Brilliant Lukaku brace takes Everton to Wembley

Sweet. Sweet. Sweet.

Well done, Lukaku, who I have given down the banks plenty of times this season.... 25 goals, the last two some of the best.

And well done, Everton manager Roberto Martinez.

Great performance from Coleman, Lennon and Rom. Wembley, here we come. COYB!!!!!!

I pray I'm not working on Semi Final day.

Costa should of been off sooner, I couldn't watch that crap from him every week.

Everton were fab today!!

Next stop, tickets for the semi – oh for a Watford and West Ham win tomorrow, but after today I think we could beat anyone.

Just seemed like we wanted it more on the day and we stood up to their (Costa's) antics. Couldn't fault the line up or effort today.

How do you feel now?

Regardless of Martinez inability, the lads produced the goods.

Rom's 1st goal was sublime. You can keep Rooney, Kane, Costa and Vardy. We have the best striker in the league! I wouldn't swap Rom for anyone.

Hope I haven't embarrassed myself!! Actually I don't give a toss.

When Lukaku runs at defenders like that he is almost unstoppable. I think that is the first Everton player to score 25 goals since Gary Lineker.

That first goal will live in the memory.

Rom is a god. But a word too for Jags, Funes Mori, Coleman and Baines who were colossal. Barry and McCarthy did well too.

Señor Martinez, you assembled this team and I doff my cap for THAT to you on this evening. I hope it makes you realise the immense potential this squad has, and also reminds you of what an electrifying place Goodison Park can be when the Blues play to their potential.

Can't grumble at anything tonight, they are a very good well drilled outfit. I thought Cleverley was outstanding but no doubt others will have their own MotM; it matters fuck all though, we were a decent unit and well worth the win.

Hopefully Martinez is learning you can defend and still win games.

More of the same please.

Take a bow son.

WHAT! A! FUCKING! GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!

I can't stop replaying it and marvelling at every phase of Lukaku's creation and finishing of it...

It that doesn't win every goal of the season going this year, somebody is going to have to score one of the greatest goals in the history of the game.

I don't want to subtract anything from Ross's stats, but if he is credited with an 'assist' for Rom's 1st goal, then you have to question just how some stats are compiled.

That was all about the power, the grace, the balance, the vision, the belief and the finishing of one man... that 'lazy, limited footballer', still only 22 years old, Romelu Lukaku, the first Everton player to score 25 goals in a single season since Gary Lineker's 40 goals 30 years ago.

Am I allowed to say again...

WHAT! A! FUCKING! GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!

Glad to see the Spanish Lee Evans get sent off.

I was sat right next to the Chelsea fans all game they were not happy!!

I said, "Cherie," (as I now live in the South of France) – "Lukaku is like a lizard, he soaks up the sun keeping his energy levels high and then whaaaaaaaaaaaam, he spends all his energy in the one shot" – and it was so satisfying to see him just do that. She is a big Lukaku fan now.

And now all my friends are starting to hear who Everton is. Especially after seeing them deservedly beating Chelsea. (Although 20 years ago Chelsea were never heard of in France!)

I would love to see Lukaku, Stones and Barkley growing old at Goodison, just like Compo, Foggy and Clegg.

Remember, Chelsea were linked at one stage with these three!

Hands off!!

Cleverley is such a good player and Ross did his job today – unspectacular but very solid; good to see.

Coleman was outstanding and the beast up front is the worst centre-forward since that dead-beat Lineker. Roll on the semi-final – let's hope they don't get stage fright.

Get in, you Blue Boys.

Roberto got the best of Potato Head. Some of you anti-Roberto folks need to give a shout out to the gaffer in my humble opinion.

Oliver was fantastic – and that was not an easy game to officiate. Really top game by him.

I agree with Jay Woods (!) – THAT goal was just sublime. My God, you could watch 1000 games and never be so blessed to see something like that. Beautiful.

Who's happy??!!

Moshiri's first bit of business should be to tie Rom to a new 5 year contract in the excess of £100k a week. Lukaku has to be one of the best strikers in Europe.

It's not just the goals he scores, his whole game has come on leaps and bounds. His hold-up play and linking up play is excellent. I personally wouldn't swap him for any other striker in the Premier League.

Rom's first goal just shows what a gem we have and how important it is to keep hold of him. I don't care how much we're offered or whether he wants to go or not... Dont let him go, keep him and change the manager (Hiddink would be nice) and use Moshiri's money to add a bit and with our squad we can be up there with the best again.

For me, a 56-year-old fan of 48 years going the game, one of the best I've seen from any Everton striker – just pure brute strength.

I've been a big critic of him at times because possibly of his attitude sometimes... but that 2-goal salvo was special.

Funnily enough, it didn't seem like a Martinez performance, more of a Moyes type... but hey, who am I to call him tonight – he got it spot on which rather begs the obvious question. A long way to go before we win it and I'm not getting carried away so let's enjoy tonight and see who comes next.

What a beauty!!!!!

Everton stalwart, fucking legend!

Totally rattled that lycanthrope hybrid Costa into the red card he deserved and took a booking for the team when the other odious rat Fabregas did his bit by rolling around to get the second yellow for Bazza.

Get to the final for Barry.

YESSSSSSS!!!!!!

I don't know what I am feeling, what a difference a week in football can make. I am actually multi-tasking! I have a glass o' wine and a beer on the go.

Celebrate good times, come on (You Blues),
Celebrate good times come on! (You Blues)....
Lukaku and the gang! Yeeeeeaaah!

Cleverley offered defensive cover and Baines was never exposed, like wise Coleman with Lennon. Ross was quiet today,which negated us going forward.

Centre backs and centre midfield were superb, but it took Lukaku's brilliance to get us through. Great night, grown men with tears in their eyes singing at the end. That's what it means and our owner saw it live. Fantastic.

Tactics spot on.Restricted the Prem form team to one shot on target. Jagielka immense with Funes Mori not far behind, potentially a very good centre half partnership there.

Seamus Coleman!!!How good was he? What can you say about Lukaku, took a lot of stick about his first touch etc etc. His hold-up performance tonight was A1. First goal? Any striker in the world would've been proud of that.

The balance we have been asking for was there tonight. Potentially a very good side in the making here.

Let's be 'avin YOU!!!

Hahaha.....

He might look like he doesn't care but watch him after the second goal... I think I heard his roar from here. The calmest bloke in the ground on the ball but, as the song says, he's a Toffee through and through.

Hard to pick bad performances tonight. McCarthy was a warrior and gets right in the face of twats like Costa. Cleverley and Lennon worked their socks off. Barry too cool for Costa (shame about the second yellow). Centre backs and Joel were great, both full backs had good games. Ross and Rom – for all the other good performances behind them it was those two who had the impact. That's what you judge them on.

Sorry to add a negative but for the one bad performance of the night I'll single out the live forum of this site. I make a point of not challenging the credentials of blues but I'm breaking my rule – some of you don't deserve this club and it sickens me that you are considered Evertonians in the same breath as the rest of us. I'll accept that football knowledge varies just as much as intellect does but the posts on that forum tonight were ridiculous. It was like a moron's soapbox. Even after the goals they were still coming. I wouldn't even elevate it to kopite behaviour.

Rom – amazing! Moshiri – give that man whatever he wants to keep him!

I'm sure there are many who know exactly who I mean.

On to Wembley we go!!!

I'm a very happy Blue tonight. Thank you, Everton.

We defended well after scoring although there were still heart in mouth moments such as when Seamus lost possession in his own half trying to dribble through a clutch of Chelsea players. Nevertheless we are through to a semi-final and have yet to concede a goal.

The atmosphere tonight was tremendous with fans on all three and a half sides of the old ground on their feet and shouting support instead of moaning and groaning. It was lovely to see Chelsea fans hurling their scarves on to the pitch from the Bullens Road. Their season is over. The best part of our season may be yet to come. As for Roberto, let's hope the template used tonight is the one he uses going forward.

Brillant goals from Lukaku and stout defending from the back 5.

Great to see that little shit Costa get his just deserts.

For once a well deserved happy weekend for players and supporters.

In terms of "transitional" matches, its up there with the Ferguson derby in 94 (characterised by unity), the 5-0 over Sunderland (ruthlessness) that heralded BK's arrival in 1999, and DM's debut win over Fulham (grit).

Those three qualities were in abundance tonight, and combined to deadly effect.

Performance of the season. Hands down.

I thought the first hour was very tactical, neither side wanting to concede and then, up steps Big Rom and fucking rapes them!!! Get in you fucking beautttttttyyyyy! Made fucking up.

Good on the lads and good on Martinez who for once outwitted a more experienced manager.

Our name is on that cup and those special players will go down in folklore. People play down the cup but life is all about timing. Win this thing and watch us take off.

The players are all clearly trying their best for the manager and that's very good to see. Tonight is not the night for any wider consideration.

Saving myself and energy for Wembley now.

Got to agree with Jay, I thought Oliver had an immense game, the only slight downer was not booking Kenedy for one of his three fouls in quick succession.

My only slight grumble is why in cup ties at Goodison do all the tv microphones seem to be positioned by the away fans giving a false impression of the atmosphere to the watching public.

Anyway take a bow Rom for the goals and the rest of the team and the manager for tonights result, now we've got potentially two 'away' games left in the cup and we're usually decent away! See you all at Wembley, Come on you Toffees!!

Also, hats off to Barry for just shrugging off all that nonsense from Costa. Old school attitude, wish it was more common place.

But, seriously, Andrew Presley 78 - a very stupid point that surprisingly has been made before; the fans support the club not the manager so good luck getting a ticket.

There would have twice as many comments on here had we lost. So sad when you think about it.

Is Lukaku going to be the best striker in world football? You would swap him for Messi (28) probably, but Ronaldo (31) or Ibrahimovich (34)? I wouldn't.

In the directors box Moshiri looked pretty happy and BK also looked good. Tell me ma.....

Now please let's get to the final, the fans deserve it for the disappointments over the years.

Oh... And don't fucking blow it when we get their.

You can't really criticise Martinez when he gets it wrong if you're not going to give him the credit when he gets it right. He's been slaughtered and rightly so. The pressure on him has been enormous and, although it was a moment of individual brilliance that won it for us, it was his tactics against a vastly improved Chelsea which kept us in it.

Fair play to him.

I too get frustrated by the negative comments on TW, Personally I'm a glass half full but I do post on the live forum when not at the game but to be fair to most fans who post are posting live – its is like being at the game fans emotions run high.

Having an issue with fans going mental on the live forum is the same as being annoyed with fans at the game screaming at Ross or Seamus or Gareth and calling them a useless twat for a pass that's gone wayward – it's called passion and emotion.

I've kicked every ball tonight, screamed at every player... We are all blues at the end of the day and sure we all have the same feelings for the club. We just react in different ways.

A lot of positivity. Only negative is that very few are praising Martinez but credit where it's due. Today he was very much part of the reason we won. He even had the nous to amend the first sub tonight when Gerard was originally coming on.

Days like today make all the previous shit and disappointment all worthwhile. Wembley next stop. I cant wait now. Brilliant stuff from the lads. I have no voice left but it was so worth it.

If Man Utd win, they might play Palace like they did in.... 1995.

We'll probably get Arsenal... A London club, play attractive football, but not really successful. Just like in... 1995.

People will claim Arsenal - Man Utd is the preferred or 'dream final'. Just like in... 1995.

Our route to the final has been lower league side, lower league side, premier league side, premier league side, just like in 1995.

We beat the then premier league champions in winning the cup in 1995.

If Niasse wanders on in a semi against Arsenal with score at 2-1 and scores twice... it's on :)

Let's face it, without any pressure his decisions have been questionable at best yet today he shores up the defence when we have a lead for the first time in his tenure here, coincidence? No. Like I said earlier, thank you Farhad.

If we could bottle a potion that turns him into the mode we seen in the play for the first then he's world class.

An outstanding Lukaku brace, what a top talent. The new owner needs to get him signed to a big long deal.

The goals from Rom were top draw, especially the first, also watching that prick Costa get a red was enjoyable; I felt sorry for Barry who played well.

Thought Martinez made the right substitutions in total contrast to last week, and the second goal had the desired effect on Chelsea, who limped through the remainder of the game.

We also played with three centre mids and one winger that year too.

We MUST keep Lukaku! :) Happy happy happy! :)

We also saw some game management from Martinez with his subs, although I think the fans' criticism since last week has forced him into it. There would have been a riot if he made an attacking sub at 2-0!

The tactics should be simple with this team. Just concentrate on our defending, make sure we are well organised and hard to score against. And then just get the ball to Lukaku. Give him some proper service – and I mean PROPER service – and we've got a top 4 / top 6 team here. It really is that simple.

Enjoy tonight boys! Nights like this are what being an Evertonian is all about.

Now with the new boss he might have to start answering some more demanding questions. I still think he's only got the remainder of the season to define his future. Today's win was great but it doesn't paper over the cracks.

ps: I am so chuffed for Lukaku. When he was getting torn apart last season I was pleading for patience as I knew he would/will become one of the finest strikers of his generation. In my opinion he must be in the £75m+ category now without exaggerating.

Spot on regarding post 82 which the last paragraph was ridiculous.

As you said, the forum mirrors being at the match.

I never wanted Martinez; I have been one of the posters constantly calling for his resignation but one has to give credit where it is due. As much as I dislike him as a manager, he deserves a well-earned pat on the back, he got all of the calls right tonight and gave us a night to remember. Thanks Mr Martinez, one happy fan tonight and you deserve your share of the credit.

New era with Moshiri. Everton beating Arsenal in the final would be good for him.

(Colin – I was just going to type that I was pleased BK looked reasonably well !!! Agree the result doesn't paper over the cracks.)

Nice also that Chelski (with their usual 'Sign On' chant) had it stuffed down their obnoxious throats.

Lukaku's goal – what can you say? We need to keep him and play to his strengths.

Well done, you Mighty Blues.

If he does go then 㿷m plus is indeed right.

The lad has obviously been told to not get involved in tackling, harrying, tracking back, making a nuisance of himself when not in possession, etc and he is revelling in those instructions, carrying them out to a tee in fact.

I'm not sure it's helping his development into a top midfielder, though!

That's the thing with this group, they're not a shower like the RS were in Rodgers final months or Newcastle or Sunderland before Allardyce. They perform well together, it's just been daft mistakes or not seeing a game through (I include Martinez in this to a great degree) and some bad luck. But they'll always be in the mix because they don't completely down tools.

Today was evidence Roberto hasn't lost the dressing room. Let's hope we can now go on a run.

What are you saying – that anyone who has voiced their concern about the manager are all wrong because he won a quarter final cup match tonight.

Hasn't he done that before and then fucked it up when it mattered? I can only speak for myself (as a person who has lost faith in Martinez).

So in my opinion you are a little bit hasty with your " humble opinion" request. My thoughts have not changed because we beat Chelsea. Martinez is not the messiah EFC require to take us were we have not been for a long long time. My opinion is based on what I have witnessed from him as a manager and the crap he talks as a manager.
Some of us choose to see and hear, others choose not.

Lukuka fantastic tonight when it mattered, that was the difference. This rest of the team did what was required.

I'm very happy we are in the hat next round, very happy to see BK at the ground,and very happy to be an Evertonian and lastly very happy to make my own mind up.

Big Joe in for negotiating our way to another FA Cup success .

Roberto got that one spot on. Well done.

TV replays of Mr Moshiri reveal a bloke that was thinking 'Blimey, I have bought a belter of a stadium and a team that just tonked Chelsea!'

http://www.thefa.com/news/the-fa-cup/2016/feb/semi-final-final-ticket-prices-reduced-150216

I actually think he has at last taken on board some of the tactical criticism and player selection issues raised recently – but it is too late for many of us. 15 months of under-achievement for the squad we currently have is too much – our home record is a disgrace – but thank God the likes of Lukaku and Lennon as well as a solid defensive performance at last, made up for last week's debacle.

However, this is not the night for such discussions – let's all enjoy the moment and the buzz – and continue the long-term banter between our warring factions next week. At the time I will be able to reiterate – win or lose the cup, Martinez out next season. Hope that isn't too confusing or ambiguous!

Let's not beatify Roberto just yet. He's not the Messiah – he's a very naughty boy!

Unlike Jamie's attempt at irony in #47 I think you may have posted that in all seriousness. Un-fucking- believable!

I'm deliberately steering clear of getting into Lukaku discussions tonight, very little to be said.

Having got home from the game today, it was one of those special games to be at. The atmosphere under the lights at GP was right up there with some of the best I've been at. I for one don't want to move to a new anonymous purpose built stadium, let's hope the change in shareholding looks at redevelopment as an option. Many times I've left the ground thinking why the fuck do I keep coming here but on days like today you realise why you keep coming back.

Today has been a good day. What a joy to come out onto Goodison Rd and have grown men embracing and singing. Is there a better place in the world than Goodison Park when it's rocking?

You can't sub a player every time they are on a yellow card, especially with a few minutes to go. What's the probability of getting two yellows in the space of a few minutes??

He had actually had Delboy ready to go until we scored and swiftly changed his plans. Fair play to Martinez this week!

1) The ref was great today but after watching MotD just confirms my suspicions that we have some of the worst refs in the world... eg, with second to go to HT, the ref gives Norwich a corner and, just as they are going to take it, he blows his whistle to finish the half.

2) I am enjoying my humble pie regarding Lennon. I was totally wrong about him and I admit it. He's been brilliant.

3) Graham, the third post in this thread is still the best by far.

Bon nuit!

Thanks again Romelu, you awakened a powerful force, With your brilliant desire today!!!?,!!!

Lovely to see some long absent Evertonians making an appearance and all agreed it was the most poignant game of Roberto's reign. I opined that not many Moyes games matched it for intensity and fantastic goals either...

And the referring was quite outstanding as well!

Is there another sport and is there another team where you go from utterly pissed off to tap dancing mode in the space of a week.

Who do you want in the semis- bring 'em all on on our day we can beat anyone.

Roberto got it spot on today. Usually, when something like that happens, even the most ardent Roberto "bashers" who are marginally level-headed would say...

Well done Roberto!

And so many people who have been very, very critical of Roberto have said "well done" based upon today's performance. One editor actually springs to mind...

See, that's definable objectivity Oliver. And I for one appreciate that. Ergo, why I pompously called for that shout out.

I'm glad you're happy we're in the hat next round. I am too.

You gotta be fucking kidding me, right?

God it's just beautiful.

Here's hoping for next year but, yes, a Cup win would be fantastic......unless it helps preserve Martinez at the club. Two years of determined ignorance of football reality in pursuit of his seven-year idiotic fantasy is one year too many, never mind two.

The crowd were also stupendous. God knows what we'll sound like when we regularly start ripping the opposition a new one.

I hope Mr Moshiri is now both confident and excited. I am.

Limbs everywhere in the Lower Gwladys when both goals went in, getting hugs of random Evertonians. You can't beat it!

Before Rom got the first goal, I was not convinced anyone will win, but when he cut in from the left side with the ball and the left back trying to cling on to his life, that was it, that was his chance, and he took it well. The next goal was a bit lucky IMO, but good that Barkley and Rom kept on playing on despite a possible foul and offside. In both plays, both Lukaku and Barkley came alive in a game I thought the two were mediocre otherwise.

It was a much more physical game we played than many other games I've seen. Hopefully that fight lasts all the way to the final. The word used by the commentators was "cagey". I feel it's more "fight" especially given how costa likes to play. That early yellow definitely helped us quiet him down a lot.

What I find a bit strange is that on a day when all Evertonians are feeling fucking great you want to cause a row and antagonise your fellow Blues.

I have some sympathy with your view that Martinez has taken some unjustified stick on here. Posters point to his league record this year, and we all know it should be better given the stupid number of points we have given away. But our Cup record is pretty good W8 D1 L1. Our combined goal difference this year in all games is +26. Let me just say that again, in all games we have out scored our opposition by 26 goals.

But give it a rest, enjoy the day and when we raise the Cup in May feel free to come back and say 'I told you so', if that's how you like to celebrate a win.

You're revelling a bit with this one?

We've all had a good night. We've going to Wembley (twice we hope). Everton are in the semi-final. That's enough to have any of us celebrating, irrespective of our views on the manager, his past performance or future prospects.

For the vast majority of us, the only thing of any importance is the fortunes of the club we follow. The guy at the top could be a talking turd in a toilet paper tux and cardboard tube top hat for all we care, as long as he's bobbing up and down in victory more often than he's stinking the gaff out.

I don't get the rush after every single game in which the team get the job done to declare it as one in the eye for those Evertonians who have had to sit and suffer through some utter dross this season and understandably voiced their displeasure at the situation. Like they're going to be disappointed with Everton actually fucking winning because they don't get to have a dig at the manager? Nah, not having that.

Point taken.

That squawka site lists him as having won more 'duels' than he loses. So he doesn't lose every challenge, he just prefers to come out with the ball rather than win the challenge.

And in this game. For the first goal the crowd was audibly unhappy that he didn't go into the challenge against Mikel. Yet it was that decision that took him away from Mikel and meant he was in that perfect position ahead of their midfield when Barry got the ball. The pass to Rom was smart if nothing special.

Second goal. Mikel marking him again and he drops off the back of him. Mikel again gets sucked into chasing down Barry, who forces it to Ross in that perfect position once again. The pass was nothing special again but it's the position he finds that makes the chances.

Ross got slated on the live forum and has fared not much better here. But he was in a one-on-one contest with Mikel tonight. Tell me who won?

That's right - the club that hasn't got a confirmed manager right now.

If Lukaku wants to go, he'll go. We'll make a profit, and the normal order will be restored. However, one thing the TV money has done in the EPL is make the top 4 more competitive. Right now Chelsea look like they won't be getting CL football next season. Man City might miss out also. If these players are so desperate for CL football, then Rom will move abroad. If he wants to stay and bide his time, he's at the right place.

Credit to Martinez today. He masterminded a win over Chelsea. It would be churlish of me to knock the manager for that. Let's see if he can resist a tinker next week. I half expect Lennon to be dropped. Or maybe Funes Mori. Martinez usually cannot resist ringing a few needless changes. Let's see if he can actually get this team over the 40 points mark. At least make our league position look more respectable.

Anyhow, that was great yesterday. That's all I ask for. Everton to put it up to the so called better premier league teams. We now have the beating of Chelsea. Let's now put it up to Arsenal.

Just two more wins, in this years FA cup. Two more bloody wins. And no goals conceded yet. Shades of 1966.. Is our name earmarked for this year's cup???

Up the Toffees.

To a man, a great performance but I've got to say Ross was passenger. Would not select him for the upcoming games and would be tempted to put Cleverly central and play Del left. Ross simply doesn't know how to press and position. Huge talent but too much of a luxury to take a starting place. Dunno what his future is really in terms of position/role.

Roberto's subs continue to baffle me....today included. No logic in my eyes and until the 89th min hit the clock I was shitting it. Otherwise, initial shape and tactics were just what was apparently needed. I really wish there was a consistency evident for Ross, his role and development. Love having a born bluenose in the side but want him to be directed to live up the the role.

Lukaku must be made up with his brace and hope he remains at the club next season. Really glad Moshiri's first official game was today. I see bright dawns for EFC. I was lucky enough to have seen them lift our last title and finally see a possibility of living through another. Hats off to RM for the the assembled squad. As a manager however, I'm less complimentary.....not the day for that....a deserved victory for him today.

Great day to be a blue. Oh to have been on the Street End..........

Rom's first goal was the best I've seen from an Everton player since a 16-year-old Rooney's screamer beat Arsenal. And it made me as emotional as Oviedo's winner at Old Trafford. What a great day.

Goodison Park look amazing last night, good write up on the BBC site if anyone has read it?

Maybe we should start calling it the MOSH PIT as well as the Bear Pit.

Good times ahead.

He is a 22-year-old kid, saddled with a £28million transfer fee who is still developing his game. The transfer fee was paid mainly for what he will become – not what he was when we signed him. Like all young players, he needs more consistency and technically he has some work to do... but wow, what a player he will become if he keeps developing. His goal scoring record in the top flight is superb.

I also like his personality – he continually talks about winning and improving. Of course, we may lose him one day. But my guess is that he has added a good £20-30 million to his value this season. We have not had a striker like him since the 80s in my opinion. So let's back him.

We should revel in this time because there is no guarantee that Rom will be with us next season. No doubt his agent will architect a big money move and take his cut, but maybe the player will give us another season to see how we go?

Let's do the job and win the cup.

For me, it was brilliant, four generations sitting next to each other: me, my son, grandson and great grandson, all enjoying the match and the singing at the end with my little great grandson Alfie dancing his legs off to all the Everton songs being blared out at the end.

Hope it's like this at Wembley (TWICE!)...

Onwards and upwards COYB.

Oh how I prayed for this moment! Remember, don't fuck with people as you rise! You just might cross them in your demise!! Yeeeesssssss!!!

Some just can't posting anything without negativity in it. Sad.

Great stuff, that's what is all about.

Brent #204

We are talking about Peter "Sunshine" Barry!

Just had a horrible thought. We now have two away games to rearrange and a third after the semi final weekend. That leaves six midweek slots to rearrange the Derby game. Assuming the RS qualify for the next round that only leaves three. The two weeks either side of Easter and you've guessed it, the week before the Semi.

What's the betting we know when it is going to be.

Thought the team and the crowd were awesome. The atmosphere was up there with the best I've experienced in 55 years of following the Blues. As people have stated, what an night for Mr. Moshiri to sample what it means to be an Evertonian! I doubt whether he's experienced anything like that at the Emirates and I'll bet he's been well and truly bitten by the bug.

By the way, did Rom's magnificent goal bring any memories of Beckford's stunner in the last game of the season – against Chelsea!!

"Brainless dross hurled at the team", "Wrist-slitters" that you feel you have to have a dig at.

Because people see stuff with the team and manager that you don't, and have a different view – really? It's a bit over the top...
Why then, you ask is it not okay to have a sarcastic dig back at the non Roberto clan... maybe because it's stupid! Brainless dross.....

Is celebrating a goal with your friend in a pub with two different whiskey drinks because a former Celtic player crossed the ball to a former Rangers player who scored for Everton. Remember bringing that "brainless dross" up on here.

Wrist-slitting is the amount of your fellow country men and women backing Trump. This is not about an election, this is about the IQ of America sums it up.

Oh, I know in general it is an American thing but please do not tell me what I should be doing or saying as an Everton fan because Martinez wins a football game.

Saw it on TV though and I'm surprised to hear about the atmosphere because it didn't sound that loud on TV. Was it really that good?

Brilliant result!

It was fitting on such a night that Mike Lyons was honoured at half-time in a little ceremony reflecting his great contribution to the club. He lives in Australia now, but there was man who put himself on the line for us every time.

As for the the atmosphere on TV, Chelsea fans took nearly two-thirds of the Bullens Road stand and that is where the TV cameras where. The Chelsea fans were at their loudest during a penalty shoot-out at half time, their supporters won the shoot out.

As others have said, the Everton fans roared and roared their heads off and helped in no short measure to help their team to victory. We were awesome to repeat another Everton fan on here, sorry you missed it, your voice will be stronger at Wembley, mines gone for a couple of days.

o the guy who sits behind me in TB3 constantly complaining, do you still think Rom is a "fucking big lazy bastard"? Support your team man!

Anyone think Costa should publicly thank Barry for not playacting as he undoubtedly would have done had their roles been reversed?

I think that some fans are so engaged and fanatical that, when we lose, the balloon goes up. I'm not knocking fans that love the club so much, but I do think it leads to over-the-top reactions to the loss.

I also think it's rich that when a rare (on here) Martinez supporter makes pro comments, he is jumped upon for doing so.

Okay, Jamie's posts were a little over-the-top, but hey ho we have read Martinez slated up hill and down dale, when the guys on the field have got off virtually scot free.

Credit to Martinez in navigating us through a difficult match, and a special mention to Baines, who brought some real verve to our left side. We have missed his influence.

Lukaku is capable of not only great strength, but fine balance and wonderful skill. His determination to succeed will see him become the world's best striker. If we win the Cup, he might just decide to stay.

And I still call bollocks. If you spend 90 minutes slating a player regardless of what they do or what the score is, you're an attention seeker at best.

Jamie,

You could say the same about a single victory meriting people wiping an entire season's worth of egg off their face.

As I said last night, it's not (or at least shouldn't be) a story of two camps: those who rate Roberto and those who don't. It's Everton we're all here for. We're through to a semi-final. Everyone was delighted with the result and what they witnessed. People on here were singing from the same hymn sheet for one of the few rare occasions this season. So, why the urge to unnecessarily sour the post-match glow of a great night under the Goodison lights by attempting to turn it into a case of 'suck on that' point-scoring?

If Roberto starts bringing us more results like last night then the moans will die down. If he doesn't they'll persist and in all probability grow louder. Pretty fucking simple. No need to turn it into some sort of personal crusade with a holy grail of getting to say 'Hey gobshites, I was right'.

"I also think its rich that when a rare (on here) Martinez supporter makes pro comments he is jumped upon for doing so."

Except that's not why he got a rise out of people, is it, Raymond? No one would have had a problem with Jamie simply praising the manager for pulling off a great result. In fact, people who have previously been harsh critics were already saying as much and giving him credit without the need for prompting and being 'called out'.

It's not fucking 'rich' at all. It's a simple failure to comprehend why someone would choose the stage of a fantastic night for the club, the team, the manager and the fans to try and claim the moral high ground and act like the result is somehow secondary to all the 'this strengthens my stance on Roberto' shite.

COYB

Matt, I'm hoping city win the UCL, however unlikely. That way, Guardiola leaves Bayern without a UCL and comes into another team that already won the UCL before he came. Just for the irony. Also, agree on Rom staying/leaving. He's at the right place.

Lukaku club goals before age of 23 vs selected others

Ronaldo – 194
Raul – 145
Lionel Messi – 127
Sergio Aguero – 124
Romelu Lukaku (with two months remaining) – 119
Michael Owen – 111
Cristiano Ronaldo – 97
Fernando Torres – 87
Wayne Rooney – 94
Luis Suarez – 77
David Villa – 70
Zlatan Ibrahimovic – 69
Alan Shearer – 65
Thierry Henry – 57

The neighbours' peaceful Sunday morning punctuated by Two loud "Yes , Fuckin' Yes!" Great show, always proud to be a Blue but now more than ever!

Costa is an animal like Suarez, great talents overshadowed by a horrible streak. Perhaps Barry wanted a match off? How stupid can people be?

Good show by team and fans for the new shareholder, that smile was genuine!

Thanks for the update, lads, sounds like I missed a belter!

And the question regarding Costa, yes, the snide SHOULD thank Barry, any other clubs team member, and particularly that scruffy shit, would have been rolling around in agony. Aren't we all glad that Everton targeted Costa last night? I am....

Martinez and the team owed us a strong performance and a win – they gave us a cracker.

I'd loved to have been there, but I'll settle for two more dances round my living room.

All I want in two more wins, both at Wembley.

It doesn't matter what happened before Saturday, if we can reproduce more performances like this then we can be a great side. The disaster that is RM's Everton though is that we could lose from 2-0 up next week but we can live in hope that this new start is the real thing.

Please don't let us see any more total crap about Lukaku being lazy and having no control. The guy is almost unplayable and remember that RM's strategy is to leave him isolated. He would score 40 a season at Barcelona.

With the gooners now goners what about a Wembley re-run of '84 when Elton sang "I guess thats why they call them the BLUES". COYB.

Unfortunately I don't buy into the notion that Ross can be excused any responsibility at all for actual tackling, leaving the likes of Barry to do it all. Behaviour like that can give the opposition a lift. Good as he is, and good's the word, not great, yet, there'd be a queue of Europe's top clubs beating a path to the door if he would just sometimes work his bollocks off to get a tackle in. He did it once against Villa and even the once gave me hope, but against Chelsea he reverted to type. It's such a shame.

And before people accuse me of slagging him off, I think of it as constructive criticism. In offensive mode he can hit the heights but to become great he has to do it more often than he's done thus far, and he is 22, not a kid anymore.

It's only since the money-grubbing bastards at the FA started playing the Semis at Wembley that "getting to Wembley" didn't mean you'd got to the Final. But for those of us of a certain vintage, "Getting to Wembley" sets the pulse racing!

It would be churlish to add anything negative. This is what we can do. If our new owner can keep the squad then there are good times ahead. We all want the same so why on earth would anyone want to gloat.