Europa League Review: Everton plunge deeper into crisis, Arsenal fringe players miss chance to impress and more

Everton caretaker manager David Unsworth described it as ‘shoots of recovery’ in his programme notes, after his side beat Watford and drew with Crystal Palace. However, they lacked confidence and ideas as they were beaten 5-1 by Atalanta, writes Paul Wilkes.

Bryan Cristante capitalised on the feeble defensive attempts of the Everton backline, as the 22-year-old attacking midfielder beat goalkeeper Joel Robles. He scored his second with a clever header in the second half.

Everton did pull one back through Sandro’s swivel shot, with the former Malaga striker wildly blazing an earlier attempt over the bar. Atalanta secured their first away win of the season with goals from Robin Gosens and two from Andreas Cornelius.

It’s now a month since Ronald Koeman was sacked and the Everton board don’t appear any nearer to appointing a new manager. They need to act soon with this defeat a huge blow to Unsworth’s long term prospects.

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Arsenal need their squad members to push the starters

Arsenal may have already qualified for the knockout rounds, but the Europa League is still an opportunity for the fringe players to prove their worth. The impressive display in the North London derby and their general home form means it’s extremely difficult to dislodge the regulars.

On this showing, the first 11 have little to worry about, as the Gunners lost 1-0 to Cologne. Danny Welbeck has only just returned from injury and Alex Iwobi did produce flashes, but overall, they lacked invention in the final third.

Francis Coquelin found himself in advanced areas in the first half and even hit the post with half-an-hour gone. It was a rare moment that Arsenal penetrated the Cologne back three, which defended resolutely throughout.

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Mathieu Debuchy conceded a penalty when his legs tangled with fellow countryman Sehrou Guirassy. The 21-year-old scored his third goal in five games with his shot straight down the middle.

Cologne grew in confidence as the game progressed and they were helped by their outstanding support from the stands. They haven’t won in 12 games in the Bundesliga and have scored only four goals.

The Yellow Submarine are the perfect side for late bloomers

Villarreal qualified for the next stage of the Europa League with a 3-2 win at Astana. They dominated possession throughout, but the Kazakhstan champions took the lead with their first real opportunity through Junior Kabananga.

Debutant Daniel Rabaseda aka Raba equalised with an unstoppable finish after he was set-up by Carlos Bacca. The 22-year-old has played just 12 minutes in La Liga in his career and only made his first appearance for the B team a year ago.

Substitute Cedric Bakambu scored twice to give his side some breathing space, until Patrick Twumasi provided a little uncertainty when he scored with only two minutes remaining. It ended Astana’s run of 17 European home games unbeaten, with Stanimir Stoilov’s men causing problems on the counter attack.

Bakambu is another player to mature late and only made the €1.8 million

move from Sochaux to Bursaspor three years ago. Now 26, the Congolese forward is showing his capability with eight goals in 11 starts in Spain this season.

Hertha finally blow their chance to qualify

Hertha Berlin certainly made it difficult for themselves as they gained only one point from their first three Europa League matches. Their victory over Zorya Luhansk gave them hope that they may still progress, although they were still bottom of Group J.

The Germans were late to arrive in Bilbao after their flight was delayed due to the fact their plane needed to be fixed. However, it didn’t affect their performance in the opening 45 minutes as they took control.

Mathiew Leckie scored with a bullet header off an excellent cross from Maximilian Mittelstadt. Athletic attacker Inaki Williams tumbled to the ground after a challenge by Sebastian Langkamp, which gave Aritz Aduriz the chance to equalise from the spot.

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Athletic were level for just one minute, as Hertha scored from another header, this time from Davie Selke. However, Athletic coach Jose Angel Ziganda made two alterations at the break with the introduction of Markel Susaeta and Ander Iturraspe.

Aduriz scored another penalty in the 66th minute and then Williams grabbed the winner with eight minutes left. The Basques are now second in the group and providing they avoid defeat to Zorya on the final matchday they will be in the draw for the next round.

Is the Bayern job too early for Nagelsmann?

Hoffenheim coach Julian Nagelsmann has been widely tipped to be the next Bayern Munich manager, with the 30-year-old taking his team to fourth in his first season in the Bundesliga. There’s certainly no arguing his potential and philosophy, although he perhaps needs more experience before taking such a huge job in world football.

Braga scored after 48 seconds when their captain Marcelo Guiano guided the ball into the net. It was the right-back’s first of the season and put Abel Ferreira’s men into a promising position.

Hoffenheim eventually responded when substitute Mark Uth scored, but two goals from Fransergio put Braga through. Nagelsmann hasn’t enjoyed a good European campaign overall, with Liverpool eliminating them from the Champions League and now they are out of the sister competition.

Montella eases the pressure

Milan boss Vicenzo Montella is no stranger to criticism this season, but that has intensified further with the scrutiny of his record against the top six sides in Serie A. He has struggled to form a cohesive unit from the many new signings, so failure in Europe would have been another huge blow to his credentials.

Christophe Monschein beat the offside trap to give Austria Wien the lead, although Leonardo Bonucci should have done better to clear the ball off the line. However, Milan scored five goals through Ricardo Rodriguez and two each from Andre Silva and Patrick Cutrone to give Montella some much needed leeway.