Yakubu fires Everton into semis
Moyes' team is one step away from Wembley
Wednesday, 12, Dec 2007 10:18
Yakubu scored Everton's winner as they beat West Ham 2-1 in the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup.
A defensive mix-up handed the Nigerian the chance to put his side into the last four of the competition with just two minutes remaining and his strike effectively ended a closely contested match at Upton Park.
Carlton Cole gave the home side an early lead when he converted Lucas Neill's long pass which found him in space in the centre of the penalty area and the striker stabbed home from close range.
Despite claiming this advantage the Hammers failed to build on their success and Everton worked their way back into the match.
Leon Osman had a shot blocked by Danny Gabbidon and Tim Cahill was denied by Robert Green as the Toffees threatened to get back on level terms.
Before half time they gained reward for their superiority when Osman equalised. The midfielder struck from the edge of the area giving Green little chance of stopping his fierce drive.
The second half was more closely contested and both sides were guilty of missing chances to put themselves ahead.
First Yakubu could not take control of the ball with the Hammers defence at his mercy before Freddie Ljungberg showed an equal lack of compose after a sloppy back-pass from Mikel Arteta.
Everton's winner came courtesy of a bad misunderstanding between Green and Gabbidon. Everton defender Phil Jagielka played an innocuous long ball forward but the Hammers players collided with each other.
That left Yakubu with the simplest of finishes and he tapped home to put the Toffees into the semi-finals.