Everton completed their fourth straight victory in Uefa Cup Group A by defeating AZ Alkmaar 3-2.
Late Vaughan winner sends AZ out of Europe
Everton completed their fourth straight victory in Uefa Cup Group A by defeating AZ Alkmaar 3-2.
David Moyes' side had already secured top spot and a place in the last 32, but they produced another impressive display to extend their unbeaten run to 13 games in all competitions and knock AZ out of Europe.
Andy Johnson set the tone for an entertaining encounter as he broke the deadlock in only the second minute, although Graziano Pelle equalised for AZ with a fine finish after 16 minutes.
Phil Jagielka restored Everton's lead just before the break following a goalmouth scramble, but the Dutch side responded again as Kew Jaliens headed past Stefan Wessels in the 65th minute.
AZ needed to win to secure their own progression to the next round but they fell behind for a third time when substitute James Vaughan struck with 11 minutes remaining.
Everton clung on in the closing stages to become the first team ever to win at AZ in European competition.
Even though manager David Moyes decided to leave a number of senior players at home, they managed to extend their unbeaten run to 13 games in all competitions.
Everton got off to a perfect start and took the lead after just 63 seconds.
Johnson shook off the attentions of David Mendes da Silva to score at the near post.
AZ hit back in the 12th minute when Demmy de Zeuw strode forward - but his effort cleared the bar.
Clipped
However, they equalised in the 17th minute with a swift counter-attack when Pelle clipped a shot into the corner after good work by Simon Cziommer.
AZ were looking dangerous on the break and Ruud Vormer sent his effort narrowly over the bar in the 32nd minute after being released by Moussa Dembele.
Everton then won a free-kick in the 39th minute when Steven Pienaar was bundled over by Gretar Steinsson.
James McFadden tried to squeeze his effort inside goalkeeper Boy Waterman's near post but only succeeded in sending it wide of the target.
Everton regained the lead two minutes before half-time when Jagielka headed home after Steinsson had cleared Joleon Lescott's shot off the line.
Moyes' men almost added a third goal in the 51st minute when Lee Carsley got on the end of McFadden's corner, only to send his header narrowly over the top.
Waterman then fumbled the ball into Johnson's path in the six-yard box but the striker was crowded out as he shaped to shoot.
Everton kept up the pressure and Pienaar saw his effort on the hour blocked by Waterman.
Unmarked
AZ, however, drew level for the second time in the 66th minute when Kew Jaliens was left unmarked when substitute Julian Jenner swung in a corner - and the skipper beat Stefan Wessels at the far post.
But Everton regained the lead and made sure of four wins from four in Group A for the third time in the 80th minute when Vaughan showed a cool head to send his effort into the corner after being set up by Anichebe.
AZ should have drawn level in the 85th minute but substitute Kemmy Agustien dragged his effort wide from a good position and Everton saw the game out for a superb victory.
| AZ Alkmaar |
Team Statistics |
Everton |
| 2 |
Goals |
3 |
| 1 |
1st Half Goals |
2 |
| 4 |
Shots on Target |
8 |
| 8 |
Shots off Target |
2 |
| 3 |
Blocked Shots |
0 |
| 5 |
Corners |
3 |
| 17 |
Fouls |
10 |
| 4 |
Offsides |
3 |
| 0 |
Yellow Cards |
2 |
| 0 |
Red Cards |
0 |
| 83.8 |
Passing Success |
77.3 |
| 23 |
Tackles |
17 |
| 69.6 |
Tackles Success |
58.8 |
| 60.7 |
Possession |
39.3 |
| 54.6 |
Territorial Advantage |
45.4 |
|
