Roberto Martinez Slams Raheem Sterling Call After Manchester City Beat Everton

Manager Roberto Martinez called Manchester City’s second goal “unfair” and “hurtful” after his Everton side were beaten 3-1 in the Capital One Cup semi-final second leg at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.

The result meant Everton exited the tournament after a 4-3 aggregate defeat.

The Toffees boss was bemoaning Kevin De Bruyne’s second-half strike. The Belgian smashed home after a low cross from Raheem Sterling, despite the winger appearing to carry the ball out of play before he made the pass.

Martinez described his anger that the goal was allowed to stand, per Ian Herbert of the Independent:

The Spaniard also suggested such mistakes shouldn’t exist in today’s era of football:

Everton had actually gone 3-1 in front on aggregate after Ross Barkley’s superb solo opener. Slowly but surely, though, the team that has specialised in throwing away leads this season started giving it back.

Fernandinho’s deflected shot got City back in the tie before Sterling and De Bruyne controversially linked up.

It was a moment Martinez referred to as the “major, major change in the tie” during his interview with Sky Sports:

Despite the anger of Martinez, City boss Manuel Pellegrini was unsympathetic. The Chilean cited decisions that went against his own team during the first leg, according to Stuart Brennan of the Manchester Evening News:

Martinez ruing misfortune has become common this season. The Toffees are loaded with well-regarded players, such as Barkley, centre-back John Stones and striker Romelu Lukaku.

But the former Swansea City and Wigan Athletic manager just can't seem to find a way to make all the talent click and win.