Everton 2-1 Manchester City - 6 Things We Learned

Everton will take a slender lead into the second leg of their Capital One Cup semi-final against Manchester City after battling to a 2-1 victory over Manuel Pellegrini€™s side at a packed-out Goodison Park. The Toffees allowed their opponents to settle into the match far too easily, struggling to find any rhythm in the opening stages, but soaked up the early pressure and took control, snatching the lead through defender Ramiro Funes Mori in first-half stoppage time. City were second best for the majority of the evening, but hit Everton with a blistering counter-attack with less than 15 minutes remaining, substitute Jesus Navas capping off the move to notch up a precious away goal for the visitors. But Roberto Martinez€™s side were determined to make the home advantage count and their attacking gameplan paid off moments later when the free-scoring Romelu Lukaku nodded home an inch-perfect cross from Gareth Barry to score what proved to be the winning goal. Team news: Both sides made three changes for the match, each bringing in their reserve goalkeeper. Joel Robles replaced Tim Howard for Everton, while Willy Caballero deputised for Joe Hart in the away goal. Aaron Lennon and Kevin Mirallas dropped out for the Blues, making way for Muhamed Besic and Gerard Deulofeu. City also made a pair of outfield changes as Gael Clichy and Fabian Delph replaced Aleksandar Kolarov and Raheem Sterling.