Skip to content

Roberto Martinez: Dynamo Kiev finishing difference against Everton

Dynamo Kiev's midfielder Oleg Gusev celebrates after scoring during the UEFA Europa League round of 16 football match between Dynamo Kiev and Everton
Image: Oleg Gusev was among the scorers in Dynamo Kiev's 5-2 win

Everton manager Roberto Martinez believes finishing was the difference in his side's 5-2 defeat at Dynamo Kiev in the Europa League last 16.

The Ukrainian side went through 6-4 on aggregate as the visitors twice hit the woodwork through Ross Barkley, but the Toffees were punished for some sloppy defending as they crashed out of the competition.

But Martinez refused to be overly critical of his defence and focused more on praising Sergei Rebrov's side for taking their chances in a game which saw some spectacular goals.

"It was a game between two teams who were clear in their attacking intent and both sides created a lot of chances," the Everton boss told club’s official website.

More from Europa League Last 16 2015

"I agree there were instances when we could have defended better but there is not a lot you can do about goals that go right into the top corner. Ross was a real threat for us and back to a very good level. He hit the post twice and sometimes the margins are very small.

"The way the game unfolded, there were plenty of chances but the difference was the team that took most of their chances.

"A couple of times we made some defensive mistakes but there was also some incredible finishing from the opposition. Some of the goals, it would be difficult to see them again in the same game."

Everton travel to QPR on Sunday afternoon as they look for their first away win in the Premier League since January.