Everton booked their place in the Europa League group stages with a 3-1 aggregate win over Hajduk Split.

Joip Radosevic handed the hosts the lead in the Stadion Poljud on the stroke of half time as they looked to overcome a two-goal deficit from the first leg.

But the Blues restored order just 16 seconds into the second half, when Gylfi Sigurdsson’s spectacular long-range effort landed in Dante Stipica’s net.

Jordan Pickford ensured that Ronald Koeman’s side woud progress to Friday’s draw as he denied Ahmed Said from the penalty spot.

Here were the key talking points from Croatia:

Sigurdsson worth every penny

 

It was the kind of strike that a £45 million player could perfect.

If making a good impression on his full debut for Everton, Gylfi Sigurdsson can consider it a mission accomplished in the Stadion Poljud.

With his side a goal down and facing a nervy uphill task, a superb long range strike just 16 seconds into the second half was very much welcomed.

That goal will take the headlines but Sigurdsson’s all round play was exemplary, especially for a player with minimal game time in pre-season.

His price tag has been widely questioned this summer but if he carries on how he began in Split, it will turn out to be money very well spent.

Old habits die hard for Blues

 

Everton simply refuse to do it the easy way.

They had numerous chances to put this tie to bed at Goodison Park but failed to do so, something their manager was less than happy about.

It came back to haunt them when Joip Radosevic’s super strike flew past Jordan Pickford and handed the home side the lead at half time.

Gylfi Sigurdsson’s wonder goal spared a nervous second half although it still required Jordan Pickford’s penalty save to make progression a comfortable one.

It seems it will take more than spending big money to rid Everton of their worst habits. Even in a summer of change, the old ones continue to die hard.

Calvert-Lewin deserves better from Koeman

 

There is little doubt that Dominic Calvert-Lewin was the star performer for Everton in the draw with Manchester City.

Deployed as the lone striker, the 20-year-old was a constant threat at the Etihad Stadium on Monday and earned rave reviews for his performance.

It makes his return to a left-wing berth all the more baffling for this game, not least when he is yet to impress in anywhere other than a central role.

Ronald Koeman’s continued attempts to use him out wide are harmful to both the player and the team. It is time for the Dutchman to end the experiment.

Best CB pairing still a mystery

 

Everton’s defence currently centres on a tale of two centre-backs.

Michael Keane has been nothing short of superb since his arrival from Burnley this summer. It’s a shame the same cannot be said of his centre back partner.

After a solid, if uninspiring first year at Goodison Park, Ashley Williams is still yet to truly convince. The Wales captain showed more of the same in Split.

He was comfortable for much of the game but a rash challenge to gift Hajduk a penalty was a sign of how far he is behind a player nine years his junior.

Williams is not comfortable in that left sided centre-back role and that he is yet to properly oust Phil Jagielka, at 35, shows that neither is Koeman.

A striker is now the priority before the end of the transfer window but Williams’ performance showed that a new centre-back is as equally important.