Capital One Cup: Semi-Final First Leg
Result: Everton 2-1 Manchester City
Date: 06 January 2016
Venue: Goodison Park
Everton recorded a 2-1 win over Manchester City in the first leg of their Capital One Cup semi-final at Goodison Park.
City manager, Manuel Pellergrini, decided to make three changes from Saturday's win over Watford, as he brought in Willy Caballero, Gael Clichy and Fabian Delph for Joe Hart, Aleksandar Kolarov and Raheem Sterling respectively.
The first chance of the game arrived in the 42nd minute when Sergio Aguero forced Joel Robles into a fine save from a tight angle in the box.
However, Everton broke the deadlock on the stroke of halftime thanks to a close range finish from Funes Mori, after Ross Barley's initial volley had been saved.
Both sides opted to make changes at the start of the second half, as Martín Demichelis replaced Eliaquim Mangala, while Leon Osman came on for Tom Cleverley.
Everton squandered a golden opportunity to double their lead in the 64th minute when Barkley dispossessed Nicolas Otamendi, however the midfielder failed to beat Willy Caballero in a one-on-one situation.
Roberto Martinez's side continued to push for a second goal and were nearly rewarded in the 73rd minute but the defender's effort from distance sailed inches wide of the upright.
City leveled matters a minute later as Aguero led a swift counter attack, before teeing up Jesus Navas, who calmly slotted into the far corner.
However, Everton restored their lead moments later as Gareth Barry's inch-perfect cross found Romelu Lukaku, who made no mistake from six-yards out.
City did push for an equaliser in the final stages of the half but the Everton defence managed to hold out until the final whistle.
Despite securing the win, the clash did end on a sour note for the Toffees, as both Lukaku and Seamus Coleman limped off in the closing stages of the second half.
The second leg will take place in three weeks' time at the Etihad.
