Superb Sigurdsson strike delights boss Koeman

EVERTON manager Ronald Koeman feels Gylfi Sigurdsson may have already scored the goal of the season after his spectacular long-range lob secured a 1-1 draw at Hajduk Split to put his side into today’s Europa League group stage draw.

Sigurdsson completed his £45 million move from Swansea last week and came on as as substitute against Manchester City, before being handed a first start at the intimidating Stadion Poljud, where Everton were defending a 2-0 first leg advantage.

Wayne Rooney was back in action a day after announcing his retirement from international football with England.

However, it was the home side who started strongly and reduced the deficit just before half-time when Josip Radosevic’s 30-yard effort flew into the top corner.

The home supporters, though, were left in stunned silence less than a minute after the restart when Iceland midfielder Sigurdsson looped the ball in with an angled drive from just inside the Hajduk half.

Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, another big money summer signing after his £25m switch from Sunderland, then saved a penalty from Ahmed Said as Everton closed out a 3-1 aggregate win.

“It was incredible. I don’t have any other word for it,” a delighted Koeman said.

“You need to be really clever to see that possibility and, after two or three weeks of the season, it could be the goal of the season.”

Perhaps with one eye on Sunday’s Premier League trip to Chelsea, Koeman had made four changes for last night. He handed starts to defender Cuco Martina, Muhamed Besic and Ademola Lookman in midfield.