

Moyes also claimed a challenge by Defour on Ayegbeni Yakubu could also have been worth a red card.

Defour turned his rage on referee Sippel, and Moyes said: “I thought he should have been sent off for his reaction and then for him not to be sent off for the professional foul on Yakubu was unbelievable.”

The Everton boss accepted the penalty against his team and recognised this season has been dismal so far for the Merseysiders. He said: “Who says when you come into football management that every year you’re going to have a good year?”

Of his contract, Moyes offered few clues. “There might be as timescale, something might happen,” he said.

STANDARD LIEGE: Aragon, Dante, Onyewu, Dalmat, Camozzato, Sarr, Nicaise, Defour, Witsel, Jovanovic, Mbokani.

EVERTON: Howard, Hibbert (Anichebe 63), Baines, Jagielka, Lescott, Neville (Yobo 88), Osman, Cahill, Saha (Pienaar 71), Yakubu, Arteta

Referee: Peter Sippel (Germany).