Everton beat Manchester City by 2 goal to 1 in an explosive first leg of League Cup semi final at Goodison the park on Wednesday night.

Manuel Pellegrini’s side who has had lackluster performances this term, had a more disappointing night against a talented Everton side described by their Spanish coach Roberto Martinez as the most ‘talented crop of youngsters’ in Europe at the moment.

The toffees came out strong, with two efforts ruled out for offside. First John Stones prodded home after Gareth Barry had nodded down a Leighton Baines – only for the linesman to raise the flag. Then Lukaku netted from a Gerard Deulofeu through-ball but he was several miles offside.

The Citizens were briefly roused when Sergio Arguero forced a full-stretch save from Joel Robles but in first-half injury-time, the hosts took the lead after Argentine defender Ramiro Funes Mori pounced on a rebound following a Tom Cleverly corner.

City equalized when Aguero surged forward and slipping a pass to Navas, who riffled an angled shot past Joel Robles in Everton goal.

Yet the visitors were level for less than two minutes – Barry releasing red-hot striker Romelu Lukaku who nodded home from close range to settle the tie.

City host the return leg in three weeks and with the pressure mounting on Pellegrini, Everton will very well fancy their chances.

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