It's nothing but Wembley for Everton who convincingly dispatched Sunderland and now are just one step away from the FA Cup Finals!
Everton are without their first choice wingers of Drenthe and cup-tied Pienaar and on paper, it looked a little worrisome. Heitinga and Distin continued their beautiful partnership while Gibson plays his second successive game after a torrid injury layoff.
Everton showed their early intent as they drew an early corner in the 3rd minute. The pace of the game was tremendous and Everton was attacking from all angles. Ossie picked up the ball on the right before crossing it. Jelavic was at the end of the ball, but it went just a tad bit high. Goal kick.
It's good to see Everton pressing the game so early in the game. Magaye is also showing maturity in his play on the left channel. He puts in a chip for Bainesy to pick up but it came to nothing. Cahill was also on song. His header led to a corner where he nearly converted it, only for Sunderland to clear it. Magaye went for the rebound but failed to make it count. In a quick succession, Jelavic and after that, Cahill made the goalkeeper worked really hard. Both well saved by the goalkeeper.
The next try Everton went for the jagular. This time, a combination of a through ball bu Felli and sweet low cross by Magaye, saw the ball ended in the net which was tapped home by Jelavic! Goal! The striker is in piping hot form! Sunderland 0-1 Everton. Assist: Magaye.
Everton was really working the channels with Magaye and Ossie and that is really pushing Sunderland against the wall. It was not all one-way street as Sunderland had their chances as well and they did press well.
Still, Jelavic was picking on scraps all day and he had one lucky break close to the end of the first half. Though the Sunderland players were very quick to close him down. Impressive play all round by Everton.
Everton started where they have ended in the first half, impressive. The Toffees were really up to the game. Gibson is also playing his part. A quiet player that goes on with him game and you'd barely notice him. But his running and smart closing of space were impressively done.
Sunderland then replaced a poor performing defender with an own-goal scoring defender. Martin O'Neill must surely curse himself to sleep tonight!
Felli picked up the drive and drove himself at the defence. He then cuts a lovely through ball t Jelavic who strikes it towards goal. It looked to be going out but only for the Sunderland substitute to mis-direct the ball into goal! What an assist! What a goal! Sunderland 0-2 Everton.
Still, both sets of fans within the stadium were electrifying!
Everton was hungry for a third. A horrendous back pass saw the ball arriving at Cahill's feet. The Australian chugged down the right channel before cutting the ball back for Jelavic. The striker was in the mood as he bamboozled the last defender before curling the ball towards goal. Missed!
Everton kept up the pressure and really put a stranglehold throughout the entire pitch.
Moyes looked to shore up his defence by bringing in Jag for Magaye in the 80th minute before replacing Jelavic and Timmy with Strac and Hibbo in quick succession.
Everton never looked like losing tonight and Sunderland does not look like they can score tonight. And so, Everton marches on to Wembley! Never mind if it's just the semi-finals. Never mind if it's against Liverpool. We'd say bring it on!
Score: Sunderland 0-2 Everton
Scorers: Jelavic, own goal
Assist: Magaye
Subs: Jag, Strac, Hibbo
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