Thursday 7 January 2016 06:58, UK
Everton manager Roberto Martinez praised his side's "special" character after they beat Manchester City 2-1 in the first leg of their Capital One Cup semi-final.
Ramiro Funes Mori and Romelu Lukaku scored either side of Jesus Navas' 76th-minute strike to give the Toffees the advantage ahead of the return leg at the Etihad on January 27.
Everton lost both Lukaku and Tom Cleverley to injuries and finished the game with 10 men after Seamus Coleman hobbled off.
"The character we showed was incredible and probably the most pleasing aspect of the performance," Martinez told Sky Sports.
"We had to cope with losing Tom Cleverley at half-time to injury and then Lukaku picked up an ankle knock and we ended with 10 players.
"For spells in the first half we played with real confidence and got through their defensive set-up with real style - it was a really strong first half.
"In the second half we looked like getting in good positions, but the reaction we showed after conceding was the most pleasing, the character is something special."
After Navas equalised for the visitors, Lukaku headed home his 19th goal of the season to restore Everton's lead just two minutes later.
"He has always been in our eyes the perfect striker for our team," said Martinez. "That's why we invested so heavily in him. He's still a young boy and he's incredible to work with on a daily basis.
"He wants to be the best in the world and you can see the way he is focused and wants to help the team and take responsibility is quite impressive. It's a joy to see him enjoying his football."
Martinez also expressed delight at the support from the fans, saying: "We knew the first leg was going to be an incredible challenge but a great footballing occasion and I thought Goodison was rocking. The atmosphere was terrific and our fans allowed us to perform in that manner.
"It's the first leg, we had to win, and now we have to prepare for an interesting second leg."
