Soccer

Everton progress to FA Cup quarter-finals

Séamus Coleman man-of-the-match, Toffees to meet either Arsenal in last eight

Everton’s Lacina Traore (centre) scores a debut goal against Swansea after just four minutes at Goodison Park today. Photograph: Nigel Roddis/Reuters

Sun Feb 16 2014 - 18:17

Everton 3 Swansea City 1

Roberto Martinez stayed on course to become the first manager to win the FA Cup in successive seasons with different teams when Everton beat Swansea City 3-1 at Goodison Park on Sunday to reach the quarter-finals.

Martinez, who guided Wigan Athletic to victory over Manchester City in last year's final, watched his new side ensure progres after two goals in seven minutes midway through the second half broke Swansea's resistance. They will meet Arsenal in the last eight after the Gunners' 2-1 win over Liverpool later in the afternoon.

Everton’s Séamus Coleman was man-of-the-match against the Swans. Photograph: Peter Byrne/PA Wire

Ivory Coast striker Lacina Traore, on loan from AS Monaco and making his debut for Everton, put them ahead after four minutes when he reacted quickly to a loose ball that came off Sylvain Distin's head to score with a close-range backheel flick.

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Swansea equalised in the 15th minute when Jonathan de Guzman, charging up from midfield, launched himself at Neil Taylor's cross, got between defenders Phil Jagielka and Leighton Baines and powered his header past goalkeeper Joel Robles.

Everton regained the lead in the 65th minute when Steven Naismith took advantage of a weak backpass from Taylor, pouncing on the loose ball to poke it past Gerhard Tremmel and wrapped up the match when Baines scored from the penalty spot after Jazz Richards tripped Naismith.

Man-of-the-match Séamus Coleman felt Naismith’s second-half introduction was key

The Republic of Ireland Coleman defender told ITV: "Steven Naismith came on and changed the game. He got us a goal and won the penalty."

Fellow full-back Baines claimed the Toffees deserved the win, but admitted their performance had not up to their usual standards.

“I think we were the better team and deserved the win,” he said. “If anything we caused ourselves problems, were a bit sloppy at times in possession. That’s something we know we can improve on.”

FA Cup quarter-final draw

Brighton/Hull v Sunderland

Sheff Utd/Forest v Sheff Wed/Charlton

Man City v Wigan

Arsenal/Liverpool v Everton

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