Everton edge out first leg as Manchester City boss Pellegrini left angered by officials

MANUEL PELLEGRINI was left fuming as Everton raised hopes of an all-Merseyside Capital One Cup final last night.

 

Everton are now targeting their first Capital One Cup final since 1984

 

The Manchester City boss blasted referee Robert Madley for two decisions that he claimed cost his side as they went down 2-1 in their semi-final first leg at Goodison Park.

Pellegrini felt Romelu Lukaku was in an active offside position as Ramiro Funes Mori put Everton ahead in first half injury time. And he also thought Jesus Navas – who scored City’s equaliser - should have had a penalty when he was felled by Kevin Mirallas.

Pellegrini said: “We didn’t deserve to lose, especially because of two very important moments. The first goal is absolutely offside - Lukaku is one yard in front of Willy Cabelllero and he makes the movement [towards the ball].

“And it was a clear penalty on Navas. But the referee didn’t whistle for both actions even though they were both clear. But in football it is the decision of the referee that counts, not my opinion.”

Despite his anger, Pellegrini is confident City can pull back the deficit in the second leg at the Etihad Stadium in three weeks time.

“We only need to win 1-0 at home after 120 minutes to reach the final and if we can’t do that we dont’ deserve to go through. I am confident we can do it.”

 

Everton boss Roberto Martinez was delighted with the victory that followed Liverpool’s 1-0 win at Stoke in their first leg and praised Lukaku for his winner - his 19th goal of the season.

He said: “The character we showed was incredible. We had to cope with losing Tom Cleverly and Lukaku got a knock and we finished with 10 men. The reaction after conceding the equaliser was excellent.

“But it means nothing. It is the first leg we had to win and now we prepare for a very interesting second leg.

“For spells we played with real confidence. The stats are there to back any assessment of Lukaku. From our point of view he has always been the perfect striker for our football club. He is a young boy, he wants to be the best in the world.

“The win shows how far we have come since August.”