Royal Blue Mersey - Everton at Middlesbrough: Capital One Cup Fifth RoundIt's a grand old team to supporthttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52544/royal_fav.png2015-12-01T22:48:58+00:00http://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/rss/stream/95903812015-12-01T22:48:58+00:002015-12-01T22:48:58+00:00Everton at Middlesbrough: Extended Highlights
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/XYSuX4ZCs6HOGmGw5BIC3CudSQs=/0x60:2355x1630/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47781581/GettyImages-499465634.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Nigel Roddis/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>All the goals, saves and everything else</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton</a> made sure there was no repeat of what happened at Bournemouth on Saturday by blanking Middlesbrough today. The Blues had raced into a 2-0 win at halftime thanks to a scorching performance from Spaniard Gerard Deulofeu. The tricky young winger dribbled through the middle before placing a right-footed shot in the right corner of the net, and then minutes later left his marker for dead with no less than six stepovers before crossing for <span>Romelu Lukaku</span> to head home.</p>
<p>The hosts showed some fight in the second half as their exit from the Capital One Cup became more imminent, but Everton were solid enough when it mattered and sealed their place in the semi-finals where they were joined by <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/">Manchester City</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/stoke-city">Stoke City</a>, with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://stmarysmusings.sbnation.com/">Southampton</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> playing each other tomorrow for the last berth.</p>
<p>The Toffees looked a threat every time they broke with pace, but the final ball was lacking more than once and in the end the two goals proved to be enough.</p>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript" data-height="100%" data-width="100%" data-config="//config.playwire.com/21772/videos/v2/4360017/zeus.json" src="//cdn.playwire.com/bolt/js/zeus/embed.js"></script>
</p>
<p style="text-align: right;">Video courtesy of <a href="http://www.fullmatchesandshows.com/2015/12/01/middlesbrough-vs-everton-highlights-full-match/"><i>Full Matches & Shows</i></a></p>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2015/12/1/9832072/everton-at-middlesbrough-extended-highlights-goals-capital-one-cup-2015Calvin2015-12-01T22:29:36+00:002015-12-01T22:29:36+00:00Roberto delighted with win
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/QgTcMkdR5uCS9Nla98guFvpLADw=/0x22:4510x3029/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47781449/GettyImages-495224196.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>David Ramos/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Everton manager Roberto Martinez spoke after the win that puts the team through to the Capital One Cup semis</p> <p>The game was going eerily like a previous game <a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Everton</a> played over the weekend. Soundly outclassing inferior opposition, and going into the half leading 2-0 away from home. This time though <span>Roberto Martinez</span> got his boys to keep it all together and the Blues left Middlesbrough with that scoreline, and through to the semi-finals of the Capital One Cup.</p>
<p>After the game, this is what Martinez had to say -</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"I thought it was a fantastic occasion. We knew whoever you play away from home you need to be mature and control the game and I thought we did that really well, especially after what happened after the weekend when we went 2-0 up.</p>
<p>"It is a terrific feeling to be in the semi-final and that is for the fans who came in huge numbers.</p>
<p>"I thought we defended really well and we had good attacking opportunities when maybe we should have taken the better option.</p>
<p>"The two goals were exceptional pieces of quality which you can never take for granted.</p>
<p>"After going 2-0 up, to keep the clean sheet was probably the most pleasing aspect."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">WATCH: Roberto Martinez praised how his side controlled the game in their win at <a href="https://twitter.com/Boro">@Boro</a>: <a href="https://t.co/JF0BSBAnf6">https://t.co/JF0BSBAnf6</a> <a href="https://t.co/RDI0w8nRUW">https://t.co/RDI0w8nRUW</a></p>
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkyFootball/status/671814587809837056">December 1, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>Stars of the game Gerard Deulofeu and <span>Romelu Lukaku</span> also spoke after the game, with both chiming in about the Saturday debacle, and showing their excitement for how the side is playing currently.</p>
<p>First was Lukaku -</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"Today was a good result. We were 2-0 up again but this time kept a clean sheet and should have scored more.</p>
<p>"The first goal was very important but Gerry did a good job. he scored a nice goal and is playing very well. He helps us a lot."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Deulofeu added -</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"Playing with Romelu is easy. I am so happy to be in the next round and keep going forward for the next game.</p>
<p>"We are in a good moment. The last game was disappointing at Bournemouth because it was a game we needed to win but we are in a good moment."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>When informed that Everton had six players in the lineup today under the age of 24, Lukaku commented -</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"We're young players. We're hungry. We want to improve with every game. We've shown we have a lot of quality but we want to stay grounded. People expect more of us and that's what we want as well. We need to show it game after game. This is a good moment for us."</p>
</blockquote>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2015/12/1/9832100/roberto-delighted-win-terrific-feeling-everton-middlesbrough-2015Calvin2015-12-01T21:56:35+00:002015-12-01T21:56:35+00:00Deulofeu fires Everton through to the semi-finals
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/X4P8QuCMEKF4bgsf31sDbooII44=/0x22:2355x1592/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47781323/GettyImages-499465634.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Nigel Roddis/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Gerard Deulofeu was in scintillating form as Everton beat Championship side Middlesbrough 2-0 and reached the semi-finals of the League Cup for just the fifth time in their history. </p> <p>Deulofeu scored the opener before setting up the second for <span>Romelu Lukaku</span> as <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton</a> made light work of what was a potentially tricky tie on paper against Championship high-flyers Boro.</p>
<p>The Toffees have never won the League Cup and are in the last four for only the fifth time and first since 2008. Stoke, Man City and either <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> or <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://stmarysmusings.sbnation.com/">Southampton</a> await in January's two-legged semi-final.</p>
<p>The Everton supporters once again travelled in great number, occupying a corner section of the ground and making a right old racket ahead of kick-off at the Riverside Stadium.</p>
<p>There was not much between the sides in the opening exchanges, the first opportunity coming from Lukaku, who saw his close-range header on seven minutes deflected wide after Ramiro Funes Mori had headed <span>Ross Barkley</span>’s corner back into the six-yard box.</p>
<p>Middlesbrough had the ball in the net shortly after, but Christian Stuani was rightly penalised for fouling <span>Joel Robles</span> in the air before the ball dropped over the line.</p>
<p>It didn’t take long for the deadlock to be broken though, and it was a strike to remember.</p>
<p>Deulofeu picked the ball up just inside the ‘Boro half and drove towards the penalty area. The Spaniard twisted away from Ben Gibson and shaped to bend the ball in goalkeeper Tomas Meijas’ left corner before curling the ball into the bottom right from 20 yards.</p>
<p>Everton doubled their lead just after the half hour, Barkley finding Deulofeu on the right, the winger bamboozling <span>Fernando Amorebieta</span> with step-over after step-over before skipping to the byline and crossing for Lukaku to nod home into the corner.</p>
<p>It’s a combination that is proving so ruthlessly effective for Everton at the moment and put the Toffees in control on Teeside.</p>
<p>Middlesbrough rallied before half-time in an attempt to get back into the game. Stuani saw cross fizzing cross-shot well saved before Kike chipped wide from the edge of the box.</p>
<p>Everton held on though and went into the break with the same advantage they held at Bournemouth on Saturday - and we all know what happened there.</p>
<p>Indeed the second half began to show worrying similarities from the weekend game, Everton dropping further back and allowing Middlesbrough more possession.</p>
<p>Thankfully Aitor Karanka's side lacked the quality to really hurt Everton where it mattered and were restricted to efforts from distance.</p>
<p>The best opportunity fell to Stuani once more but he headed over when unmarked inside the penalty area. Former Liverpool winger <span>Stewart Downing</span> also saw a fizzing effort tipped over by Robles.</p>
<p>As Everton began to re-assert their control Robert Martinez threw on <span>Leighton Baines</span> for his first apperance since May after ankle surgery.</p>
<p>Deulofeu was later reaplced by <span>Kevin Mirallas</span>, but not before being clobbered in the face by the flying arm of Daniel Ayala, the Middlesbrough man a little lucky to escape a card from the referee.</p>
<p>Mirallas saw his late shot saved as Everton saw the game out, the closing stages far more comfortable than the chaos we saw at the Vitality Stadium.</p>
<p>The final whistle brought huge cheers from the travelling support and the revelation that a Wembley final - and the chance to that 21-year trophy drought - is now just two games away.</p>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2015/12/1/9831704/middlesbrough-0-2-everton-deulofeu-the-inspiration-as-the-toffeesTom Mallows2015-12-01T20:18:52+00:002015-12-01T20:18:52+00:00Deulofeu destroys Amorebieta, crosses for Lukaku to score<h3 class="link-title"><a rel="nofollow" href="https://twitter.com/MiraIIas/status/671784690978787330">Deulofeu destroys Amorebieta, crosses for Lukaku to&nbsp;score</a></h3>
<div class="description"><p><p>Oh my word, Gerard Deulofeu is in white-hot form right now. Watch him shred Fernando Amorebieta to cross the ball into the box, where Romelu Lukaku gleefully heads in. Everton leading Middlesbrough 2-0 after half an hour.</p></p></div>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2015/12/1/9831304/deulofeu-destroys-amorebiata-crosses-for-lukaku-to-scoreCalvin2015-12-01T20:09:32+00:002015-12-01T20:09:32+00:00Deulofeu scores a stunner for Everton against Middlesbrough<h3 class="link-title"><a rel="nofollow" href="https://twitter.com/MiraIIas/status/671782594531434497">Deulofeu scores a stunner for Everton against&nbsp;Middlesbrough</a></h3>
<div class="description"><p><p>Gerard Deulofeu with a cracking goal in the 20th minute to put Everton ahead 1-0 at Middlesbrough in the Capital One Cup Fifth Round game.</p></p></div>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2015/12/1/9831270/deulofeu-scores-a-stunner-for-everton-against-middlesbroughCalvin2015-12-01T16:00:03+00:002015-12-01T16:00:03+00:00Everton at Middlesbrough: Injury Report
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/SiV7y_86bblUoHg7hFJ9ItPsTpw=/22x0:2969x1965/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47775359/GettyImages-494070968.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Is Roberto going to ring in the changes?</p> <p>Midfielder James McCarthy was pulled off in the second half of the weekend game against Bournemouth due to a pull in an upper hip muscle. It is no coincidence that his leaving the pitch was about the same time that the hosts started camping in the <a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Everton</a> half, resulting in the 2-0 lead evaporating and the final 3-3 scoreline. He will face a late fitness test before the game to determine if he will play or not.</p>
<p>Fellow pivot <span>Gareth Barry</span> picked up a knock on the shin during the same game but played through it to the finish. He will also be evaluated at gametime before manager <span>Roberto Martinez</span> announces his starting lineup.</p>
<p>With no European football cluttering up the schedule, Barry has been a revelation this season. When fresh he has shown himself to be the perfect anchor to allow McCarthy to push further up alongside <span>Ross Barkley</span> as they play the high press.</p>
<p>If neither midfielder is deemed fit, <span>Darron Gibson</span> and Muhamed Bešić could form the midfield axis for the Blues away at Middlesbrough.</p>
<p>Left back <span>Leighton Baines</span> is expected back into the matchday squad, but is unlikely to start. The England international has been sidelined with ankle ailments since May 9th, and will be making his first appearance on the bench for the Blues since then.</p>
<p>Club captain <span>Phil Jagielka</span>, <span>Bryan Oviedo</span>, <span>Tony Hibbert</span> and <span>Steven Pienaar</span> all remain sidelined for the near future.</p>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2015/12/1/9826404/everton-at-middlesbrough-injury-report-barry-mccarthy-bainesCalvin2015-12-01T13:00:02+00:002015-12-01T13:00:02+00:00Everton at Middlesbrough: Gamethread
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pee3LtWZttEBLCYU_zzYYoO1fYM=/0x0:4915x3277/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47766775/GettyImages-499062590.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mike Hewitt/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Everton continue their Capital One Cup campaign and sit one win away from the semi-finals next month</p> <p id="paragraph2"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton</a> are on the cusp of making their first cup semi-finals since their 2009 F.A. Cup run. That run ended in a defeat in the finals against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a>, but the Toffees will no doubt have a different future in mind. In their way is Championship side Middlesbrough FC. Boro currently sit second in the Championship table at look like a legitimate contender for promotion at this stage in the season. The Toffees would do well not to underestimate this side, especially with a full week to recover before they take on <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/crystal-palace">Crystal Palace</a>.</p>
<p>Everton will also have to refocus on the heels of a difficult draw away at Bournemouth. Everton gave up a crushing last second goal that allowed the Cherries to steal two points, but <span>Roberto Martinez</span> and his men will have to put that match out of their minds and focus on Boro. Romelu Lukaku and <span>Ross Barkley</span> have been firing on all cylinders, so expect at least one of the young attackers to start.</p>
<p>Come back during game time for lineups and a gamethread!</p>
<p><b>How to Watch and Listen</b></p>
<p><b>Match Date and Time:</b> Tuesday, December 1st at 19:45 BST / 2:45 pm EST</p>
<p><b>Stadium:</b> Riverside Stadium</p>
<p id="paragraph5">Capacity: 34,742<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-StadiumInfo_1-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riverside_Stadium#cite_note-StadiumInfo-1"></a></sup></p>
<p><b>Match Forecast:</b> 11° C / 53° F; 90% chance of rain<strong></strong></p>
<p id="paragraph7"><strong>TV: </strong>Sky Sports 5/HD, SKY GO Extra, Sky Go UK, NOW TV UK, Sky Sports 1/HD UK / beIN SPORTS CONNECT - U.S.A.</p>
<p><strong>TV Info From: <a href="http://www.livesoccertv.com/match/1789657/middlesbrough-vs-everton/">Live Soccer TV</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>Lineups:</strong></p>
<p>Everton starting XI - Joel, Galloway, Funes Mori, Stones, Coleman, Barry, Osman (c), Cleverley, Barkley, Deulofeu, Lukaku.</p>
<p>Everton subs - Howard, Baines, Gibson, Kone, Mirallas, Lennon, Naismith.</p>
<p>Middlesbrough starting XI - Mejias, Nsue, Ayala, Gibson, Amorebieta, Stuani, Leadbitter, Clayton, de Pena, Downing, Kike</p>
<p>Middlesbrough subs - Agazzi, Friend, Stephens, Adomah, Forshaw, Nugent, Zuculin</p>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2015/12/1/9818156/everton-at-middlesbrough-capital-one-cup-2015-live-stream-start-timemralbaugh2015-12-01T11:00:01+00:002015-12-01T11:00:01+00:00Roberto's Pre-Match Quotes
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8gKt0lTAjAeDSJZxxXDoArN7Ai8=/0x97:2155x1534/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47773261/GettyImages-494530878.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Chris Brunskill/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Toffees manager gives backing to number one but confirms ‘special goalkeeper’ Joel Robles will start</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span><span>Roberto Martinez</span> sat down with the assembled media for his routine press conference and the gaffer shed a lot of light on the possible starting eleven for Tuesday evening.</span></b></p>
<p><b><br></b></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>The nature of the Bournemouth game means that instead of going into an important fixture for the club on a high; we go into the quarter-final with a slight hangover from the previous game and that was something Martinez looked to address.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span>"Saturday was a very important experience that we need to understand. We are still a young team and we will learn from it."</span></i></p>
<p><i><br></i></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Focusing more on Boro, the Spaniard was very complimentary towards his counterpart;</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span>"Aitor Karanka has done a wonderful job. He's brought a clear philosophy and they were very unfortunate not to get promoted last year."</span></i></p>
<p><i><br></i></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span>"I think it's just a matter of time before Middlesbrough get promoted again - that's how strong they are."</span></i></p>
<p><i><br></i></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Martinez revealed that his trusted midfield partnership are both struggling to be fit for the trip to the Riverside but <span>Leighton Baines</span> could make his long awaited return to the first team.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span>"We'll have a clear picture of James McCarthy's injury later today (Monday) - and also <span>Gareth Barry</span>, who picked up a shin injury."</span></i></p>
<p><i><br></i></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span>"Leighton trained really well yesterday (Sunday). He is medically fit now, it is just making sure we get the right feeling and he feels confident and the match intensity he gets in training helps him," </span></i><span>said Martinez<i>.</i></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span>"His experience could be important tomorrow. We will assess him and see if he can be involved - that doesn't mean he has to play from the start but it would be a good sign to have him involved in the squad."</span></i></p>
<p><i><br></i></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span>"<span>Joel Robles</span> was Man of the Match in the previous round. He will start the game tomorrow - that is something which has been planned," </span></i><span>added the Toffees boss<i>.</i></span> <i><span></span></i></p>
<p><i><br></i></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Roberto gave his backing to his number one despite the criticism levelled at the American following the fallout from the South Coast.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span>"Since Tim came back into the side after the previous round, he has been very consistent, performing with a real influence over the back four.</span></i></p>
<p><i><br></i></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span>"The third goal was a real disappointment because it was the last kick of the game but as a team, we should have done a lot better, not relying on the goalkeeper.</span></i></p>
<p><i><br></i></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span>"When someone has a free header in the six-yard box, there has to be questions over the marking."</span></i></p>
<p><i><br></i></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span>"Gone are the days when you have only one goalkeeper and then you are waiting for him to get injured or suspended," </span></i><span>Martinez moved on to say.<i></i></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span>"You have to have two very good number ones who both can play different roles: <span>Tim Howard</span> is an incredible source of experience and someone who can give direction to young players.</span></i></p>
<p><i><br></i></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span>"Joel has the potential to be a very special goalkeeper and that is why we brought him to the club.</span></i></p>
<p><i><br></i></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span>"It has been important for him to be playing in the League Cup. He has shown a good level, especially against Norwich where his mentality more than anything else was tested in a penalty shoot-out. We need a squad which has two very strong goalkeepers and that is the case."</span></i></p>
<p><i><br></i></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Rather under the radar, especially with Gerard Deulofeu’s blossoming, <span>Romelu Lukaku</span>’s goal-scoring form has been impressive as has his improved all-round game as a centre forward – something his manager hasn’t failed to pick up on.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span>"Romelu Lukaku has been very consistent this year. He is developing really strong relationships with those around him."</span></i></p>
<p><i><br></i></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span>"It's hard to compare anyone at the end of November, but Rom arrived with incredible potential and he has matured since."</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span>"Rom is a special number nine, with his power, hold-up play and technical ability." </span></i></p>
<p><i><br></i></p>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2015/12/1/9824432/everton-at-middlesbrough-pre-match-quotes-roberto-martinezseanferguson