On this day in 2007, David Moyes Everton travelled to the Netherlands to take on Louis van Gaal’s AZ, as the Blues looked to maintain a 100% record in the Group Stages of the 2007/08 UEFA Cup.
The Toffees had already secured passage to the Round of 32 and couldn’t be caught at the top of Group A, having dispensed with AEL of Greece, Germany’s Nuremburg and Russian giants Zenit St Petersburg. AZ meanwhile had to beat Everton in order to qualify from the group and had an impressive European record on their side.
Indeed, the Eredivisie side had never lost a European tie at their DSB Stadion home, with 32 consecutive games unbeaten, surpassing a record previously held by Ipswich Town.
With Everton’s participation in the fixture little more than a formality, David Moyes rested some of his first-team regulars, affording some game time to fringe players and academy prospects.
It wouldn’t take long for the in-form Everton to take the lead, with Andy Johnson opening the scoring after just 63 seconds, before Graziano Pelle brought the hosts level after 16 minutes.
Despite Moyes’ side having little to play for, the Blues took the lead once more, with Phil Jagielka getting his first goal in an Everton shirt on the stroke of half-time.
The entertaining encounter continued into the second half, as AZ restored parity once more when Kew Jaliens rose at the far post to head past reserve keeper Stefan Wessels. The Dutch side pressed for their much-needed winner, but Everton’s academy graduates Victor Anichebe and James Vaughan combined for the latter to secure a dramatic 3-2 for the Blues with 79 minutes on the clock.
The Blues 100% Group A record was maintained, bringing an end to AZ’s impressive 32 European game unbeaten run at home.
There was even time for 16-year-old Jack Rodwell to make his senior debut for Everton. On this day, 15 years ago.