Everton beat Swansea, now for Arsenal
Everton’s reward for a fifth round FA Cup win over Swansea is a tough quarter-final draw away to Arsenal.
The Toffees advanced into the last eight with a 3-1 win over another Premier League side in the Swans at Goodison Park on Sunday.
Everton manager Roberto Martinez, who won the Cup with Wigan last season, saw Lacina Traore, his loan transfer signing from Monaco in January, take just four minutes of his debut to give the Merseysiders the lead.
Jonathan de Guzman drew Swansea level in the 15th before second half substitute Steven Naismith put Everton in front again – with his fourth goal in six games – and then won the penalty from which Leighton Baines scored to put the result beyond doubt.
However, there was a worrying moment for Everton when, shortly before full-time, Naismith went off with concussion after being caught in the head by Jordi Amat.
The draw took place just after the final whistle, with Martinez’s attention turning towards the Emirates Stadium where Arsenal were playing title rivals Liverpool later on Sunday. Arsenal won 2-1.
“The draw hasn’t been too kind in terms of playing away from home, but we will embrace it and look forward to it,” Martinez told ITV Sport.
Sunday’s other Cup tie saw third tier Sheffield United beat second-tier Nottingham Forest 3-1.
United, managed by former Forest favourite Nigel Clough, could be involved in a derby quarter-final against Sheffield on Wednesday if their city rivals beat Charlton Athletic in a re-arranged match.
Jamie Paterson headed Forest into an early lead before the on-loan Conor Coady drew the Blades level in the 66th minute.
And Chris Porter then sparked scenes of near delirium amongst the Bramall Lane faithful with two goals right at the end of the match.
He put them in front with a 90th minute penalty following Greg Halford’s hand-ball and then sealed victory in stoppage-time with a finish from close range.
The last eight line-up also saw FA Cup holders Wigan paired against Manchester City in a repeat of last season’s final.