Manchester City, Everton, Stoke City all advance to League Cup semifinals
LONDON (AP) — Manchester City thrashed Hull 4-1 and advanced to the League Cup semifinals on Tuesday, while Everton and Stoke also progressed with victories against second-tier opposition.
Wilfried Bony gave City an early lead, converting after Kevin De Bruyne's low shot from distance rebounded off the post. Substitute Kelechi Iheanacho added the second from close range 10 minutes from fulltime after clever play by Raheem Sterling, and a quick-fire double from De Bruyne completed City's scoring.
His first came after a defensive mix-up by Hull, but the second was a stunning free kick from 25 yards, which was curled into the top corner.
Andrew Robertson got a last-minute consolation goal for Hull.
City was also boosted by Spain playmaker David Silva returning to the starting lineup after a nine-game absence through injury.
"It was important for Silva to play," City manager Manuel Pellegrini said. "I'm very pleased. The most important thing is to be involved in all the competitions at this stage. We were very solid and we did not allow chances for Hull to score."
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Everton won 2-0 at Middlesbrough. Gerard Deulofeu opened the scoring with an excellent goal, shooting low from the edge of the penalty area after a weaving through the middle of the pitch.
Deulofeu then crossed in for Romelu Lukaku to double Everton's lead eight minutes later, the striker leaping high to arc a header across the Middlesbrough goal.
Roberto Martinez's side, chasing its first trophy since winning the FA Cup in 1995 and its first ever League Cup triumph, controlled the match with an assured display from then on.
"It was a fantastic occasion," Martinez said. "It was all about getting through to the semifinal, which is a terrific feeling. We defended well, and the two goals were exceptional quality."
Stoke beat Sheffield Wednesday 2-0 at Britannia Stadium to reach the semifinals for the first time since it won the competition in 1972.
Ibrahim Afellay opened the scoring with a neat left-footed volley, and Phil Bardsley scored from a free kick in the second half.
Liverpool travels to Southampton on Wednesday in the last quarterfinal. The draw for the semifinals will be made after that match.
