Everton at Reading: Post-match Quotes

Roberto Martinez hailed the 'magic' of Gerard Deulofeu, y'know.

On Gerard Deulofeu's sparkplug performance for the second straight Capital One Cup game -

"Gerard came up with that bit of magic that turned out to be the winning goal. He is a sensational talent.

"We all know what Gerard can bring. His workrate and desire to help the team was very impressive and then he comes up with a bit of magic, incredible contact on the ball that gives you the winning goal.

"We want to feel we can give him support and help and allow that immense talent to flourish. We know what he can achieve and we want to help him do that because he's a sensational talent."

On John Stones' injury that led to him coming off early in the second half -

"John was withdrawn as a precaution more than anything. He had a knock in his knee, will be assessed but I don't think it's serious.

"He'll be assessed over the next 48 hours but I don't expect it to be anything too serious."

On the teams' performances on the day -

"I thought Reading started really well, they were very bright. They started with a good tempo and had a very high defensive line. We couldn't find that extra pass to open them up and then they scored a very good goal.

"You have to give credit to them, we had to change it tactically. The second half was easier for us and our formation allowed us to have the extra pass to penetrate a little bit more.

"We took control of the game and I thought we deserved to go through. But this cup competition, as with any football game, is never easy, especially playing away from home. We don't take for granted what we achieved today.

"We haven't progressed this far since 2011/12 and haven't done too well away from home in this competition. Other Premier League teams also find it difficult against Championship sides in this stage, and that's why I'm pleased with the reaction.

"We never lost composure and some big pluses. For Lennon, Deulofeu and Funes Mori to get 90 minutes was important."

On Ross Barkley marking his 100th game for Everton with the tying goal -

"For someone as young as Ross, to have 100 games for our Club is a big landmark. He plays as if he were much older."

Matchwinner Deulofeu also spoke briefly after the game.

On his trademark machine-gun stance after scoring -

"I'm so pleased with my first goal of the season and the win. I like making fans happy with my celebration."

We love watching you celebrate goals too Geri, better than when you're rolling around the pitch.