Roberto Martinez was delighted with Everton's return to European football on Thursday night.
The Toffees defeated German side VfL Wolfsburg 4-1 at Goodison Park to kick-off their Europa League campaign in fine fashion which rested well with their ambitious manager.
But Martinez was realistic after the match, suggesting that perhaps the scoreline made Everton's performance on the European stage look slightly better than it actually was.
"We were looking forward to the environment and a European night at Goodison under the lights," said the proud Toffees boss.
"There's been a lot of talk from the fans and it was phenomenal to get that feeling. The atmosphere was perfect for us to start a very good performance.
"I thought there were two very good sides. On the night the scoreline probably doesn't reflect the difference between the two sides.
"We scored at the right times. Our work-rate was magnificent. We had to defend and we did that really well but every time we went forward we had a clinical touch about us."
Everton's opening goal came in the 15th minute when Leighton Baines was released down the left before supplying a short cross for Steven Naismith whose effort deflected in off Ricardo Rodriguez.
The second goal was added on the stroke of half-time when Baines toe-poked an errant ball in the area for Seamus Coleman to head home before Baines fortuitously converted from the penalty spot after Aiden McGeady was brought down outside the area three minutes into the second half.
The Toffees grabbed a fourth in the 89th minute through Kevin Mirallas before the home side failed to hold out for a clean sheet when Rodriguez fired home a 25-yard free-kick.
