Wigan beat Everton in a deserved victory with 0:3 at the Goodison Park. Wigan scored 3 goals in 3 minutes and advanced to the FA Cup semi-final for first time since 1987.
Roberto Martínez travelled to Everton after a 0:4 defeat against Liverpool the week before and was motivated to make club history. It was the first-time the Latics reached the FA Cup quarter-final since 1987.
Wigan was the superior team straight from the beginning and hit the post in the 10th minute after a great Maloney shot. Wigan kept the ball, pushed up the pitch and always looked dangerous in the final third. Especially striker Arouna Kone and Maloney troubled Everton and always pressured the defence. It took 29 minute for the Wigan lead. Figueroa was totally free after a Jordi Gomez corner and pushed a header in the back of the net. McManaman extended the lead just a minute later when he ran at Everton keeper Mucha and chipped the ball lightly into the corner. That wasn’t enough! Jordi Gomez scored the third with a curl shot from 20 yards in the 32nd minute – 0:3 Wigan in 3 minutes! Everton was now desperate for a goal. Joel Robles had to make his first save in the 35th minute after a Baines free-kick. Wigan went into the half-time with a comfortable lead.
Everton came back more aggressive and Evans and Fellini came to first great chances just minutes after the second half started. Wigan sat deeper now as Everton was desperate for a goal. However, the second half recovery never happened for Everton and Wigan closed out a landmark victory. Fellaini even got boo’ed off the pitch – probably the first time ever at Everton. Most of the game was un-Everton like.
A proud moment for Wigan manager Roberto Martinez. The manager said: “I thought the performance was outstanding from the keeper all the way through, to come to Goodison Park, to be able to score three goals and keep a clean sheet speaks volumes.”
Everton will face Manchester City on Saturday, March 16th and Wigan will host Newcastle United in the Premier League on Sunday, March 17th.
