Manchester City 3-1 Everton Highlights: Citizens book League Cup final

Match Highlights
Aggregate 4 – 3

Pre Match Video

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini said on Tuesday (26 January) his team will be looking to overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit when they host Everton in the semi-finals of the English League Cup on Wednesday (January 27).

Manuel Pellegrini, Manchester City manager:

(what sort of a mentality does your side have to have in order to overturn this 2-1 deficit?)

“I say that we lost to Everton 2-1 at Goodison Park, but that if we don’t qualify for the final it is not because we lost that game – it is because we cannot win here at home 1-0. So it is important tomorrow (Wednesday) to start from the beginning very concentrated in defending. And continue in the same style that we try to play in every game.”

“Well it is the third time we (are) going to play Everton in one month so we know all about their team. We just saw the games that they play against Chelsea and against Swansea, so we know in the way they play, the important players that they have. But once again I repeat, it is more important our performance and try to decide here at home this semi-final.”

(Everton manager Roberto Martinez has said this is a momentous game for Everton – is it just as important for City?)

“Yes, of course. If you arrive to the semi-final, it is important to play the final in Wembley. I think that we play already Everton and that other games are very close. But tomorrow (Wednesday) for our team it is very important. Maybe is not arrived to a final for many years ago and will be more motivated. But I am sure our team will do all that they can to play the final.”

Everton manager Roberto Martinez on Tuesday (26 January) said his side will ‘give everything we’ve got to try and reach the final’ as his side prepared to face Manchester City in the second leg of their English League Cup semi-final, taking a 2-1 lead to the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday (27 January).

“I think when you are end of January and you are involved in three competitions, all you have to do is take (it) game by game. We want to be in this situation, we welcome being in a position where we could fight for reaching a final of a major trophy and that’s the only thing that matters. After that game we will have to concentrate on the next one and that’s the real strong mentality you need as a football club.”

“Well, the away record is exceptional. One defeat in all the away games this season is one of our strong records. We played at the Etihad not that long ago, but I think this is a cup game. I don’t think you can take into any consideration any sort of run or the type of performances we had in the league away from home. Tomorrow is going to be a one off and we have to be prepared. Mentally it is a huge occasion, but is an occasion that we earned the right to enjoy and probably we have the advantage of having our fans behind us. We’re going to create a special atmosphere and we’re really looking forward to enjoying our football under those circumstances.”

Team Lineups

Everton substitutes: Oviedo, Kone, Lennon, McCarthy, Pienaar, Coleman, Howard.
Everton starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Robles; Stones, Jagielka, Funes Mori, Baines; Cleverley, Barry; Deulofeu, Barkley, Osman; Lukaku.
Man City substitutes: Hart, Sagna, Fernando, Navas, De Bruyne, Tasende, Ineanacho.
Man City starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Caballero; Zabaleta, Otamendi, Demichelis, Clichy; Fernandinho, Delph; Silva, Toure, Sterling; Aguero.

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