Aiden McGeady has admitted that Everton were caught out by FC Krasnodar's positive approach during their 1-1 draw in the Europa League this evening.
The Toffees were heading towards defeat with seven minutes remaining at the Kuban Stadium, until striker Samuel Eto'o popped up with a goal to salvage a point.
"We probably came here not knowing what to expect from Krasnodar, but they surprised us and played very well in the first half," McGeady told ITV Sport. "I think we controlled the game in the second half and deserved the draw, and in the last 10 games could even have snuck the win.
"It was always going to be a difficult game here, what with the time difference and the long flight. European games are never easy. The travelling is just a part of playing in Europe, but it's not ideal preparation.
"But we're sitting with four points after two defect games - I think we can be happy enough. We passed and tried to play through them, and ultimately we got the result in the end."
Everton currently top the Group I standings ahead of their back-to-back games against Lille in the competition.