Everton boss Roberto Martinez dedicates FA Cup win over Chelsea to fans
Sunday 13 March 2016 07:39, UK
Roberto Martinez dedicated Everton's FA Cup victory over Chelsea to the fans after his side overcame their recent troubles at Goodison Park in style.
The Toffees reached the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time since 2012 with a battling 2-0 victory over Chelsea, courtesy of a Romelu Lukaku brace on Saturday evening.
It is only the seventh time this season the Merseysiders have treated their home fans to victory, with Martinez heavily criticised in recent weeks for their frailties in defence.
And the Spaniard was pleased to bring some cheer to Goodison, as well as setting up a trip to Wembley.
"Our fans deserve this feeling," he said. "We have been outstanding in many games away from home this season, but haven't been able to replicate that at Goodison.
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"We've not been poor at home, but we've not been able to get the results our performances have deserved.
"Today we have the satisfaction of giving our fans, who created a really, really impressive environment to help us, a trip to Wembley to look forward to."
After being deemed surplus to requirement at Stamford Bridge in 2014, Lukaku came back to haunt Chelsea with two goals to end their hopes of ending their indifferent campaign with a flourish.
Bore the goals there was little to separate the two sides who played out a typically feisty cup tie, Diego Costa and Gareth Barry both being dismissed for second bookable offences late on.
And Martinez highlighted Lukaku's influence, adding: "I thought it was a really good cup game and Chelsea played really well.
"Eventually, the game got to a point where it needed a bit of magic.
"Sometimes these games are decided by a dead-ball situation or a mistake - and that is a real shame.
"But the memory of Romelu Lukaku's goals made that disciplined performance all worth it today. His first goal is one of the best goals you will see scored in the FA Cup.
"He has created a great memory for every Evertonian, especially those inside Goodison Park - and it was well worthy of getting us to Wembley."
