Everton striker Romelu Lukaku knocked his old team out of the FA Cup in the quarterfinals, as the Toffees star scored twice late to beat Chelsea 2-0 on Saturday at Goodison Park.
His fantastic second half was overshadowed by a red card incident involving Diego Costa that appeared to see the Chelsea striker bite Gareth Barry’s neck after a pair of headbutts. He also spit at referee Michael Oliver’s feet early in the match, and could be gone for a long, long time.
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Barry was later shown a second yellow.
In any event, Everton is onto the semifinals, joining Crystal Palace and the winners of two remaining quarterfinals. On Sunday, Watford travels to Arsenal and Manchester United hosts West Ham United.
Phil Jagielka and Diego Costa both picked up first-half yellow cards, and in the former’s case it was for a brutal follow through that connected with Cesc Fabregas’ shin.
Joel Robles made a pair of solid saves in the first half, then could only watch in the second as Costa bested him but saw his shot roll slowly along the line and wide of the frame.
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Lukaku’s goals were gorgeous.
The match carried tension but not many sharp scoring chances, and Lukaku made his own, shrugging off Cesar Azpilicueta before dizzying both John Obi Mikel and Gary Cahill en route to a shot that beat Thibaut Courtois.
His second was less work-intensive, but just as classy. Courtois should’ve done better at the near post, but Lukaku had the class to finish his 26th goal of the year.
That’s when this happened:Diego Costa issued his second yellow for butting heads with Barry. Was there a bite as well? #FACUPonFOX https://t.co/cbR0KNxzdK
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) March 12, 2016
Follow @NicholasMendola
